Project Number

VCS 612

Standard

Verified Carbon Standard (VCS)

Additional Certification

Climate, Community, Biodiversity Standards (CCB)

Climate Gold, Biodiversity Gold

Technology Type

REDD+ (Avoided Unplanned Mosaic Deforestation and Degradation)

Project Location

Marungu sub location, Voi division, Taita Taveta district, Coast province, Kenya

Project Description

Mosaic deforestation due to unplanned slash and burn subsistence agriculture and the illegal charcoal trade is driven by population increases.  Cattle grazing, forestry and most agriculture is unsustainable due to the fragile ecosystem and lack of water.  It is tropical dryland primary forest with some trees estimated to be over 300 years old, over 50 large mammal species including zebra, cheetah, lion and elephants, more than 20 bat species and over 300 bird species.

This project includes the ranches of 13 Indigenous Community Ownership Groups forming a corridor of land between the Tsavo East and West National Parks.  It totals 169,741 ha and avoids emissions of 1.29 million tonnes annually.

Sustainability Beyond Carbon

Generating an array of sustainability outcomes, beyond just avoiding the release of CO2 from the project area’s carbon stocks

Organic clothing factory trains and employs young women to sew, dye and screen-print organic cotton clothing for export to USA and Europe.  Organic nurseries sell citrus trees and jojoba to fund the free supply of agroforestry species and native hardwood seedlings to local farmers for medicinal, nutrition and fuelwood needs.  Research is funded into growing of jojoba with companion herbs to produce valuable essential oils, providing a high-end cash crop.  Community based eco-charcoal production developed offering an alternative to charcoal from primary forest.

Several permanent ranger stations established, each with 8-12 rangers recruited and trained from local communities.  Dedicated 4 ranger patrol with tracking skills and biodiversity knowledge tracks and monitors High Conservation Value species.  Community Wildlife Scouts funded, trained and supported to monitor and deter illegal activity, e.g. charcoal burning, bushmeat hunting and commercial poaching.  Local groups provide environmental advice and support, e.g. a reforestation project planting 20,000 indigenous hardwood trees to replace those lost to charcoal or construction.

School construction and maintenance works funded.  Expanded bursary scheme for education.  Community members employed and trained in organic agroforestry.  Ecotourism developed, employing safari guides and other service jobs.