How does the Plan Vivo System work?

1. Activities that have the potential to provide local benefits are identified in consultation with communities.
2. The carbon offset potential of these activities is calculated in a transparent and conservative manner and set out in evidence-based technical specifications
3. Producers submit simple ‘plan vivo’ management plans to a local trust fund. These are evaluated against the technical specifications and registered on a central Plan Vivo database.
4. Monitoring is carried out regularly to check the volume of carbon credits generated.
5. Carbon transactions are recorded on the database.

What are the main components of the system?

The system has three main components that are built-up during the process of project development:

• Organisations - institutions and groups with agreed responsibilities
• Technical specifications - technical descriptions of carbon offset activities
• Systems and procedures - documented procedures and records

Who can use the system?

The Plan Vivo System is designed for use by any organisation working with small-scale producers and communities in developing countries to promote sustainable development. The development of a Plan Vivo project will involve local organisations that can carry out the various technical and administrative roles in the Plan Vivo System; communities and farmers organisations and technical support services.

For more information on how to develop a Plan Vivo project go to the Plan Vivo Manual.

A project registration service is also available on this web site. For more information go to registration.