A new community-led carbon project is set to transform the ecological and economic landscape of Zambia, aiming to remove up to 2 million tonnes of CO2 annually by 2030.
The initiative, dubbed The Ecopreneur Movement – Miombo Woodland Restoration Project, is a collaboration between Community Climate Solutions (CCS) and Climate Impact Partners. It places 240,000 Zambians at the heart of one of Sub-Saharan Africa’s most ambitious restoration efforts.
At its core, the project trains local farmers as “Ecopreneurs” to restore the vital Miombo Woodlands—critical carbon sinks—through strategic tree planting, sustainable farming, and fire prevention.
Unlocking Natural Capital
The project encompasses the Musokotwane-Nyawa Miombo Woodland Carbon Project in the Kazungula District. Spanning 185,000 hectares, the 40-year initiative is expected to deliver between 2.9 and 6 million verified carbon credits while simultaneously restoring wildlife corridors.
Restoration efforts are multifaceted, employing assisted natural regeneration, fire breaks, and watershed rehabilitation. This ecological focus is coupled with community benefit programs, including climate-smart farming and sustainable beekeeping, ensuring long-term resilience beyond carbon revenue.
A Community-First Financial Model
The financial structure is designed to put communities first. Farmers receive upfront payments for their eco-services via CCS seed funding. Crucially, once carbon revenues are realized, a significant 60% of the proceeds (after fees) will be directed back to the participating farmers and their communities.
Currently, 25,000 farmers have enrolled, a figure projected to double by 2025. By the decade’s end, the program aims to plant 30 million native trees.
The restoration strategy hinges on two pillars: integrating native trees into farmlands to boost soil health and food production, and actively restoring degraded Miombo Woodlands through natural regrowth and fire control.
Transparency and Credibility
To ensure the integrity of the carbon credits, the project will use a blend of satellite monitoring and local field checks. Key indicators, including woody biomass growth and fire reduction, will be tracked.
The program is set to be registered under Verra’s reforestation methodology (VM0047), aligning with the stringent Core Carbon Principles. Project revenues and digital payments will be publicly reported and audited, underscoring a commitment to transparency in the burgeoning voluntary carbon market.
