Rural communities in Central Mozambique lead a pioneering natural regeneration program generating carbon credits for social benefits.
The NGO along with international partners, Climate Lab and Reseed Indico, spearhead an innovative project combining development with climate change adaptation and mitigation.
● The Kukumuty project has captured over 8,000 tons of carbon in two years.
● It becomes the first project to be certified under the new Plan Vivo standards and regulations,
adhering to the UNs REDD+ Legal Framework.
● 60% of the income from carbon credit sales directly benefits local communities.
October 29, 2024 –Spanish NGO, Azada Verde, in collaboration with Belgian and Australian partners, Climate Lab and Reseed Indico, are successfully implementing an innovative, community-led carbon sequestration climate change mitigation and adaptation. The Kukumuty project in rural Mozambique stores carbon through reforestation, regeneration, and conservation and contributes to climate resilience and sustainable development for participating communities.
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“It is very exciting that the Kukumuty project is now fully certified under Plan Vivo. The certification and sale of credits provide a stable income for local families, freeing them from annual cycles of hunger, which are conditioned by seasonal rainfall. It creates opportunities and livelihoods for current and future generations, all while they care for their ecosystems.” – Hugo Coll, Founder, Azada Verde Spain and Mozambique.
The Kukumuty project, takes its name from the Ndau phrase “Kurarama Kuthemba Muty” (translation: “we live and have hope thanks to the trees”). When the project began in 2022 in four communities in Chibabava District of Sofala Province, it aimed to capture more than 74,000 tons of CO₂ over 25 years.
“Kukumuty is starting small and set to grow over coming years. This is the Plan Vivo approach. As neighboring communities see the benefits of participation they will be looking to establish their own areas registered under the project. Through this growth the impact in these rural areas will become regionally and globally significant through both adaptation and mitigation lenses.” – Ian Fenton, Director, Reseed Indico.
However, in just two years, it has already captured over 8,660 tons, far exceeding expectations. The revenue from the sale of carbon credits will be reinvested by the communities themselves in social projects according to their priorities, such as beekeeping, improving education, or building water infrastructure.
How Does the Kukumuty Project Work?
Learning Together: With local communities to identify climate change patterns and economic pressures affecting efforts to enrich their surrounding Miombo forests. “It is very exciting that the Kukumuty project is now fully certified under Plan Vivo. The certification and sale of credits provide a stable income for local families, freeing them from annual cycles of hunger, which are conditioned by seasonal rainfall. It creates opportunities and livelihoods for current and future generations, all while they care for their ecosystems.” – Hugo Coll, Founder, Azada Verde Spain and Mozambique.
“Kukumuty is starting small and set to grow over coming years. This is the Plan Vivo approach. As
neighboring communities see the benefits of participation they will be looking to establish their own areas registered under the project. Through this growth the impact in these rural areas will become regionally and globally significant through both adaptation and mitigation lenses.” – Ian Fenton, Director, Reseed Indico
Miombo forest improvement: In 884 hectares led by the communities, soil enrichment (such as ground cover and swales for rainwater harvesting) and wildfire management along with the planting of Miombo tree species from the project nurseries.
New Ways to Earn a Living: Agroforestry plots have been created, combining vegetables, fruits, nuts, herbs, and other native trees that can be marketed, providing new sources of income for families.
“I am very pleased that the project has implemented the agroforestry system, as with these climate changes, it can improve soil fertility. Additionally, I got a job at the nursery to support my children, as I am a widow and responsible for providing for their education and food. This is the first time in my life that I have a salary.” — Gloria Fernando, beneficiary of the Kukumuty project in the
community of Nhaumue.
Project Achievements
- Tree Planting: 2,391 native trees have been planted, nearly 6,000 plants sown, and more than
19,000 native seeds collected to promote long-term sustainability. - Improvements in Water and Soil: 153 trenches have been built in the community conservation
area for harvesting rainwater, and soil cover techniques have been applied over 20 hectares. - Community Involvement: More than 5,773 community members have been involved.
- Female Participation: More than 50% of community participants are women.
- Income Generation: The project has created opportunities and income for more than 400 local
families.
Plan Vivo Certification
The Kukumuty project is the first project in Mozambique to be certified under the new Plan Vivo regulations and standards, consolidating its commitment to socio-environmental impact and quality in natural resource management. It is also registered as a REDD+ project in Mozambique.
“We believe it provides both socio-environmental funding and quality in the work. Firstly, Plan Vivo sets a standard that at least 60% of carbon benefits to go to communities. The high return increases enthusiasm within communities to promote the enrichment of their local indigenous ecosystems. Secondly, PV Climate offers us guidance that helps design the project in a robust manner. The standard will guide us over the coming years and ensure we stay on the right path for the next 30
years.” — Sil Lanckriet and Miro Jacob, Founders, Climate Lab.
