Management of Environmental and Social Risks in VCS REDD+ Projects, Zambia

BioCarbon Partners (BCP) are implementing landscape-scale REDD+ (Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) projects in Zambia, certified by the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) and Climate Community and Biodiversity Standards (CCB). The projects are situated both on communal land within Game Management Areas and Private Game Reserves along the South Luangwa valley, and on privately owned land in the Rufunsa Conservancy within Lusaka Province.

A combination of the support for forest protection and establishment of Community Forests, and the resulting revenue generated from Verified Carbon Unit (VCU) sales, has substantial potential to bring about community development and forest protection benefits in these areas. However, restriction of access to land and natural resources, and changes in the governance of these resources, can result in unplanned and adverse social and even environmental impacts. BCP has committed to the establishment of an Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) developed in alignment with ISO14001 and based on the International Finance Corporation’s (IFC’s) Performance Standards, in order to identify, assess and manage any such impacts.

TLLG provided technical support for the development of the BCP ESMS. This included the development of the ESMS itself, and support for the development of a Livelihood Restoration Framework and Plans to identify and address land and access impacts. Support was also provided for the development of a community engagement Protocol, an Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) and an High Conservation Value (HCV) Protocol.

Photo: Planning for Community Forest site visit to the Mpanshya Game Management Area

Client: BioCarbon Partners (BCP)

Duration: July 2020 - July 2023

Location: Zambia