Although the Barotse Wealth Commons project is still in its early stage, the expected outcomes are clear and measurable. Each outcome is tied to restoring community ownership and building a fair, transparent carbon economy in Barotseland:

1. Local Ownership of Carbon Governance:
The Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE) now leads and manages carbon projects directly through its own Sustainability Unit, replacing foreign-led intermediaries.
2. Barotse Carbon Charter Adopted:
A community-drafted charter defines carbon ownership, benefit-sharing rules, and environmental responsibilities under customary law, ensuring long-term accountability.
3. Trained Sustainability Team Established:
A dedicated team of local youth professionals, trained in carbon accounting, finance, and conservation, now operates under the BRE to manage daily implementation.
4. Transparent Digital Carbon Registry Created:
A user-friendly registry tracks carbon credits, revenues, and expenditures in real time, giving communities clear access to financial information.
5. Community Awareness and Engagement Increased:
Through kutla (village assemblies) and training sessions, hundreds of Indunas, women, and youth gained practical understanding of carbon trading and their rights.
6. Revenue Flowing to Local Development:
Early carbon payments are being reinvested in schools, clean water access, and sustainable farming, demonstrating how climate wealth can directly improve lives.

Barotse Wealth Commons: Reclaiming Carbon Wealth through Indigenous Governance

Barotse Wealth Commons: Reclaiming Carbon Wealth through Indigenous Governance