tasc - Grassland Restoration & Stewardship in South Africa
The world’s first registered VM0042 project on Verra’s Verified Carbon Standard
South AfricaRegenerative AgricultureCounts towards net neutralityBuyer ProtectionCarbon Removal
tasc - Grassland Restoration & Stewardship in South Africa
Project Overview
Developed by
Winners of Environmental Finance’s Voluntary Carbon Market Awards (2024)
#100
Years intended project longevity
#20
Million tonnes of CO2e forecast to be abated by 2030
This project supports rural communal farmers in South Africa by combining regenerative land management with tangible economic benefits. In partnership with Meat Naturally Africa, farmers receive essential veterinary services, training in rotational grazing, and guidance on restoring grassland soils, all of which improve herd health, enhance productivity, and unlock carbon revenue sharing opportunities. Mobile cattle auctions connect farmers directly to meat markets, while seasonal shearing services and wool sales strengthen income streams for sheep farmers.
By increasing access to markets and boosting product quality, the project helps farmers secure higher prices and greater financial stability. Building on its success, the initiative is expanding to include commercial and emerging farmers, with the first carbon credits from these new groups set to be issued in 2025.
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What is Regenerative Agriculture?
Regenerative agriculture is a farming method that focuses on restoring and enhancing soil health by using practices like planting diverse crops together and reducing soil disturbance, such as heavy tilling. This approach helps the soil become richer in microbes, which in turn makes it more effective at capturing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. By increasing biodiversity and fostering a healthy ecosystem in the soil, regenerative agriculture not only supports better crop yields but also contributes to long-term carbon storage, making the soil more "hungry" for CO2.
This method is gaining significant support from both scientific communities and major companies. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has recognised regenerative agriculture as an important practice for enhancing soil carbon storage and mitigating climate change. Companies like Unilever, Boston Consulting Group, and IBM have invested in regenerative agriculture initiatives, demonstrating strong corporate support for this sustainable farming practice.
Research
Quantifying soil carbon sequestration from regenerative agriculture
The project is listed on the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) registry for Methodology VM0042 (project number: 2931).
AI Quality Framework
Senken follows a 500+ datapoint AI Quality Framework to select and onboard project developers. Only 5% of the projects we assess score high enough to make it into customer portfolios.
Socioeconomic Impact
The project strengthens rural livelihoods by equipping communal farmers with veterinary care, regenerative farming training, and access to carbon revenue sharing. Through partnerships such as Meat Naturally Africa, farmers benefit from improved herd health, organised mobile cattle auctions, and wool market access, enabling them to secure higher prices and greater economic stability. Seasonal shearing services and expanded market connections further boost income opportunities. By engaging commercial and emerging farmers, the initiative is set to broaden its reach across South Africa’s agricultural landscape, fostering sustainable land use and long-term community resilience.
Environmental Impact
The project restores South Africa’s grassy biomes by reintroducing rotational grazing and planned resting periods, allowing grassland soils to recover and store more carbon. Improved fire management, including the creation of firebreaks and the provision of equipment, helps prevent uncontrolled bushfires, protecting biodiversity and reducing emissions. Healthier and better-managed herds with optimised genetics and reduced walking distances contribute to lower methane output and less pressure on surrounding ecosystems. These combined efforts enhance soil health, increase carbon sequestration, and promote the long-term resilience of landscapes across the Drakensberg sub-escarpment and beyond.
Senken's Take
This project stands out as a model for integrated climate and community action in South Africa’s grassy biomes. By combining regenerative land management with robust socio-economic programs, it not only sequesters significant amounts of carbon but also builds resilience for rural farmers. The initiative’s focus on rotational grazing, soil restoration, fire prevention, and improved herd health delivers measurable environmental benefits, while veterinary support, market access, and carbon revenue sharing empower local communities. With a clear pathway to scale across one million hectares by 2030, this project offers investors and buyers a rare opportunity to support high-quality carbon credits that deliver tangible, lasting impact for both people and the planet.
High Quality Nature-Based Removal (NbS)
Regenerating 1 Million hectares by 2030
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