World Network of Biosphere Reserves in Africa

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Most people have heard of carbon offsetting, where we compensate for all, or part of our carbon footprint, by paying other people to reduce carbon. "So this concept insetting, it is looking at emission from a slightly different perspective or lens than in relation to offsetting." This new approach is an example of what can be called shared value creation. It's based on the idea of forming new positive relationships, but seeks to create carbon reductions from within an existing network. Every single organization on the planet is responsible for releasing carbon dioxide into the earth's atmosphere and contributing to climate change. How much depends on what we do. What we make, how we transport thingsm how we heat our buildings, and a whole host of other variables. The emissions that occur from the business can be looked at in terms of not just emissions from the operation of the business, but also activities that occur in supply chain, customers, maybe neighbours or partners. The idea is to work with those customers or suppliers or neighbours or other partners to create reductions within their areas of activity." In other words, you look at the people you are already working with, the people you buy from, the people you sell to, you're stakeholders, and you look to form carbon reduction projects with these people. Carbon Insetting offers great potential for creating shared value and carbon management, and the Plan Vivo network is actively looking opportunities. Cristina Talens, from Source UK, has recently launched Climate Change Coffee, where participating Plan Vivo farmers are being paid to plant trees to help manage the carbon footprint of this news ethical coffee brand. "It is basically 30 communities of Mayan and Mestiz farmers, 2000 farmers, reforesting an area around Ocote Biosphere Reservee. We are loosing the world's forests at an alarming rate. They are effectively creating a buffer zone. This buffer zone is going to protect 2000 plant species and 5500 animal species in this incredible, beautiful area." Plan Vivo has been promoting this kind of holistic approach. "From the business perspective you're often doing things that actually make your business more competitive, create cost reductions, create added value for your customers and create things that reflect well on your business." Progressive mainstream retailers are also looking at working within their existing networks to reduce carbon emissions. Ben Norbury, from The Cooperative Group, sees great potential for this news relationship strengthening version of carbon offsetting. "We wanted to develop cooperatives and as a cooperative, there is a whole international community and we all try and we all try an encourage the cooperative business model." Done well, this approach assists vulnerable communities. strengthening livelihoods and protecting ecosystems.