A new tool for managing grasslands is expected to help Chinese farmers embrace sustainable grassland management.

An article on the Sensors and Systems website explains how the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) methodology for grasslands has been developed by the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Chinese Academy of Agriculture Science, the World Agroforestry Centre and the Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology.

Grasslands support livestock and farming families across the world, yet poor management can degrade these lands and threaten future farming. The potential for carbon sequestration in grasslands is considerable provided they are well-managed.

The new tool takes into consideration emission reductions from activities such as improving the rotation of grazing animals between summer and winter pastures, limiting the timing and number of grazing animals on degraded pastures, and restoration of severely degraded grasslands. It also includes a comprehensive module for quantifying any displacement of emissions from livestock leaving the project area.

The tool is expected to be of particular use in China as part of efforts to sustainably feed the country’s growing population while reducing the carbon footprint through emerging carbon markets. It is hoped the tool will facilitate China’s access to international carbon finance to support the restoration of grasslands, increase production, raise household incomes and contribute to food security.

Read the full story: New VCS Methodology to Help Grassland Farmers Sustainably Manage their Land