Fig. 1: Concept of the GCS
The Global Conservation Standard
The Global Conservation Standard (GCS) certifies ecosystem services in public and private owned forest/protected areas for carbon offsetting and marketing. Funds generated through the sale of conservation credit units (CCUs) of the forest area are invested in the conservation and promotion of sustainable production in the project area, which is divided into a conservation and a buffer zone with commercial activity.
- Technical and financial assistance from project partners is available to do pre-feasibility studies to implement the standard.
- Consent among and conservation agreements between the parties promote the sustainability of ecosystems.
- A thorough review of international standards is important to identify areas where implementing a conservation standard is possible.
- The selection of a standard defines and orientates the whole and following establishment process.
- The information collected in the standards review is used in discussions with stakeholders as well as potential national / local investors to provide a solid foundation for informed selection of mechanisms to finance conservation of coastal and marine resources.