The Farm Gai Kaisa 159 biocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More project, located in Grootfontein, Namibia, has received an “A” climate rating from Sylvera, a global recognition for carbon removal initiatives. Announced on September 1, 2025, the rating acknowledges the project’s credibility, operational effectiveness, and its contributions to climate change mitigation and community well-being. Sylvera’s assessment considered factors such as carbon reductions, additionality, permanence, and co-benefits.

Partners on the project, which include Planboo and Retort CharcoalCharcoal is a black, brittle, and porous material produced by heating wood or other organic substances in a low-oxygen environment. It is primarily used as a fuel source for cooking and heating.   More Producers Pty Ltd, expressed satisfaction with the rating. A director at Retort Charcoal Producers, Colin Malan Lindeque, stated that the recognition boosts the project’s standing and indicates to the market that it is generating high-quality carbon credits. He noted that integrity is a critical aspect of the carbon credit market, and this rating provides assurance for buyers.

The project addresses the issue of invasive Acacia bush in the Namibian savannah by converting the harvested biomassBiomass is a complex biological organic or non-organic solid product derived from living or recently living organism and available naturally. Various types of wastes such as animal manure, waste paper, sludge and many industrial wastes are also treated as biomass because like natural biomass these More into biochar, which is then incorporated into the soil. This process effectively sequesters carbon, aids in the restoration of degraded ecosystems, and enhances grazing land for both livestock and wildlife. The Farm Gai Kaisa 159 project is recognized as one of Africa’s largest Puro.earth biochar carbon removal projects – operational since June 2022.

The initiative currently harvests biomass from 35,000 hectares and applies biochar to 300 hectares annually, with the potential to scale across 45 million hectares of bush-encroached land. This land is thought to have a potential biomass availability of 1.6 billion tonnes of biomass, due to bush encroachment.

SOURCE: Farm Gai Kaisa biochar project in Namibia awarded top climate rating