​Host: Paige Perillat Piratoine, Nature Tech Collective

​About This Session

​Join the Nature Tech Collective for a conversation with Jessie Stenftenagel of BrightWater Climate about their blue carbon pilot project at Turneffe Atoll in Belize. This session will showcase how BrightWater Climate has built a collective of scientific and cultural experts to develop the country's first high-integrity blue carbon project in partnership with the Belize government, creating a proof of concept that can be replicated throughout the region.

​Jessie will share the journey of developing this groundbreaking pilot study, from establishing trust with local stakeholders to conducting feasibility assessments and designing a project that balances conservation priorities with financial viability. Learn how their collaborative approach brings together scientific rigor, local knowledge, and innovative financing to create sustainable blue carbon solutions.

​Key Topics We'll Cover

​Building Trust Through Local Relationships: Discover how BrightWater Climate's 30-year history in Belize created the foundation for a successful government partnership and engagement with local monitoring teams

​Creating a Collective Approach: Explore how BrightWater Climate assembled a team including Stantec's scientific expertise and Search Inc.'s cultural heritage focus to ensure comprehensive project design

​Blue Carbon Project Development: Learn about the unique challenges and opportunities of developing blue carbon projects compared to more established nature-based solutions like reforestation

​Stakeholder Engagement: Hear how BrightWater Climate is working with government agencies, local monitoring teams like TASA, and community groups to ensure long-term project success

​Technology Deployment: Understand the balance between cost-effective monitoring technologies and the precision needed for high-quality carbon credits

​Co-Development Model: Discover BrightWater Climate's innovative approach to co-designing projects with clients after the feasibility stage to create customized, high-integrity solutions

​Ecosystem Services Valuation: Learn how the project assesses and values multiple benefits beyond carbon sequestration, including storm mitigation, biodiversity conservation, and ecotourism

​Who Should Attend

• ​Blue carbon project developers seeking proven models for marine ecosystem conservation

• ​Investors interested in high-integrity blue carbon projects with multiple co-benefits

• ​Corporate sustainability leaders exploring blue carbon credits as part of their climate strategy

• ​Conservation practitioners interested in coastal and marine ecosystem protection

• ​Technology providers developing solutions for marine ecosystem monitoring and verification

• ​Anyone interested in the intersection of carbon markets, marine conservation, and coastal community development

​Part of the "Project Implementation" Series

​This session is part of NTC's content arc focused on "Project Implementation" - exploring how nature tech solutions are deployed in the real world and what it takes to scale their impact effectively.

​Not a member yet? Join the Nature Tech Collective community to access our full calendar of events, demo days, and nature tech challenge labs designed to accelerate the adoption of nature-positive solutions.