Long-term Viability

The carbon offset potential of an activity is related to the annual expected change in carbon emissions /stocks and the length of time that the activity is maintained for. It is therefore essential that activities registered to provide carbon offsets in Plan Vivo projects are viable in long term. Only activities that can provide long-term sustainable benefits to producers will have the potential for long-term viability. This will not only help ensure that the expected carbon offset potential of an activity is realised but will help promote sustainable livelihoods among participants.

Long-term viability may be demonstrated through an qualitative assessment of benefits, demands for products and services, producers' requirements and availability of resources. Alternatively a more quantitative cost benefits analysis could be provided. (Note that while carbon income may be important in covering the start up costs of activities long-term viability should not be based on carbon sales alone - activities will have to be economically viable in their own right if they are to be maintained in the long-term).