Our history

Plan Vivo was born out of a desire to help smallholders Chiapas, Mexico, plant trees and generate the world's first carbon credits. Since then, Plan Vivo has used its ideology and network of stakeholders to evolve into a system that can help provide environmental and social benefits to communities around the world. See below for some of the more-notable dates along our journey.

1994- Plan Vivo concept is born

The concept of Plan Vivo is born in through a desire to help communities plant trees in Chiapas, Mexico. The project, called Scolel'te, is achieved through a collaboration between the University of Edinburgh, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, other local partners.

1997- World's first carbon credits created

Through planting trees, the Scolel'te project generates the world's first carbon credits! These are sold to organisations such as the World Bank. This also represents the world's first Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) project.

1998- Plan Vivo managed by BioClimate

The Plan Vivo system begins being managed independently by the non-profit BioClimate Research & Development. This ensures that other environmental and social projects can apply to become Plan Vivo-certified and generate Plan Vivo Certificates.

2004- First Plan Vivo Standard created

The first version of the Plan Vivo Standard is created, which details the requirements that projects must meet to become Plan Vivo-certified. This ensured that any projects that joined provide real, tangible benefits to both the environment and communities in the global south.

2008- Second Plan Vivo Standard created

The Standard is improved upon to make the Standard and System clearer and more accessible, leading to a number of new project applications.

2009- Plan Vivo Foundation formed

The Plan Vivo Foundation, a charity registered in Scotland, is formed to take over management of the Plan Vivo system. BioClimate redefines its role to focus on assisting organisations to develop Plan Vivo projects.

2009- Plan Vivo Certificates registered on Markit

Plan Vivo Certificates are registered on the Markit Environmental Registry. This ensures that the Certificates are generated, transacted and retired whilst providing transparency and preventing double-counting.

2009- First conservation project

The Khasi Hills Project, based in India, becomes the first Plan Vivo-Certified REDD project aimed at conserving the previously-degrading community forestry.

2013- Third Plan Vivo Standard created

The Standard is improved upon, including a greater focus on sustainable livelihoods and biodiversity.

2014- World's first Blue Carbon project

The Plan Vivo-certified Mikoko Pamoja becomes the world's first Blue Carbon project by receiving Plan Vivo Certificates for the conservation of its mangrove forests. The project later goes on to win a UN Equator Prize award.

2014- Ten projects registered

Due to a recent surge in project applications, REDD+ in the Yaeda Valley (Tanzania) becomes the 10th Plan Vivo-certified project. The Plan Vivo family continues to grow...

2014- One million Plan Vivo Certificates

1 million Plan Vivo Certificates have now been issued, each one providing benefits to communities in global south. This represents 1 million tonnes of CO2 that will be sequestered or mitigated.

2016- First soil restoration project

The Pastures, Conservation and Climate Action project, supporting nomadic tribes in Mongolia, becomes the first Plan Vivo-certified soil restoration project.

2019- Twenty projects registered

New projects continue to apply and the Rarakau Project, supporting native Maori tribes in New Zealand, becomes the 20th Plan Vivo-certified project. The Plan Vivo family continues to grow...

2020- Three million Plan Vivo Certificates

3 million Plan Vivo Certificates have now been issued, each one providing benefits to communities in global south. This represents 3 million tonnes of CO2 that will be sequestered or mitigated.

How to be part of our future

We're growing fast, but not fast enough to stop the climate emergency and the impact this will having on the global south. Tackle this with us: