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In Vanuatu, the world’s most vulnerable nation to climate change, Ser-Thiac shows the power of local leadership and resilience. This indigenous landowner business has created the first accredited forest carbon project in the Pacific Islands. Ser-Thiac protects and restores tropical rainforests, sequestering carbon while reducing vulnerability to flooding, drought, and wind damage. In an era where forest carbon projects are large-scale, Ser-Thiac offers a powerful alternative based on indigenous land rights and stewardship that has potential to be replicated across the Western Pacific Islands. As part of the wider Nakau Programme, this initiative has reduced approximately 15,000 tons of CO2 emissions from avoided deforestation and forest regeneration. Ser-Thiac is entirely self-sustaining and will generate income from carbon sales for 30 years, with the option to extend through new generations. The initiative’s innovative financing illustrates a sustainable pathway to protect forests, enhance local livelihoods, and increase climate resilience across the Pacific.

Key Facts:
Equator Prize Winner: 2019
Founded: 2011
Location: Port Vila, Efate, Vanuatu
Ecosystem: Forests

PRESENTED BY: UNDP Equator Initiative
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Jamison Ervin
SENIOR PRODUCER: Louise Rita Contino
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER: Martin Sommerschuh
FIELD PRODUCER: Gregory Francois
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY: Philippe Carillo
POST-PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR: Clara Wetzel
EDITORS: Christopher Kousouros and Luciano Sosa
MUSIC COMPOSER: Parichayaka Hammerl

PRODUCED IN ASSOCIATION WITH: Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), Estée Lauder Companies Inc., What Took You So Long?, Storyhunter, and Nevessa Productions Woodstock

All rights reserved © 2019 UNDP | Equator Initiative.

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