Only 16% of carbon credits deliver real community benefits while ensuring long-term climate impact. For businesses committed to sustainability, Plan Vivo projects offer a unique solution by combining rigorous carbon sequestration with tangible social and environmental co-benefits. As corporations face increasing pressure to meet net-zero targets and enhance ESG performance, Plan Vivo’s community-led approach provides a credible and impactful way to offset emissions while supporting global sustainable development goals.
In this article, we explore the five best Plan Vivo carbon credit projects of 2025, each rigorously vetted for impact, transparency, and scalability. These projects not only help businesses achieve their climate goals but also create lasting benefits for local communities and ecosystems.
What Is a Carbon Credit?
A carbon credit is a tradable certificate representing one metric ton of carbon dioxide (CO₂) or equivalent greenhouse gases that have been avoided, reduced, or removed from the atmosphere. These credits are generated by projects like reforestation, renewable energy, or sustainable agriculture, which either prevent emissions (for example, by replacing fossil fuels) or sequester carbon (such as through tree planting). Businesses and organizations purchase carbon credits to offset their unavoidable emissions, helping them achieve net-zero targets, comply with regulations, or enhance their ESG credentials.
Each credit is verified by independent standards like Plan Vivo, Gold Standard, or Verra to ensure its legitimacy, preventing double-counting and guaranteeing real climate impact. For B2B buyers, carbon credits provide a measurable way to compensate for emissions while supporting sustainable development and community benefits.
What Is Plan Vivo?
Founded in 1994, Plan Vivo is the oldest smallholder-focused carbon standard, specializing in agroforestry, reforestation, and sustainable land use projects. Unlike other certification standards, Plan Vivo emphasizes community ownership, ensuring that projects are designed by and for local stakeholders. This approach not only secures long-term carbon sequestration but also delivers biodiversity and livelihood co-benefits.
Plan Vivo’s transparent, serialized credits include buffer pools to mitigate reversal risks, making them a trusted choice for businesses. The standard aligns with CSRD, SBTi, and TCFD reporting requirements, and supports Scope 3 emissions strategies for hard-to-abate sectors such as agriculture, fashion, and consumer goods. With over two decades of experience, Plan Vivo has established itself as a leader in high-integrity, community-based carbon projects.
The 5 Best Plan Vivo Carbon Credit Projects of 2025
Tahiry Honko – Madagascar (Mangrove Restoration)
The Tahiry Honko project is the world’s largest mangrove carbon project, restoring over 1,200 hectares of degraded mangrove ecosystems in southwest Madagascar. Led by local communities, it combines carbon sequestration with coastal protection and fisheries improvement.
This project removes an estimated 1.1 million tons of CO₂ over 20 years while providing biodiversity conservation, storm surge protection, and sustainable livelihoods for more than 12,000 people. Certified by Plan Vivo and CCB (Climate, Community & Biodiversity) Gold Level, Tahiry Honko is ideal for businesses with supply chains linked to coastal regions, such as seafood, shipping, and tourism. Companies like Microsoft and Shell have already integrated Tahiry Honko credits into their sustainability strategies, making it a proven choice for high-integrity offsets.
CommuniTree – Nicaragua (Agroforestry & Reforestation)
CommuniTree is a smallholder-driven agroforestry project working with over 1,200 farmers to restore degraded lands by planting native tree species alongside crops. The project focuses on sustainable timber, fruit, and fodder production, removing an estimated 500,000 tons of CO₂ over 30 years.
In addition to carbon sequestration, CommuniTree improves soil regeneration, water conservation, and farm incomes. Its dual income streams for farmers—carbon payments plus crop sales—make it a scalable model for agricultural supply chains. The project’s Fair Trade certification adds another layer of credibility for corporate buyers.
Trees for Global Benefits – Uganda (Multi-Species Reforestation)
As Uganda’s longest-running Plan Vivo project, Trees for Global Benefits has planted over 15 million trees across more than 10,000 farms. The project supports diverse species for timber, fruit, and ecosystem services, with a particular focus on women’s empowerment—60% of participants are women.
With over 800,000 tons of CO₂ removed to date, this project offers proven track records since 2003 with high tree survival rates (85%+). It has been adopted by major corporations like Unilever, Ben & Jerry’s, and Patagonia for Scope 3 offsets, and provides flexible engagement options for CSR and ESG reporting.
Ethiotrees – Ethiopia (Dryland Reforestation)
The Ethiotrees project restores degraded drylands in Ethiopia’s Tigray and Amhara regions through community-managed tree planting. It focuses on indigenous species selected for drought tolerance and long-term carbon storage, removing an estimated 300,000 tons of CO₂ annually.
Beyond carbon benefits, Ethiotrees improves soil fertility, reduces desertification, and creates rural jobs. It aligns with Ethiopia’s national reforestation goals and is ideal for corporations with African operations or supply chains. The project holds both Plan Vivo and Gold Standard certifications.
ArBolivia – Bolivia (Amazon Reforestation & Agroforestry)
ArBolivia works with indigenous and farming communities in the Bolivian Amazon to restore deforested lands through agroforestry and native species planting. The project removes approximately 250,000 tons of CO₂ annually while creating biodiversity corridors and supporting sustainable Brazil nut production.
As an indigenous-led initiative, ArBolivia ensures cultural and ecological integrity. It has received support from companies like The Body Shop and Lush Cosmetics, making it an excellent choice for businesses prioritizing biodiversity and indigenous rights.
Comparative Analysis
Project Name | Location | Project Type | Annual CO₂ Removal | Key SDGs Addressed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Tahiry Honko | Madagascar | Mangrove Restoration | 1.1M (20-year) | 13, 14, 15 |
CommuniTree | Nicaragua | Agroforestry | 500K (30-year) | 1, 2, 13, 15 |
Trees for Global Benefits | Uganda | Multi-Species Reforestation | 800K+ | 1, 5, 13, 15 |
Ethiotrees | Ethiopia | Dryland Reforestation | 300K | 1, 13, 15 |
ArBolivia | Bolivia | Amazon Agroforestry | 250K | 1, 13, 15 |
How to Procure Plan Vivo Credits for Your Business
For organizations looking to invest in high-integrity Gold Standard carbon credits, there are several pathways to procurement:
Procurement Options:
Purchase credits directly from project developers or through reputable carbon marketplaces.
Work with specialized advisors who can help tailor a carbon offsetting strategy to your needs.
Expert Guidance: Many companies offer end-to-end support in creating a carbon offsetting strategy, selecting the right projects, and purchasing credits. If you’d like personalized advice, you can reach out to Regreener and speak with an expert to ensure your investments align with your climate and social impact goals.
Retirement: Once purchased, credits are retired in your organization’s name, ensuring transparency and preventing double-counting.
Tip: Diversify your portfolio by supporting multiple projects across different regions and project types.
Risks and Mitigation for Buyers
While Plan Vivo projects offer numerous benefits, businesses should be aware of potential challenges in the voluntary carbon market. Price volatility can impact budgeting, though locking in contracts early can help mitigate this risk. Reversal risks, though minimal with Plan Vivo’s buffer pools, should also be considered. The standard’s 20+ years of community-led success and less than 1% reversal rate provide reassurance.
Greenwashing concerns can be addressed by prioritizing third-party verified projects and maintaining transparent reporting. Plan Vivo’s annual monitoring reports offer additional compliance assurance for corporate buyers.
The Future of Plan Vivo
Looking ahead to 2025-2030, Plan Vivo projects are poised to play an increasingly important role in corporate sustainability strategies. Emerging opportunities include hybrid projects combining agroforestry with renewable energy, tech integrations like blockchain and satellite monitoring, and alignment with evolving regulations such as the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and U.S. SEC climate rules.
Early adopters of Plan Vivo credits can secure premium offsets before demand increases, gaining a first-mover advantage in supply chain decarbonization. As the voluntary carbon market evolves, Plan Vivo’s community-led approach will continue to set the standard for high-integrity, impactful carbon projects.
Conclusion
Plan Vivo projects offer unmatched integrity, community impact, and relevance for B2B sustainability strategies. From mangrove restoration in Madagascar to agroforestry in Nicaragua and reforestation in Uganda, Ethiopia, and Bolivia, these projects provide measurable climate benefits while supporting local communities and ecosystems.
Ready to take the next step? Whether you're looking to offset emissions, enhance your sustainability strategy, or explore high-integrity carbon projects, expert guidance can help you make the right choices. Contact Regreener today to speak with our team and start your journey toward meaningful climate impact.
