CommuniTree Forestry Offsetting Project - Nicaragua

The CommuniTree Carbon Programme is Nicaragua’s largest reforestation project, helping to improve the livelihoods of farmers who would typically earn less than $2 a day, whilst contributing to combatting climate change through carbon storage in around 3,000 hectares of forests.

The project works by encouraging farmers to grow trees on previously unused space on their land. As the trees grow, they sequester carbon, and the farmers are given incentive payments for this, increasing their income and quality of life.

The CommuniTree project further benefits the farmers, their families, and communities, by creating seasonal jobs related to the forestry such as building plant nurseries. Farmers are also able to sell products, for example; coffee. These employment opportunities improve income stability for the communities.

The project has also developed a biochar reactor, using waste wood. This gives the community plantations access to a more sustainable energy source compared to traditional charcoal burning.

Benefits of the CommuniTree Carbon Offset Project

• Over 6 million trees from 100 native species planted so far, increasing the forest cover in Nicaragua
  • More than 900,000 tonnes of CO₂ stored by the project
  • Increased wildlife habitats and restored ecosystems
• Improved income stability and job opportunities for 855 farmers, their families, and communities
  • Around 2000 seasonal jobs per year
  • Year-round ability to sell forestry products such as coffee, which is grown alongside the trees
  • Payments from the project if farmers grow trees
• Community education on the impacts of climate change, environmental laws, and sustainable farming
• More than 60% of the programme’s income goes to the farmers
  • Over $2.1 million by 2019

Alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals

The CommuniTree forestry carbon offsetting project is aligned with 10 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

• UN SDG 1 – No Poverty
• UN SDG 4 – Quality Education
• UN SDG 5 – Gender Equality
• UN SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy
• UN SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth
• UN SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities
• UN SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production
• UN SDG 13 – Climate Action
• UN SDG 15 – Life on Land
• UN SDG 17 – Partnership for the Goals

Forestry Project – Plan Vivo Carbon Credits

Plan Vivo carbon offsetting credits are verified carbon credits, which also provide many wider environmental benefits. One Plan Vivo Certificate (PVCs) represents 1 tonne of CO₂e sequestered or mitigated in a Plan Vivo carbon offsetting project.

Additionally, resellers of Plan Vivo offsetting projects must adhere to the Plan Vivo Code of Good Practice, to ensure the project is being resold in an ethical way.

Find Out More Information

Agroforestry, afforestation, and reforestation carbon offsetting projects have various environmental benefits. If you would like to support the CommuniTree Carbon Programme or other forestry projects, please contact us.