zeroCARBON | carbon removal project by zeroCO2

zeroCARBON

A new carbon removal project, for the planet, for the people.

zeroCARBON is a carbon removal program based in Guatemala that helps smallholders growing trees right alongside their crops, restoring ecosystems and boosting livelihoods in the process

who we are

We are project developers specializing in nature-based solutions with high social co-benefits in the region of Petén, Guatemala.

We partner with local farming and indigenous communities to develop reforestation projects that create meaningful social and environmental impact

Values

What makes zeroCARBON different

Our community-based carbon removal project involve over 200 participants, including individuals and cooperatives, ensuring the value generated is reinvested in local communities. Our participants include farming communities of small landowners, agricultural workers, and indigenous Maya (Qʼeqchiʼ) groups.

Social Impact is a priority

While supporting territories and communities in resisting the effects of the climate crisis, we operate with a benefit-sharing model, ensuring that 60% of the wealth generated by the project remains within the local area.

High ecological value project

We work exclusively with native hardwood species, maximising the cultural and economic benefits for the communities involved. Our assisted natural regeneration plan, developed in collaboration with INAB, balances the ecological value of project activities with biodiversity requirements.

Project developers and coordinators: we do it all

With our extensive experience in project development, we have a deep understanding of the territories, along with great flexibility and speed in execution.

Plan Vivo certification

We are (proudly!) certified under the new version of the Plan Vivo Carbon Standard (PV Climate V5) and the first Plan Vivo project in all of Guatemala. Plan Vivo’s PV Climate V5 is recognized by ICROA, the leading consortium of credit intermediaries and buyers.

Discover more on the Plan Vivo website

Transparent communication

We don’t just rely on numbers—we bring them to life. By getting hands-on with the project we support, we gather real, reliable insights to build communication strategies that blend the best of tech and human stories. Together, we’ll craft narratives that are both transparent and impactful, driven by data and designed to connect.

An highly transparent and traceable reforestation project

Transparency is a priority for us, which is why we focus on a carbon removal solution whose performance and KPIs can be monitored through our proprietary satellite-based dMRV system.

Where we work

The zeroCARBON project is developed in the Petén region of Guatemala.

1 Petén region of Guatemala

From 2001 to 2020, Guatemala lost 20% of its forests—equivalent to 1.5 million hectares. The expansion of monoculture agriculture and livestock farming has devastated forests and displaced local farmers. Through our project, we aim to make a tangible difference by promoting education, reducing poverty, and restoring the environment.

2 Local communities involved

zeroCARBON is being implemented across 9 of the 14 municipalities in the Petén department of Guatemala, engaging more than 46 local farming communities and 209 participants to date. The farmers involved come from diverse backgrounds, predominantly vulnerable families with limited access to basic services.

3 Gender and ethnic diversity

The project respects gender and ethnic diversity. Participants include Maya, Ladino and a growing group of Q’eqchi’ migrants, reflecting the demographic development of the region.

Certification

Proudly certified by

Plan Vivo is an international certification standard for community land-use projects, with a strong focus on climate, social, and environmental benefits.

Founded over 25 years ago, it is one of the longest-standing and most respected standards in the voluntary carbon market. We chose to obtain a Plan Vivo certification due to the alignment of our values.

Plan Vivo’s goals

1. Poverty Reduction:
Providing sustainable livelihoods to communities in degraded environments.
2. Environmental restoration:
Helping safeguard communities from climate change and biodiversity loss.
3. Local Capacity Building:
Transferring knowledge, skills, and resources to developing countries.

Project size (ha)

738

Expected project size by 2028 (ha)

2300

CO2 that will be removed

167k t

Farming communities joining

211

Do you want to learn more about zeroCARBON and see how you could participate?