The Giving Trees

“This project includes a robust GPS-based monitoring system to independently track the trees and report project progress online. This level of ‘absolute transparency’ into field operations ensures TIST is a project Cool Effect can confidently stand behind.

The sale of carbon credits provides income and funding to address a variety of challenges faced by the local community including agricultural and nutritional deficiencies, HIV/AIDS, clean cooking, and fuel availbility. The project distributes 70% of the profits to the local farmers and raises the standard of living for this rural population while combating climate change.”

—Sid Yadav, Director of Project Research

Project Type: Nature-based Removal

Carbon Standard: Verra

Vintage: 2015-2020

Additionality: There are no laws or regulations requiring TIST implementation and tree planting is not common practice, especially on agricultural lands. Without the sale of carbon offsets, the communities would not have the capital for tree planting or the organizational programs for implementation.

Permanence: This project requires active community engagement and local stakeholders demonstrate a higher commitment to the longevity of the trees. Although the risk of reversal, according to the project documentation, was calculated to be 2.5%, the non-permanence risk reversal toolset by the project standard requires a minimum risk rating of 10%. This approach is conservative and has been applied.

Site Visit: Africa, pending COVID-19; India, 2019

The International Small Group and Tree Planting Program (TIST) doubles as reforestation and sustainable development project implemented by small groups of 6-12 farmers in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and India. To date in 2021, TIST’s tree planting efforts have sequestered 6 million tonnes of CO2 while creating sustainable local environments and a potential, long-term, income stream for sustainable livelihoods.

TIST’s ability to scale reflects the community’s response to and efforts for the project: the farmers choose the trees to plant, breaking the cycle of deforestation, drought, and famine, since the trees reduce erosion, stabilize and enrich the soil, and provide shade. In the future, the benefits and income opportunities will expand to include edible fruits and nuts, medicines, windbreaks, firewood and timber.

The project shares 70% of the profits of the program with local farmers which is unusual in the carbon world. This income plus planting trees that provide food, fodder, and shade, help to raise the living standard of the rural population while creating a healthier, cooler more productive environment.

Participation in TIST is voluntary and often sought out by farmers through TIST seminars, training, and cluster meetings. Potential participants seek knowledge on climate change and mitigation approaches at TIST’s community events. TIST also provides agricultural education, nutrition education, and employs those suffering from HIV/AIDs.

• Creates jobs in the local communities, including for individuals with HIV/AIDS so that their families have income.
• Provides alternative and sustainable revenue sources including timber, firewood, fruits, nuts, and fodder.
• Trains and educates on conservation farming, nutrition, public health issues, leadership, and local climate change impacts and mitigation strategies.
• Empowers women to participate in the program, specifically in leadership roles.

• Project area is always at risk of pest infestations that could destroy the trees.
• Project area is at risk of illegal grazing or logging.
• Project area is at risk of natural disasters, including droughts, that could impact the growth or survival of the trees.
• COVID-19 impacted project activities in 2020.