Executive Summary

Carbon Sequestration Project (CSP) is a joint initiative of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF). The project has been under implementation in Hosseinabad-Gheinab area (Southern Khorasan Province) since the middle of 2003. According to the Project Document, the project will be completed in the middle of 2009. Having been marked as one of the most successful project of UNDP in Iran, the Project has been decided to run through a second phase for another 5 years in the same region. UNDP is taking necessary measures to secure the approval of the second phase. The project aims to develop a model for the sequestration of atmospheric Carbon by plant species that are adapted to the dry climate conditions of Iran’s rangelands. The project uses a participatory management approach to alleviate human poverty by better conservation and protection of natural resources. During 2005, the activities of the Carbon Sequestration Project had been focused on the formation of local community organizations (Village Development Groups, VDGs). In 2006, the main focus was shifted to strengthening and official registration of the VDGs. In 2007, the project efforts were focused on further strengthening of VDGs and pulling them together under the overall umbrella of Al-Qadir village development cooperative company. Attention was also given to the marketing of the products produced by VDGs. In 2008, the project put further efforts on the empowerment of the VDGs and the operationalization of Al-Qadir Cooperative. The management structure of the project constitutes a Project Management Cell (PMC), a Project Review Committee (PRC), and a Project Steering Committee (CMB).