The aims are to:
- reliably sequester carbon for the long term in systems that are economically viable, and socially and environmentally responsible.
- maintain projects which include procedures for internal monitoring and external verification.
- promote management systems which are designed to be applicable to most other developing countries.
The objectives are to:
- sequester carbon in forest and agricultural systems which contribute to sustainable livelihood systems.
- assist farmers and communities to develop more sustainable land management and better livelihoods through the provision of carbon services.
- specifically target low income farmers who often live in marginal areas, which then brings together smallholders and communities to deliver benefits in the rapidly evolving markets for environmnetal services.
Introduction
Background
With growing awareness of the problem of climate change, governments, industries and other organisations are seeking ways of reducing their emissions of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. Quantified reductions in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from project-based activities, so-called carbon credits, may be used to help offset emissions.
Through the Plan Vivo System the purchase of such carbon credits not only helps to mitigate climate change but can help communities in developing countries invest in their own future therefore contributing to poverty reduction. Managing carbon in terrestrial ecosystems also has an important role in adapting to climate change, creating more resilient ecosystems and promoting biodiversity through planting and protecting native forests.
Why?
Since evolving, mankind has exploited forests for fibre, food and fuel.
Today, we realise that forests
contain a large proportion of the earths biological diversity and are important components of the
global carbon and hydrological cycles.
Currently, the deforestation of about 17 million hectares per year causes annual emissions to the
atmosphere of 1.8 billion tonnes of carbon as carbon dioxide. This is 25% of the total carbon dioxide
emissions due to man.
However, when forests are restored or conserved they can act as sinks of carbon dioxide. Thus,
fossil fuel users who contribute to the preservation or establishment of forests can reduce their net
greenhouse gas emissions.
Outcomes
- Raise awareness of climate change and related issues
- Increase household incomes through carbon payments
- Offer the farmers technical advice and allow them access to other markets such as timber, fuelwood, fruit, fodder and poles
- Conserve biodiversity by promoting indigenous tree species
How does it work?
Companies, individuals or institutions wishing to offset greenhouse gas emissions can purchase voluntary emission reductions (VERs) via the project trust fund, of the offset project. These VERs are in the form of Plan Vivo Certificates.
The project uses the Plan Vivo management system to register and monitor carbon sequestration activities implemented by farmers. Local promoters help farmers to draw up their own work plans, known as Planes Vivos ~ for forestry or agroforestry systems that reflect their own needs, priorities and capabilities. These are assessed for technical feasibility, social and environmental impact and carbon sequestration potential. Viable plans are registered with the Trust Fund and an agreement for the supply of carbon services via the Fund is signed. The Trust Fund then provides farmers with financial and technical assistance to implement farm or community-scale forestry and agroforestry developments, on the basis of the carbon that will be sequestered.