The Earth Lab and Tandem Global: Building on Years of Partnership to Scale Climate and Community Impact

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Over the past several years, The Earth Lab and Tandem Global have demonstrated how sustained collaboration can drive climate action that is both technically rigorous and deeply human. What began as a shared vision to bridge global efforts and initiatives with local realities has grown into a strong alliance that places people and communities at the heart of climate solutions.

A partnership in motion

Since 2021, this collaboration has strengthened the credibility and reach of high-integrity carbon projects in Mexico and beyond. Together, The Earth Lab and Tandem Global have advanced biodiversity initiatives that embody additionality, permanence and co-benefits— while amplifying the voices of Indigenous and rural communities.

These projects demonstrate how technical rigor, long-term governance, and cultural preservation can come together under a community-first approach and be recognized by Bonos Jaguar del Mayab and Ecos de Chiapas: Blue Carbon Portfolio.

The generosity of communities

At the core of The Earth Lab’s work is the generosity of communities. Across Mexico, ejidos (cooperative farms) have shared their knowledge, traditions and governance systems to co-create solutions that deliver benefits far beyond their territories. From women-led mangrove restoration in Chiapas to cultural stewardship in Quintana Roo and Yucatan, and intergenerational decision-making, within community assemblies—each example shows how generosity becomes meaningful action.

These experiences remind us that climate action is not only about carbon accounting—it is also about identity, biodiversity, and justice. The Earth Lab’s projects protect ecosystems ranging from the jaguar’s biological corridor to mangrove forests that store vast amounts of blue carbon. By combining biodiversity protection with local leadership, these efforts demonstrate that social and ecological integrity are inseparable and may reach global recognition.

Deepening the impact

This collaboration reaffirms a long-term commitment to responsibility, equity, and transparency.

“Every step we take with Tandem Global strengthens the link between global climate goals and local realities,” said Jorge Calderón, Founder and Director of The Earth Lab. “Our communities are far more than participants, they are the heartbeat of sustainability, leading knowledge, culture, and a commitment that will endure for generations.”

“Working alongside The Earth Lab has shown what is possible when scientific rigor is paired with deep respect for community leadership,” said Anna Willingshofer, Chief Science and Innovation Officer at Tandem Global. “Their commitment to long-term stewardship and cultural integrity exemplifies the kind of partnership that can truly transform climate ambition into meaningful, measurable impact on the ground.”

Looking ahead

For The Earth Lab, this next chapter focuses on scaling up: expanding community-driven portfolios, advancing biodiversity monitoring systems, and developing investment pathways for companies seeking verifiable, additional, and high-integrity carbon credits.

With a 100-year commitment to stewardship, The Earth Lab aims to ensure that biodiversity thrives, cultures are honored, and communities prosper. This long-term vision shows that when climate action is rooted in generosity and integrity, it can create a legacy of resilience and well-being for generations to come.

Together, The Earth Lab and Tandem Global continue to prove that climate solutions can be measurable, equitable, community-led, and lasting—reflecting a partnership that grows stronger with time and continues to focus on creating impact where it matters most: with people and nature at the center.

Tangible results on-the-ground

The Ejido Sisal, with a carbon project co-developed by The Earth Lab, has achieved two consecutive international certifications under the WHC Conservation Certification®, powered by Tandem Global. The project was recognized for efforts across multiple categories, including habitat management, species protection, education and awareness, and sustainable practices. In 2023, The Ejido Sisal was honored with the Tandem Global Marine Intertidal Project Award, and in 2025, it achieved a renewed WHC Certification, reaffirming its leadership in biodiversity stewardship and community-based conservation. These milestones highlight both technical excellence and the long-term commitment of local communities.

Beyond certifications, The Earth Lab has established a strong track record through Earth Charrettes — participatory processes designed to bring together communities, technical experts, and stakeholders to map priorities, share knowledge, and co-create sustainability strategies. Alongside these Charrettes, The Earth Lab continues to lead training programs and partnerships with Indigenous and rural communities as well as with other strategic stakeholders, ensuring that knowledge is shared, capacities are strengthened, and local leadership remains at the core of every initiative.

View the Earth Lab Photo Gallery: https://bit.ly/3KTH4Ub 

Tandem Global e.V. Announces New Supervisory Board Members from AECOM, Bayer, and CRH

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Trio joins Dow’s Dr. Jihane Ball to provide critical guidance to the organisation’s European initiatives

MUNICH, GERMANY – 4 DECEMBER 2025 – Tandem Global, e.V., the European entity of Tandem Global, a leading NGO working at the intersection of business, climate, water and nature, is pleased to announce the addition of three new members to its Supervisory Board.

The Supervisory Board supports Tandem Global e.V. by advising on strategic initiatives, member outreach in Europe, and matters of governance and finance. Through its deep expertise and strong regional networks, the Supervisory Board plays a critical role in helping Tandem Global anticipate and respond to European trends that affect corporate sustainability strategies. The new appointees are:

Sebastian Braun, VP, Head of Environmental Sustainability, Protection and Remediation at  Bayer, leads a team driving environmental strategies in close collaboration with Bayer’s divisions and functions and with Bayer’s peers across the industry. He steers Bayer’s company-wide efforts to reduce its environmental footprint, support operational excellence in environmental protection, and oversees remediation projects worldwide to safeguard local communities and ecosystems.

Dr. Martyn Kenny, VP Sustainable Business and Public Policy at CRH, is responsible for developing and implementing a transformational sustainability strategy, advancing sustainability reporting and guiding public affairs. He represents CRH and sector interests on a wide range of sustainability issues and legislation globally. With more than 30 years in the industry, he chairs several key industry groups and has held a number of senior positions within the organisation.

Robert Spencer, Global Lead – Strategic Sustainability Advice at AECOM, brings more than 25 years’ experience in climate, decarbonisation, nature, and the circular economy. He advises boards and executive teams on embedding sustainability into business strategy and infrastructure investment. A recognised convener and thought leader, he brings a sharp focus on resilient, net-positive supply chains and how business can thrive within planetary boundaries.

The new appointees join existing Supervisory Board member Dr. Jihane Ball, Lead Sustainability Director, EH&S and Sustainability at Dow, who works across Dow businesses to guide the enterprise’s transition to more sustainable business models. She collaborates closely with both Dow Consumer Solutions and Packaging and Specialty Plastics, partner functions, and industry peers to ensure an enabling regulatory framework for cyclics and plastics.

“Welcoming Sebastian, Martyn and Robert to the Supervisory Board strengthens our ability to support companies operating across Europe,” said Margaret O’Gorman, Chief Executive Officer of Tandem Global. “Each brings deep experience in advancing sustainability within complex global organisations. Together with Jihane’s continued leadership, their insight will help ensure Tandem Global remains ahead of emerging trends and continues to guide business action on climate, water and nature.”