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Varaha – ARR in South India

Enhancing the livelihoods of tribal communities through afforestation in South India

IndiaAfforestation, Reforestation, and Revegetation

Counts towards net zero

Buyer Protection

Awarded a BBB rating Carbon Removal

Project Overview

Developed by Varaha

#5,789

Onboarded farmers

#8,600

Hectares onboarded

#57,000

Tonnes of carbon sequestered

In Southern India, our ARR project is being implemented in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka to promote the plantation of native trees including fruit and nut trees like Cashew, Mango, Guava, Citrus, Oil Palm.

The project activity will lead to considerable carbon sequestration in the areas, preserve topsoil run-offs during heavy rains, and lead to a considerable increase in the income of the farmers. All credits generated from this project are classified as removal credits. Starting in 2020, considered the baseline year, the project initially covered 3,500 hectares and is projected to expand to 75,000 hectares by 2029, maintaining this area until 2040. The project has a 20-year crediting period, with the possibility of renewal.

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What is Afforestation, Reforestation, and Revegetation (ARR)?

ARR is a method of restoring forest cover in areas that have been deforested or degraded, as well as planting trees in regions that have not been previously forested. This approach involves planting native and resilient tree species to sequester CO2 from the atmosphere while supporting biodiversity and improving ecosystem health.

In addition to capturing CO2, ARR projects provide critical environmental benefits, such as enhancing water cycles, preventing soil erosion, and creating habitats for wildlife. These projects also have socio-economic advantages, offering employment opportunities and sustainable resources for local communities.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has identified reforestation as a crucial tool for carbon sequestration. Global support is growing, with companies and organisations recognising ARR as an effective and scalable solution for addressing climate change.

Research

Sylvera ARR Ratings Framework

Sylvera's ARR Carbon Credit Ratings Framework provides a rigorous evaluation process for afforestation, reforestation, and revegetation projects.

Webinar Recording - A Buyer's Guide to Afforestation, Reforestation, and Revegetation (ARR)

Discussions around how ARR effectively removes CO2 from the atmosphere by enhancing natural processes, featuring valuable insights from leading experts.

Project Certifications and Claims

Verra

The project is listed on the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) registry for Methodology AR-ACM0003.

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

Varaha’s South India ARR project places rural farming communities at the centre of sustainable growth. By introducing agroforestry systems with native fruit and nut trees, the initiative diversifies farmer incomes, improves food security, and reduces dependence on volatile crop markets. Training in climate-resilient land management equips smallholders with skills that strengthen long-term productivity and stability. Transparent carbon revenue sharing ensures farmers directly benefit from climate finance, fostering local empowerment and creating a foundation for lasting economic resilience.

Environmental Impact

Varaha’s South India ARR project restores degraded agricultural lands by integrating native fruit and nut trees into diverse agroforestry systems. These practices enhance carbon sequestration, rebuild soil health, and improve water retention, creating more resilient landscapes. By increasing habitat complexity, the project supports biodiversity recovery, including pollinators and other key species. Over time, these restored ecosystems contribute to regional climate regulation and strengthen the natural resource base for future generations.

12. Responsible Consumption and Production

Senken's Take

Restoring degraded farmland in South India, this ARR project combines climate action with tangible community benefits. By introducing native fruit and nut trees into smallholder agroforestry systems, it delivers long-term carbon sequestration while improving soil health, water retention, and biodiversity. Farmers receive training in sustainable land management and share directly in carbon revenue, ensuring both environmental permanence and economic resilience. With its strong additionality, clear co-benefits, and transparent impact tracking, this project represents a high-integrity nature-based solution we are confident to recommend.

Nature-based with premium quality

Contributes to the majority of UN Sustainable Development Goals