GIZ experiences for agricultural carbon project development targeting Voluntary Carbon Markets (VCM)

Transforming agriculture and food systems requires a paradigm shift – away from a one-dimensional system that only produces food - to a system that provides multifunctional services. Smallholder farmers already make a significant contribution to nature- and climate positive agriculture but are not rewarded for it.

The agriculture, forestry and other land use (AFOLU) sector offers a potential for 20-30% of the GHG mitigation required to meet the 2°C target. Soil carbon is of central importance for soil fertility and agricultural productivity and Mitigates Greenhouse Gases. Humus-rich soils are more resilient to the effects of climate change (including droughts), store more plant nutrients and increase soil biodiversity. Soil carbon conservation and enrichment thus makes important contributions to key development goals: Food security (SDG 2), climate adaptation and mitigation (SDG 13), biodiversity and land conservation (SDG 15). 

Compensation schemes for ecosystem services provide incentives for smallholder agriculture to protect and rehabilitate the environment and its natural resources. Carbon markets may address the underfunded sustainable land management in developing countries. This mechanism, if implemented in a sustainable manner, can contribute to food security and development impacts. 

This Event, hosted by 4per1000 and GIZ, will discuss best practice experiences for agricultural carbon project development, which include soil carbon certification for the benefit of smallholders. 

Moderator: Claudia Schepp – 4per1000