VCS - Rimba Raya REDD+ Biodiversity Reserve - Indonesia

Almost 16,000 square miles of the Borneo rainforest have been lost to deforestation since the 1970s, to make way for palm oil plantations and other intensive agriculture projects for the global consumer. Not only did this reduce the number of habitats for wildlife, but the burn deforestation released high levels of CO2 emissions, contributing to climate change.

In 2014, InfiniteEARTH secured the conservation rights to 64,500ha of the rainforest which were previously degraded, protecting it from deforestation. The project area is the largest global REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation), and acts as a buffer zone between the oil palm industry and the Tanjung Putting National Park, where deforestation through burning is avoided and threatened flora and faunal species are protected.

The Rimba Raya biodiversity reserve generates employment for local communities, engaging them with forest management and monitoring schemes, and providing sustainable income. Animal nurseries are also established as micro-finance projects in the area, which allows locals to receive a more varied diet whilst gaining skills and income.

Rimba Raya carbon offsets are certified by the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS), which is the world’s largest voluntary carbon offset scheme.

Benefits of the Rimba Raya Carbon Offset Project

• Largest global REDD+ project in terms of avoided emissions
  • Emissions are avoided through protecting the rainforest
  • Manging the forest reduces emissions and increases stored carbon as the forest trees grow over time
  • Avoided deforestation, protecting 64,500ha
• 90km buffer zone between palm oil industry and national park
• Community employment in the reserve
• Education and training for all
  • Education is especially important for women and children, who would otherwise have little access. The biodiversity reserve offers a library for locals as a source of education.
  • Improved health for women and children as employment switches from pesticide spraying on intensive agriculture, to biodiversity jobs in the reserve.
• Local community partnerships
• Protection for over 100 endangered species on the Red List
  • >602 distinct flora and fauna species in the reserve

Alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals

The Rimba Raya forest reserve in Indonesia is aligned with all 17 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

• UN SDG 1 – No Poverty
• UN SDG 2 – Zero Hunger
• UN SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-Being
• UN SDG 4 – Quality Education
• UN SDG 5 – Gender Equality
• UN SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation
• UN SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy
• UN SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth
• UN SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
• UN SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities
• UN SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities
• UN SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production
• UN SDG 13 – Climate Action
• UN SDG 14 – Life Below Water
• UN SDG 15 – Life on Land
• UN SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
• UN SDG 17 – Partnership for the Goals

Biodiversity Reserve – Verified Carbon Standard Credits

Rimba Raya biodiversity reserve carbon offsetting credits are certified by the Verified Carbon Standard. All projects in this certification scheme are audited and monitored, ensuring that the CO2 credits are accounting for real and measurable carbon reductions. This ensures the credibility of an organisation’s Net Zero Carbon and carbon neutral pledges.

Where to Buy Carbon Offsets

Circular Ecology can provide carbon offsets to businesses, using carbon credits from Gold Standard, Verified Carbon Standard or Plan Vivo. We have carbon offset registry accounts for all three of those well respected offset certification schemes. For volumes over 500 tCO2e, please contact us at Circular Ecology.

To offset your carbon now, please see our store:

Further Information

If you would like to discuss carbon offsets, please contact us.