Preferred by Nature: Driving carbon project success with local expertise

Aligned with our mission to restore ecosystems and enhance biodiversity, we have expanded our activities to support these critical efforts. We’ve recently been accredited to provide audits against Verra, the Gold Standard and Plan Vivo standards to support carbon sequestration initiatives. By working with local experts, we enhance the effectiveness of our carbon project services.

“We believe that working with local experts is key to the success of our validation and verification services,” María Sosa Llopis, Preferred by Nature Senior Carbon Project Specialist responsible for carbon accounting. 

“Their deep understanding of the local context ensures that our assessments are accurate and our project audits are effectively implemented,” explained María.

Preferred by Nature is currently operating in more than 100 countries, with full-time staff based in over 50 countries. We’ve collaborated with a wide network of local experts over the past 30 years, ensuring both global reach and deep local understanding. 

With carbon project services being the newest addition to our portfolio, we expect to use the same approach to drive credibility for these services.

“Local experts bring invaluable insights and build trust within communities. Their involvement is crucial for the cultural acceptance of our project audits. By relying on experienced auditors who serve as local experts, we enhance the expertise of our validation/verification services and ensure our presence is felt all over the world.”

Pablo Rodríguez Noriega

Climate and Restoration Programme Manager - Preferred by Nature

At Preferred by Nature, we prioritise carbon projects related to forestry and agriculture. Nature-based Solutions (NbS), such as reforestation, afforestation, improved forest management, and wetland restoration, naturally sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. These projects generate carbon credits, which can be traded in carbon markets.

NbS are increasingly recognised for their potential to address multiple global challenges, including climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation. Such initiatives are implemented globally with significant activities across various continents. In Kenya and Ivory Coast, for instance, we are working with local experts from Preferred by Nature in the validation and verification of two agroforestry carbon projects that promote sustainable land use, enhancing both carbon sequestration and agricultural productivity.

The inclusion of local experts in international validation and verification audits for carbon projects is, therefore, indispensable.

Local experts bring a wealth of deep local knowledge, understanding the geographical, ecological and socio-economic contexts in which carbon projects operate. Their insights ensure that assessments are acute and relevant, especially in regions with unique ecological characteristics or significant traditional knowledge.

Moreover, their cultural sensitivity and ability to engage with communities facilitate better communication and foster trust between auditors and local stakeholders. This ensures community voices are heard and respected, aiding in culturally appropriate project design and implementation.

Local experts are familiar with country-specific regulatory frameworks and can navigate complex legal landscapes more effectively than international auditors alone. Their familiarity with local laws increases the chance for compliance, reducing legal risks and enhancing audit credibility.

Fluency in local languages allows these experts to bridge communication gaps, providing clear and precise information exchange. This minimises misunderstandings and errors, leading to more accurate and reliable audit outcomes.

Additionally, engaging local experts is often more cost-effective. It eliminates the need for extensive travel and accommodation expenses for international auditors. Their local connections and logistical familiarity make the audit process faster, saving both time and resources.

For more information, visit our Carbon Projects Validation/Verification Services page.