The first payments under the Grassland Restoration and Stewardship in South Africa Group Project (GRASS GP), led by the global carbon project developer TASC have delivered a total of R2.7 million ($170,000) to 15 farming communities in South Africa.
Developed in partnership with Meat Naturally Africa, the initiative aims to restore degraded rangelands in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal through regenerative grazing, improved livestock management and sustainable land stewardship.
The payments were made following the issuance of 266 254 verified carbon units for the project’s first monitoring period. The project covers over 95 000 hectares, approximately 180 communities, and nearly 10,000 livestock farmers.
These credits are the first in the world to combine the CCB certification with Verra’s VM0042 methodology, confirming the project’s measurable impact on the climate, local communities and biodiversity.
From restored pastures to new income
Unlike traditional environmental finance models, GRASS channels carbon credit revenues directly to local communities through their grazing associations. The funds support activities such as hiring herders, fire control, veterinary care and pasture restoration.
The communities’ share of net revenues is projected to increase over time, exceeding 50% in the first 10 years and reaching up to 80% by the 20th year.
The project is already generating other economic benefits as well. Thanks to improved market access, mobile livestock auctions, and wool-shearing services, participating farmers have generated additional income of approximately R56.4 million (~$3.5 million).
The GRASS project also invests in building local capacity. Through the “Ecoranger” program, hundreds of community members have been trained in regenerative pasture management, biodiversity monitoring, fire prevention and control and the management of invasive species.This creates a network of local land managers who are directly involved in the restoration and long-term management of pasturelands.
“This first payment demonstrates that high-integrity carbon finance can deliver tangible benefits for those restoring and managing these landscapes. Carbon credits are often discussed in terms of tons and markets, but their long-term value depends on creating durable economic opportunities for the people who make these projects possible. These first payments are only the beginning,” said Shelley Estcourt, CEO of TASC Africa.
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“GRASS has been designed as a long-term partnership and, as the project grows, carbon revenues are intended to become an increasingly important source of investment in local land stewardship and livelihoods.”
Founder and CEO of Meat Naturally Africa, Sarah Frazee, also added: “Communities are not simply beneficiaries of a conservation project. They are active partners in restoring these landscapes and are now beginning to share directly in the value that restoration creates.”
South Africa’s communal rangelands are essential for rural livelihoods, biodiversity and carbon storage. Through GRASS, two million hectares will be restored by 2030, helping prevent around 14 million tons of CO2 emissions over 30 years.
