Carbon Green Team

Carbon Green Investments Approval to withdraw from VERRA’s VCS Program

While CGI has chosen not to disclose the name of the new GHG program at this time, we are pleased to confirm that the initial due diligence process for full onboarding has been successfully completed. With this approval in hand, CGI is now positioned to appoint the appropriate Validation and Verification Body (VVB). A formal announcement regarding the involved parties will be made once the registration is complete and desktop review processes are comfortably underway.

CGI remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and transparency. We will continue to provide Verra with all necessary information and ensure adherence to the standards set forth by the VCS and CCBA programs. The outcome of Verra’s review of the registry account, which will provide access to the information essential for the completion of our pending internal audits, which will in turn allow the project to continue to deliver the benefits to all stakeholders.

CGI has provided Verra with all requested technical documentation, courtesy of South Pole, as well as commercial documentation from CGI, alongside historical verification reports previously reviewed by Verra. This will confirm that all calculations have been correctly adhered to.

Upon lifting the suspension of the registry account, the pending Emission Reduction Purchase Agreement for the remaining issued credits will be utilized to support the continuation of the project as it under go’s validation and verification by the newly selected GHG program. It will ensure the project has delivered and will only deliver genuine Emission reductions of substance and the project continues to deliver the said benefits.

CGI wishes to state that views and opinions made in the Podcasts and magazine interviews, soon to be released into the public domain, do not reflect those of the company. All discussions and statements made are entirely the personal views and opinions of the individuals present in the discussions/ interviews.

About Carbon Green Investments (CGI)
Carbon Green Investments (CGI) is a leader in the development and management of environmental sustainability projects, with a strong focus on innovative ecological conservation solutions. Founded with a mission to combat environmental degradation, CGI specializes in sustainable initiatives that enhance global ecological integrity. Committed to transparency, accountability, and excellence, CGI collaborates with various stakeholders to ensure the success and credibility of its projects. Through strategic approaches and a dedicated team, CGI aims to create significant environmental impacts and deliver sustainable value to communities and ecosystems, ensuring a fair share across the landscape.

Carbon Green Investments Approval to withdraw from VERRA’s VCS Program Read More »

Withdrawal of Kariba REDD+ Project and Chirisa REDD Project from the VCS GHG Program.

Carbon Green Investments (CGI) has announced its decision to withdraw the Kariba REDD+ Project and Chirisa REDD+ Project from the VCS GHG Program due to challenges such as communication delays and inadequate engagement, transitioning them to a suitable GHG program provider. This move, driven by issues including delayed responses and operational inefficiencies, aims to maintain the integrity and credibility of the Projects, with CGI expressing optimism for their future with the chosen GHG registry.

29 May 2024 – Carbon Green Investments (CGI), a leading firm in the environmental sustainability sector, has formally announced the withdrawal of the Kariba REDD+ Project and Chirisa REDD+ Project from the VCS GHG program registry. This strategic decision, effective immediately, comes after extensive deliberations and a detailed review of the Projects’ engagement and communications with VERRA over the past seven months.

The decision to transition these projects to an alternate GHG program was driven by a series of challenges that hindered their effective management and operations. Significant issues included prolonged communication delays and inadequate engagement from VERRA, which have impacted the projects’ implementation and CGI’s business operations.

CGI has cited several specific issues “these not limited” to the lead-up of withdrawal:

  • Engagement and Cooperation: CGI has faced considerable challenges in obtaining timely and constructive responses from VERRA, resulting in extended periods of uncertainty that have affected the projects beneficiaries, staff, and business operations.
  • Communication Delays: VERRA’s persistent delays in addressing inquiries and providing necessary access to accounts have significantly hindered CGI’s business and project management capabilities.
  • Account Access and Transparency: Denial in accessing and managing the treasury/registry account, coupled with unexplained modifications detected within the account, have raised serious concerns about transparency and operational integrity.
  • Project Impact: These administrative challenges have led to further reputational damage and financial losses for all beneficiaries, further compelling CGI to seek a more supportive and responsive registry partnership.

Both projects are now in the process of finalizing their registration applications with the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) program and are scheduled for imminent revalidation and verification. CGI is committed to adhering to the highest standards of transparency and accountability, ensuring the integrity of the projects and the credibility of the issued credits.

CGI, along with the appointed Validation & Verification Body, will continue to engage with VERRA as necessary throughout the revalidation process. CGI expects full cooperation from Verra to facilitate a smooth transition and efficient handling of the credit transfer process, safeguarding the interests of all beneficiaries.

CGI withdrawing from the VCS GHG program after twelve years of collaboration, remain optimistic about their future under the new program. We are committed to fulfilling our environmental goals and ensuring the continued success and integrity of our projects.

For further information, please contact Carbon Green Investments at:
info@carbongreeninv.net
info@karibaredd.com

About Carbon Green Investments (CGI)

Carbon Green Investments (CGI) is a leader in the development and management of environmental sustainability projects, focusing on innovative solutions for carbon reduction and ecological conservation. Established with a mission to combat climate change through effective carbon management, CGI specializes in Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) projects and other sustainable initiatives that contribute to global environmental integrity. CGI is committed to transparency, accountability, and excellence in all aspects of its operations, partnering with various stakeholders to ensure the success and credibility of its projects. Through its strategic approaches and dedicated team, CGI strives to create significant environmental impact and sustainable value for communities and ecosystems around the world, ensuring all areas of the landscape receive their fair share.

Withdrawal of Kariba REDD+ Project and Chirisa REDD Project from the VCS GHG Program. Read More »

Carbon Green Breathes Fresh air Carbon Green and the initiatives we champion stand robustly independent.

The recent headline “Carbon Offset Market in Chaos as African Mega Project Collapses.” misrepresents the facts, while we embrace the spotlight, the suggestion of the downfall of what is touted as “the world’s second-largest project” is indicative of the persistent attempts to undermine our endeavour’s and eager to cast us as the fall guy.

We too acknowledge the press release issued by South Pole and are surprised by the remarks of their spokesperson. Our understanding was that the termination of our collaboration was mutually agreed upon. As posted on our website on October 19th, when the mutual termination agreement was executed.

From the start of this media onslaught, Carbon Green has been consistently cast as the fall guy. The initially disclosed financial data, coupled with the subsequent spread of erroneous figures, left us in a difficult position, which compelled us to try and rectify these inconsistencies, which gave an illusion of misappropriated funds.

Local management has always been at the helm of daily operations and project execution; thus, concluding agreements is a matter of course. Carbon Green has built these projects over 12 years, amidst much sterner challenges. The Kariba REDD project and the Chirisa REDD project will proceed without question, adhering to Zimbabwe’s laws and VERRA’s standards.

Our integrity and a decade-long history of success are only questioned now due to scrutiny of previously associated entities. Carbon Green will continue, drawing on unmatched local expertise, hands-on industry experience, and a resolute passion for showcasing our flagship endeavours. Projects we proudly uphold and commit to serve with the honour and diligence they warrant.

We too aim to underscore VERRA’s stature as a leading authority in the Voluntary Carbon Market, highlighting their integrity to ensure that the stated outputs are transparent and correct, by their willingness to work together for the ultimate goal of mitigating climate change.

Accusations of misappropriated funds are speculative at best. Disclosed financial information permitted, is more than adequate to disprove any allegations of malfeasance. Unfortunately, some privy to this ample evidence have chosen to remain silent or have claimed a lack of complete disclosure. The facts speak for themselves to those with less cynicism.

We are grappling with the fallout from twisted truths, out-of-context quotes, and a pervasive misunderstanding of the nuances involved. Our local communities are suffering the most from these distortions, which is an injustice in itself. To date, none of the detractors have offered alternative solutions or reparations to those adversely affected by these misconceptions, perpetrated by the very voices who profess to advocate for them. Nevertheless, we remain undeterred. Our projects continue to thrive, powered by these very communities.

Despite the hurdles, our committed team looks forward to the next decade. We’re excited to continue our engagement directly with stakeholders and authorities, providing insights into our operations, the personalities involved, and the continued success we achieve. While evolving into a unique Living Landscape which guarantees ecological sustainability.

Carbon Green wishes to set the record straight with the following facts:

The Kariba REDD+ Project is diligently aligning with the latest regulatory frameworks established by the Zimbabwean government. Our team is in direct communication with the relevant ministries to ensure our operations and registrations are fully compliant with new legislation. Carbon Green remains steadfast in honoring our commitment to the projects, maintaining respect and integrity for all legitimate beneficiaries, regulatory authorities, and ourselves.

We did attempt to rectify misinterpreted statements. It is disappointing to note that while journalists have shown considerable zeal for minute details, they have not exercised the same rigor in ensuring factual correctness. Information gleaned from conversations, not interviews, which carry context and detail, had comments cherry picked to portray events and create an image suitable to a storyline. No consent was given to disseminate information amongst peers as there would be no understanding of the context during such conversations.

References to individuals and other entities seem designed to cast aspersions, ostensibly to support unfounded charges of impropriety and misrepresentation. Clarifications were provided to the fact-checking teams of the involved publications, which went unamended. We have choosen not to amplify the authors’ notoriety through direct confrontation.

Past negative perceptions associated with our nation not only deterred potential clients from engaging, but also affected our financial transactions. This said, Carbon Green has never partaken in any unlawful activities, and any suggestions to the contrary are categorically denied, lacking in context or substantiation.

The claims made by an individual in one report stem from personal discontent, due to their unmet commitments ending in legal proceedings. It is crucial to state that these legal proceedings did not involve Carbon Green, the Kariba REDD Project or the Chirisa REDD Project.

We categorically state that no entities involved in trophy hunting have any claim to carbon revenues. Thus, the assertion that a leaseholder has not received revenue is accurate, as they do not possess carbon rights as their operations are trophy hunting. The other unnamed claimant should direct their claim to the appropriate authority, who receives this revenue when there is no leaseholder in place.

We would like to commend our government on establishing the statutory instrument and providing regulatory framework for all carbon projects to be guided by going forward. Carbon Green have provided the requisite information to comply with this regulation. Operating without a guiding framework from Government had its difficulties in the past. As such it is naïve to assume that the termination of previous agreements with South Pole will see our project collapse. Government’s new regulations will strengthen operations of the Kariba REDD + project and the Chirisa REDD+ Project and provide opportunities for other Zimbabwean projects as the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe ‘s motto states. “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo” Zimbabwe is built by Zimbabweans”.

It is with deep regret that we find ourselves compelled to correct persistent inaccuracies that have tarnished our reputation. Any statements not founded in truth would only serve to exacerbate our current predicament.

Carbon Green Breathes Fresh air Carbon Green and the initiatives we champion stand robustly independent. Read More »

On The Move

Carbon Green has experienced remarkable growth over the past 12 years, a journey made possible with the support of all our partners. We deeply value and appreciate the contributions of each partner that have paved the way for our successes over the years.
A special mention goes to South Pole Carbon for their enduring support throughout this journey.
However, a time has come for Carbon Green to embark on a new chapter. In collaboration with the Kariba REDD+ and Chirisa REDD+ projects, we have agreed to advance independently of South Pole. This new direction embraces our vision that sees the projects entirely owned and operated as Zimbabwean initiatives.

On The Move Read More »