Cambodia Verifies the World’s First VCS Triple Gold CCB Avoided Deforestation Project

SAN FRANCISCO — The Oddar Meanchey REDD+ (Reduced Emissions for Deforestation and Degradation) project in Cambodia is the first in the world to complete verification of emission reductions under the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) with a triple gold Climate, Community and Biodiversity (CCB) accreditation for emission reductions. The CCB triple gold verification combined with the use of a VCS methodology that is recognized for its integrity, sets this project apart from others as delivering the highest community, biodiversity, and adaptation impact benefits along with robust accounting for emission reductions. The project is being implemented by the Forestry Administration of the Royal Government of Cambodia, PactTerra Global Capital, Children’s Development Association (CDA) and the communities of the Oddar Meanchey province, with implementation funding support provided by the Terra Global, Clinton FoundationUnited Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Pact. Start-up funding for the project was provided by DANIDA, NZAid or DFID and with legal counsel provided by Sok Siphanna and Dentons (on a pro-bono basis).

The Oddar Meanchey REDD+ project is also the first REDD+ project issued under the VCS and CCB with a government as the project proponent reflecting the importance of government involvement in REDD+ and supporting the integration of the Oddar Meanchey project into the future national REDD+ program in Cambodia. …

The project provides support for communities to protect their forests, develop alternative income streams from sustainable forest management, increase food security and use sustainable energy sources – activities that will receive increased resources from the sale of the verified emissions reductions. …

The Herald Staff
http://www.heraldonline.com/2013/09/24/5239878/cambodia-verifies-the-worlds-first.html