Forest protection projects reduce emissions from deforestation, forest degradation, sustainable forest management, and carbon stock conservation. Developing countries can also earn results-based payments for emission reductions through these activities.
The Lower Zambezi REDD+ Project (LZRP) is a long-term conservation initiative dedicated to protecting 40,126 hectares of Rufunsa Conservancy in Zambia, a critical buffer zone to the Lower Zambezi National Park. Implemented by BioCarbon Partners (BCP), the 30-year project aims to prevent an estimated 5.67 million tCO₂e of emissions by addressing the drivers of deforestation through community participation and biodiversity-focused strategies. With a strong emphasis on Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC), the LZRP works closely with local stakeholders to deliver diverse livelihood opportunities, strengthen education, healthcare, and water access, and ensure effective forest monitoring and protection. Closely aligned with several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the project not only safeguards ecosystems but also fosters sustainable development, social inclusion, and climate resilience. Supported by a legally binding Conservation Easement and verified annually, the LZRP exemplifies an integrated model of community empowerment and environmental stewardship in Zambia.
Additionality
The Lower Zambezi REDD project demonstrates a strong likelihood of additionality. Its implemented activities exceed typical regional practices, and the protection of the Project Area is not assured by existing Zambian environmental regulations and agencies, primarily due to governance and funding deficiencies. The project's financial additionality is moderately likely, as it relies on donations, grants, and state funds, which have proven to be inadequate.
The project carries a low risk of non-additionality. Its conservation activities are generally non-revenue-generating and would likely not have been initiated without the prospect of carbon revenue. There is clear documentation of the project's intent to leverage carbon revenue from its inception. Furthermore, the project's activities are not legally mandated and surpass standard land management practices in Zambia. Ultimately, carbon revenue was likely essential for the project's execution.
Follow the latest milestones and updates from this project.
SCS Global Services issues the Verification Deed of Representation for emission reductions generated during calendar year 2016
The Lower Zambezi REDD+ Project (LZRP) applies the VM0009 v3.0 Methodology for Avoided Ecosystem Conversion to quantify greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions and removals. For the most recent monitoring period (January–December 2023), baseline emissions were estimated at 241,839 tCO₂e, while project emissions were minimal, limited to 531 tCO₂e from a small area of illegal agricultural clearing. Leakage was assessed at zero, as the calculated degradation factor fell below the significance threshold. Net GHG emission reductions for 2023 totalled 241,308 tCO₂e, of which 190,633 tCO₂e are eligible for issuance as Verified Carbon Units (VCUs) after applying a 21% buffer deduction for non-permanence risk.
The Lower Zambezi REDD+ project offers significant co-benefits due to the strong protection of its biodiverse Project Area, leading to a high likelihood of impact on biodiversity conservation.
LZRP works in close collaboration with local stakeholders to deliver diverse livelihood opportunities, strengthen education, healthcare, and water access, and ensure effective forest monitoring and protection. Closely aligned with several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the project not only safeguards ecosystems but also fosters sustainable development, social inclusion, and climate resilience. Supported by a legally binding Conservation Easement and verified annually, the LZRP exemplifies an integrated model of community empowerment and environmental stewardship in Zambia
BCP’s REDD+ conservation and livelihood activities improve overall community well-being in project areas, including indirectly supporting health outcomes by increasing access to income, food security and environmental stability.
BCP includes education and training components in its community programs, such as teaching climate-smart agricultural techniques and forest monitoring skills, which build human capital and improve learning opportunities at the community level.
Forest protection under BCP’s REDD+ projects helps safeguard watersheds and maintain water quality by reducing soil erosion and maintaining natural filtration systems. Healthy forests are essential for securing clean water supplies for local communities, which ties into SDG 6’s focus on sustainable water resources.
BCP’s projects create jobs in community forest monitoring, sustainable charcoal production, beekeeping, and other livelihood initiatives — increasing household income and supporting economic growth in rural areas.
CP uses REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) projects to directly prevent carbon release by conserving forests and reducing deforestation, a critical nature-based climate mitigation approach. hese projects not only reduce greenhouse gases but also build climate resilience through sustainable land use and community adaptation practices such as climate-smart agriculture.
These partners help deliver the project and verify its impact.
BCP develops award-winning forest carbon offset projects in areas of global biodiversity significance to conserve Africa's wildlife legacy landscapes while delivering life-changing community impacts under REDD+.
The Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) Program is the world's most widely used greenhouse gas (GHG) crediting program.
