Smart Net-Zero

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The Technical Guidance Handbook provides essential support for developing result-based payment schemes for carbon farming in the EU. Funded by the European Commission, this Handbook is part of a broader study aimed at advancing carbon farming practices linked to climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Purpose: The Handbook is designed for public authorities, NGOs, private organizations, and specialists involved in carbon farming. It offers guidance on implementing result-based schemes, focusing on practical application, feasibility assessment, development, and stakeholder engagement.

Key Insights

• Background and Context: The Handbook builds on two key reports: a review of existing carbon farming schemes and detailed case studies of emerging initiatives in the EU. These reports highlight thematic areas such as peatland restoration, agroforestry, soil organic carbon management, and livestock carbon audits.
• Guidance Overview:
  • Chapter 2: Introduces carbon farming and result-based payments, emphasizing their relevance in the EU context.
  • Chapter 3: Details the initial feasibility assessment for carbon farming schemes.
  • Chapter 4: Outlines the planning process, including resources, funding, and governance.
  • Chapter 5: Guides the setup of result-based schemes from development to evaluation.
  • Chapter 6: Stresses the importance of stakeholder engagement, capacity building, and transparency.
  • Chapter 7: Discusses strategies for facilitating the adoption of carbon farming schemes.
  • Chapter 8: Summarizes findings and recommendations from case studies.