Wildlife Works is the world’s leading REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation), project development and management company with an effective approach to applying innovative market based solutions to the conservation of biodiversity. REDD+ was originated by the United Nations (UN… read more) to help stop the destruction of the world’s forests.
Over a 15 year history Wildlife Works established a successful model that uses the emerging marketplace for REDD+ Carbon Offsets to protect threatened forests, wildlife, and communities.
The company helps local landowners in the developing world monetize their forest and biodiversity assets whether they are governments, communities, ownership groups, or private individuals.
In 2011, the Wildlife Works Kasigau Corridor REDD+ Project was successfully validated and verified under the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) and the Climate, Community and Biodiversity Standard (CCB). This was the world’s first REDD+ project to receive issuance of carbon credits and is the world’s first VCS REDD+ mega-project, in that it will result in the avoidance of over 1 million tonnes of CO2-e emissions per year for the next 30 years.
Wildlife Works’ ground-breaking REDD+ initiative protects over 500,000 acres of highly threatened Kenyan forest, securing the entire wildlife migration corridor between Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks, and brings the benefits of direct carbon financing to more than 100,000 people in the surrounding communities.
“REDD+ brings a positive change to our region with real and direct solutions for poverty alleviation that will uplift our community” said Chief Kizaka of Kasigau Location in the Voi District who represents over 12,000 people. Chief Kizaka added; “This is not charity. Carbon money helps us meet basic needs and improve our lifestyle. The money is earned through conservation activities that afford us the ability to protect our environment.”
The Kasigau Corridor REDD+ project was awarded the additional distinction of Gold level status by the CCB for exceptional biodiversity and climate benefits. The project area is home to a fantastic diversity of over 50 species of large mammals, more than 20 species of bats and over 300 species of birds and important populations of IUCN Red List species such as; Grevy’s Zebra, Cheetah, Lion, African Wild Dog as well as over 2000 African elephants.
The essence of the Wildlife Works REDD+ conservation strategy is based on job creation. Jobs create a viable alternative for people that have previously had to destroy their environment just to survive.
Some of the jobs created at our REDD+ projects include; conservation rangers, factory workers, horticulturalists, machinists, seamstresses, foresters, carpenters, construction workers, drivers, mechanics and administrative personnel. The company also finances the development of small businesses such as an eco-clothing factory, and sustainable charcoal production and distribution.
Wildlife Works is currently developing a portfolio of high quality REDD+ projects in Africa, Asia, Central and South America to protect 5 Million hectares of native forest that will mitigate 25 million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually and create thousands of sustainable jobs.