PROJECT ORANGE ELEPHANT

Calculating CO₂ Sequestration of Orange Trees

Project Overview

Assessment of carbon sequestration in orange trees

SLWCS: Project Orange Elephant

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Summary

The project aims to address the growing need for climate change mitigation through nature-based solutions by evaluating the carbon sequestration potential of orange plantations while assessing the plantation’s eligibility for carbon credit generation.

Objectives

To evaluate the carbon sequestration potential of orange (Citrus sinensis) plantations as a nature-based solution for climate change mitigation.
To assess the potential of the project to generate certified carbon credits for use in voluntary or compliance carbon markets
To promote sustainable agricultural practices by integrating environmental and economic benefits for local communities.

Measurable Objectives

To quantify the annual carbon sequestration per hectare from orange plantations over a defined study period using standardized methodologies
To calculate the total volume of CO₂ equivalent (CO₂e) sequestered and determine the number of potential carbon credits.
To compare sequestration rates across plantation age classes (e.g., young vs mature trees).

Alignment with Organizational Mission/Strategy

Environmental Responsibility: Supports the SLWCS’ commitment to climate action and ecological sustainability through carbon offset initiatives
Community Empowerment: Aligns with efforts to enhance livelihoods by providing farmers with alternative income streams through carbon credit markets.
Data-Driven Solutions: Contributes to evidence-based decision-making and promotes best practices in land use and agroforestry.

Results & Outcomes

Quantitative Results

Tree Age (Years)	Annual CO₂ Sequestration per hectare (Tons)
0-2	512
3-5	278
6 -above	206

Qualitative Outcomes

The project has led to increased awareness and capacity among local communities, with a growing interest in sustainable land-use for both environmental and economic benefits. It fostered stronger collaboration between researchers, funders, and communities, and initiated discussions on linking agriculture with environmental financing, such as carbon markets.

Key strategic insights included recognizing the economic potential of integrating carbon credit mechanisms into farming and exploring certification under standards like Gold Standard and VCS.

The project delivered broad impacts

Social: Promoted climate-smart agriculture awareness.
Economic: Potential to open up revenue opportunities through carbon credits, benefiting rural livelihoods
Environmental: Contributed to CO₂ reduction, biodiversity, and soil health.
Organizational: Strengthened alignment with sustainability goals and improved capacity for green initiatives
Next steps involve piloting carbon credit registration and engaging communities as data contributors, beneficiaries, or partners in training, outreach, and sustainable farming programs

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