From Logging to Legacy: Seram Climate and Conservation (SERCOVA)

The SERCOVA Project, spanning 73,365 ha in the Wallacea Region of Seram Island, faced significant challenges in transitioning from logging to protected forest management under the Improved Forest Management (IFM) approach. Eligible IFM areas covered 56,189 ha of Primary and Secondary Forest, requiring rigorous carbon assessment to comply with the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) VM0010 methodology.

The region’s unique biodiversity—home to 66 High Conservation Value (HCV) species and classified as Key Biodiversity Areas (KBA) and Endemic Bird Areas (EBA)—was under constant threat from illegal logging and deforestation. Moreover, socioeconomic conditions were dire. The project targeted 56% of the poor population in East Seram District, Maluku Province, where 13 surrounding villages, including 21,437 people (9,881 women), faced poverty and limited opportunities.

The project aims to enhance forest management, conserve biodiversity, and improve the resilience and wellbeing of Indigenous People and Local Communities (IPLC) through a series of targeted activities. The primary goals are to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, conserve HCV species, and improve the livelihoods and climate resilience of IPLCs.

Gaia Indonesia employed a multi-faceted approach, aligning the project with Verra’s VCS and Climate, Community, and Biodiversity (CCB) standards to achieve Gold Level certification. Forest rehabilitation, biodiversity monitoring, climate adaptation training, and the promotion of climate-smart livelihood options were central to this approach, with special emphasis on prioritizing vulnerable groups and ensuring inclusive decision-making processes.

For carbon accounting, Gaia implemented 30 nested sampling plots along six transects, ensuring compliance with VCS requirements by achieving a 10% error and 95% confidence interval. Biodiversity efforts protected critical habitats, engaging local communities in conservation and increasing awareness. Livelihood improvement initiatives empowered IPLCs, focusing on capacity-building, climate-smart agriculture, and gender mainstreaming. Activities followed Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) principles, targeting marginalized groups such as women-led households and the poorest families.