High-Impact carbon removals
We work with smallholders and communities to restore landscapes through afforestation and agroforestry at a watershed scale. Each project is co-designed around local needs, using native species and science-based methods. Certified by Plan Vivo, 60% of revenues are reinvested into community-driven projects, creating a traceable, lasting impact.
- Carbon removals
- Ecosystem restoration
- Community-based solutions
Our six-step approach
Our approach is a continuous cycle centered on community engagement. Involving communities at every step ensures our projects are inclusive, locally grounded, and backed by strong commitment. Their participation is what makes our impact robust, scalable, and permanent.
“Truly impactful projects are built with, not for, communities. Local stewardship not only leads to better outcomes, it ensures permanence and long-term success. It’s the only way to build projects that truly last.”
Lianne Pieterson
Social Impact and Media Officer
1. Community engagement
We begin by engaging community members to understand local needs, including ethnic and gender dynamics. Through participatory meetings, we introduce the Plan Vivo model, encourage dialogue, and obtain Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC), marking the start of our collaboration.
2. Co-designing the project
Building on local context and needs, we co-design projects with communities, beginning with a risk assessment. Gender and ethnically equitable councils are formed to connect the community to the project and create Plan Vivo maps of current and desired developments. We establish the project baseline by collecting environmental and socio-economic data.
3. Project Implementation
This phase encompasses all project activities outlined in the design, such as soil and water conservation, tree cultivating and durable management techniques. It also includes continuous communities engagement and implementing risk mitigation measures, including fire management plans and strategies to prevent overgrazing.
4. Monitoring & verifying project outcomes
Projects are annually evaluated under the Plan Vivo Standard, tracking their carbon, biodiversity, and livelihood impacts. These are supported by regular assessments from third-party auditors. Using rigorous scientific methods like vegetation surveys, soil sampling, biodiversity monitoring, and participatory impact assessment, we ensure environmental and social benefits are transparent, measurable, and traceable.
5. Benefit sharing mechanism
Once carbon credits are sold, 60% of the revenue is redirected to the communities. Smallholders receive direct payments, while the broader community benefits from socio-environmental investments. These investments are determined by the project councils and local representatives, based on the Plan Vivo maps and the community’s most pressing needs. All activities are then tracked, financially audited and transparently communicated to our partners.
6. Community satisfaction assessment
We continuously evaluate project effectiveness and community contentment through a grievance mechanism and satisfaction surveys. Relay agents within project councils serve as contact points for concerns and suggestions. Annual village meetings discuss progress and periodic surveys gather feedback, ensuring the project aligns with community needs.
Plan Vivo certification
Plan Vivo is the longest-standing certification standard in the Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM), dedicated to supporting community and smallholder-led nature-based projects by enabling fair and equitable access to carbon and nature finance that directly benefits local communities.
“Our relationship goes beyond the typical certifier–project dynamic. It’s more like a partnership where we continuously explore how to improve and maximize impact for people, nature, and climate, past the boundaries of a single project.”
Keith Bohannon
CEO at Plan Vivo
Why it matters
Climate change deepens inequality, impacting those most at risk. That is why we partner with affected communities to co-create solutions that last, even in times of crisis. EthioTrees is a powerful example, supporting communities even in the face of famine.
“Even during challenging times, we continued to support our communities, delivering essential services when they needed them most.”
Seifu
EthioTrees Project Coordinator
Partner with us for traceable change
Join us in co-creating sustainable solutions that tackle climate change, protect nature, and support vulnerable communities.