FORESTCARBOVISION Hosts Fourth Living Lab on Individual & Community Benefits of Forest Carbon Farming

Green Skibbereen, the Irish partner in the FORESTCARBOVISION project, recently hosted the fourth Living Lab online. The webinar explored when and how individuals and communities can benefit from forest carbon farming.

Presentations covered forest digital twins using UAV LiDAR technology, community forestry in Finland, and carbon farming funding options in Ireland. Breakout discussions examined pathways, equity, trust, and policy.

The session reviewed six carbon farming models from around the world.

In the Netherlands, a 5.59 hectare former dairy farm transitioned to a certified food forest in 2025 with 870 tCO₂ credits in circulation. In Hungary, researchers modelled shelterbelt plantations under the EU Carbon Removal and Carbon Farming Regulation (CRCF) protocols, where CAP funding financed establishment and carbon credits provide additional income. In Sweden, a partnership between Arbonics and Treebula gives private forest owners access to carbon markets using artificial intelligence and satellite analysis. In Massachusetts, USA, three towns pooled their watershed forests because none had enough land alone. In Ohio, USA, a 64 acre village owned forest generates carbon credits while operating as a public park. In China, the Sichuan Biogas Programme, a Gold Standard certified project, has installed biogas digesters in 400,000 households, reaching approximately 1.2 million people.

Across these six case studies, several common lessons emerged. Small scale holdings can generate verified carbon credits while producing food and restoring biodiversity. Combining public funding from the Common Agricultural Policy with carbon credit revenue creates a viable financial pathway. Technology can lower the barrier for individual owners. Collaboration creates scale. Carbon finance can fund public amenities. And carbon finance can deliver health, jobs and gender equity.

Feedback from participants was positive. All respondents rated the event positively and found the information clear. Perceived small land size and complexity were the top barriers. Direct income from carbon credits was the most desired benefit, and biodiversity was selected as the most valued co benefit by 88% of respondents.

The most requested next step was joining the Forest Carbon Peer Network. Attendees also expressed interest in testing draft toolkit chapters, attending site visits, and sharing case studies. A Padlet board is open for ongoing conversation.

The FORESTCARBOVISION project runs until April 2028 and is co-funded by the European Union through the Interreg Northern Periphery and Arctic Programme 2021 to 2027.

Stakeholder Feedback

Recording: https://youtu.be/c3L0z15leq8

All Living Lab recordings: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjxesWGyBZRzmYZ-dspiaok3eWvdQWlri&si=Uvqlh17yr1qNTJlK