Best practice 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
Time | Agenda | Speaker |
5 mins |
Welcome & Introduction | |
5 min. | Introducing the BMZ funded G7 CompensACTION initiative | Sophia Baumert - GIZ |
15 min |
Presentation of new Guidebook: “best practice experiences for agricultural carbon project development”
Key Lessons learned | Adaugo Okoli (Unique landuse) |
15 min | Presentation of an example carbon project: Western Kenya Carbon Project
Key lessons learned | Aaron Munzaa (Soil Carbon Certification Services) |
30 min | Discussions and Q&A with audience
Key discussion points: - What do project developers and investors need to realize agricultural carbon projects? - Voluntary carbon markets face a very dynamic development – what is needed in terms of public framework conditions to get the best out? - What requirements do carbon payments schemes need to have to meet farmers’ needs? - How can the impact for stallholders be maximized? - What are the challenges and solutions to certify soil carbon? | Moderated discussion |
10 min. | Closing of event | Alexis Brakhan - GIZ |