In a major win for the planet and local communities, a South African initiative has just achieved a global first in the world of nature-based finance. The project has officially issued the first-ever carbon credits to carry the Climate, Community and Biodiversity (CCB) label under Verra’s rigorous new VM0042 methodology. With 266,255 Verified Carbon Units (VCUs) now on the market, this move provides a high-integrity blueprint for how saving nature can directly fuel economic growth.
The Grassland Restoration and Stewardship in South Africa (GRASS) project, led by specialist developer TASC, is taking on a massive environmental challenge: nearly a third of the country’s grasslands are currently degraded. By teaching regenerative grazing across 235,000 acres, the project isn't just capturing carbon; it's bringing the soil back to life and ensuring that lush grass cover returns to stay.
What makes this project truly special is who is doing the work. Over 4,000 communal livestock farmers—who have historically been cut off from formal markets—are the heart of the operation. Through a partnership with Meat Naturally Africa, these farmers aren't just getting carbon checks; they are getting professional training, veterinary support, and access to mobile auctions. This has already pumped an incredible $3.35 million (56.4 million Rand) in extra revenue back into these rural areas, while creating 300 new jobs in vital roles like fire management and biodiversity monitoring.
The voluntary carbon market has recently seen a push for more transparency, and the GRASS project is answering that call. By using the VM0042 methodology, every ounce of carbon is measured with scientific precision to ensure the impact is real. The added CCB label serves as a ‘seal of quality,’ proving that the project doesn't just help the atmosphere—it protects wildlife and empowers people. As Shelley Estcourt, CEO of TASC Africa, puts it: ‘At a time when scrutiny of carbon markets is intensifying, GRASS demonstrates what high-integrity carbon can achieve: real emissions reductions, restored landscapes, and tangible benefits for communities that are often left behind.’
This is only the beginning of a 100-year legacy. TASC is already working to scale this model to two million hectares across both communal and private lands. If the project meets its targets, it could mitigate over 14 million tonnes of CO2e in the next three decades, proving that South Africa is a global leader in the transition toward sustainable, community-first land management.