How nature carbon projects boost community livelihoods

From the newsletter

A new nature carbon project in Zambia is set to involve more than 240,000 people in restoring 185,000 hectares of Miombo woodland. Known as the Ecopreneur Movement – Miombo Woodland Restoration Project, it aims to remove up to two million tonnes of carbon dioxide every year while creating long-term income opportunities for rural communities.

• Local farmers and community members will be trained as both environmental stewards and entrepreneurs. More than 25,000 have already joined the programme, with the number expected to double by year-end.

• The project provides funding to farmers upfront for their ecosystem services. Once carbon credits are generated and sold, 60% of revenues, after registry and regulatory fees, flow back to the farmers and communities.

More details

• Communities will restore degraded Miombo woodlands by planting native trees, protecting natural regrowth, preventing fires and not engaging in deforestation. At the same time, they are to develop sustainable income streams like climate-smart farming, beekeeping, tree nurseries, and eco-friendly businesses. This model guarantees that those restoring the woodlands remain the primary beneficiaries of conservation finance.

• The programme will run for 40 years and is expected to generate between 2.9 and 6 million verified carbon credits. Carbon issuance is planned to begin in 2027, with revenues projected to channel nearly $90 million into local livelihoods and restoration activities.

• To ensure transparency, the project combines satellite imagery with local field monitoring. This system will track measurable indicators such as tree cover, fire reduction, biomass growth and soil carbon levels. All digital payments to farmers are logged, while revenues will be audited and reported publicly.

• The project also commits to recognised international standards. It will be registered under Verra’s latest reforestation methodology (VM0047) and aims to obtain the ABACUS quality label at its first verification. These processes are designed to provide accountability and credibility in the carbon market.

• Beyond carbon finance, the project is building long-term climate resilience. New livelihoods such as beekeeping and climate-smart farming are meant to reduce pressure on forests, providing alternatives to charcoal production and unsustainable logging. By the end of the decade, 30 million native trees are expected to be planted, wildlife corridors reconnected, watershed areas rehabilitated and livelihoods sustained.

• With communities engaged at every stage, the project sets out a model of restoration that is rooted in participation and transparency.

Our take

• By guaranteeing 60% of revenues, this project challenges the old extractive models where local people are last in line

• If Zambia delivers, it will prove that protecting forests can build stronger rural economies while restoring ecosystems.