Reforestation and the protection of the existing rainforest in the Luabu sector in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

A Long-Term Commitment to Sustainability and Community Development With over 18 years of experience in sustainable development, our team is leading a 40 year agroforestry project in the Sector of Luabu, Kutu Territory, Mai Ndombe Province, Democratic Republic of Congo. This initiative actively contributes to 14 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring the highest standards for carbon credit generation and long-term social impact. The Project in Motion: Following a feasibility study in July 2023 and extensive stakeholder consultations, we secured agreements with local villages. By May 2024, the first seeds were planted in our nurseries, and by spring 2024, the first trees took root—marking the beginning of a transformative environmental and economic initiative. In year two of the project, we are expanding by planting eight different native tree species, further enhancing biodiversity and strengthening the ecosystem. Addressing Deforestation and Land Degradation: Our research revealed extensive deforestation caused by unsustainable charcoal production and harmful agricultural practices. Monoculture farming depletes soil within a few years, forcing farmers to clear more rainforest in search of fertile land. This vicious cycle has left vast areas barren while continuously reducing rainforest cover. To reverse this trend, we are implementing agroforestry—a proven method to both protect existing forests and expand tree coverage. This approach creates a dual impact: preserving the rainforest while actively sequestering carbon through newly planted trees. Importantly, we only count newly planted trees in our carbon credit calculations, ensuring transparency and integrity. Preserving existing forests remains a vital goal, aligning with SDG 15 (Life on Land) but is not factored into our carbon credit numbers. Additionally, by planting diverse native species, we are increasing biodiversity and enhancing habitat quality for local wildlife. Agroforestry for Long-Term Impact: We are transforming fallow land next to untouched rainforest into natural buffer zones, protecting the existing ecosystem. The project starts with: • 500 Wenge trees per hectare, known for their excellent carbon sequestration. 1,100 cacao trees per hectare, which thrive in the Wenge trees' shade, ensuring long-term protection.This natural pairing ensures that local farmers safeguard the Wenge trees to maintain their future cacao yields.To further support communities, we introduce fast-growing crops between trees, providing nourishment and immediate income within months. Farmers also receive financial incentives every three months for maintaining the planted trees, ensuring survival and growth for at least four years. These activities directly contribute to: • SDG 1 (No Poverty): The agroforestry program generates stable, increased incomes in the short, medium, and long term, lifting families out of extreme poverty. • SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): The diversified and increased agricultural production enhances food security, reducing hunger and improving nutrition through access to a wider variety of food. Empowering Communities and Securing Livelihoods Beyond tree planting, we actively contribute to 12 additional UN Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring long-term sustainability: • SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being): Increased income allows families to afford healthier diets and medical care. • SDG 4 (Quality Education): Higher earnings help families afford school fees, and we collaborate with the Agronomy program in Duma 2 to integrate practical education. • SDG 5 (Gender Equality): Women play a central role in agriculture, and we ensure their full participation in decision-making. • SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation): We help communities protect and enhance their water sources while introducing accessible clean water technologies. • SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy): By introducing solar energy solutions, we reduce dependency on wood, coal, and kerosene. • SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): Our program increases local incomes, creating economic stability and growth. • SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure): We improve transportation by maintaining roads and providing transport vehicles, enabling farmers to sell their products • SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): Our activities provide job opportunities for vulnerable groups, including those with limited education and disabilities. • SDG 13 (Climate Action): The core purpose of our work is to protect the rainforest and plant new trees to sequester carbon dioxide. • SDG 15 (Life on Land): We actively protect existing rainforests and plant multiple tree species to enhance biodiversity. • SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions): We help local populations secure legal land ownership, preventing future conflicts over land rights. • SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): We facilitate global and local collaborations to bring advanced, eco-friendly technology and fair market opportunities to the community. A Holistic Approach to Sustainable Growth Our local coordinator works closely with communities, ensuring full participation and long-term commitment. We also establish market connections, securing transportation, storage, and direct buyer access for farmers’ products. This comprehensive approach guarantees that forests remain a valuable, income-generating resource rather than being cleared for short-term gain. The Future is Now This project is not just a vision—it is happening now. With a 40-year strategy in place, we are driving real, measurable impact for people and the planet, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for generations to come.

Project ID

GS12860

Registry

Gold Standard

Type

Afforestation/Reforestation · Forestry & Land Use

Removal or reduction

Impermanent Removal

Methodology

—

Developer

United Eco Solutions International AB · 1 project

Country

Democratic Republic of the Congo

First vintage

—

Crediting period

2024-05-24 to 2064-05-24

Estimated yearly credits

98,653

Scale

Large Scale · Standalone

Sustainable Development Goals

Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals · Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being · Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth · Goal 5: Gender Equality · Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation · Goal 4: Quality Education · Goal 2: Zero Hunger · Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions · Goal 1: No Poverty · Goal 13: Climate Action · Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure · Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy · Goal 15: Life On Land · Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities

Data from

Berkeley VROD v2026-08 + Gold Standard registry

The registry gives Democratic Republic of the Congo as the location, so this project is not drawn on the map. It is counted in the country totals.