Project process

The cooperation contract - a partnership agreement
In case of a positive evaluation of a project by PrimaKlima, the partners sign a cooperation contract. Essential contents of this agreement are:

• Definition of the project area,
• Defining a project period between 35-100 years,
• Objectives and main activities of the project,
• Payments to be made by PrimaKlima,
• Assignment of rights to the carbon-ecological effects,
• Content from the area of monitoring,
• For major projects: Contents of extended project management.

When implementing projects is secured due to legal conditions (as is the case in Germany, for example), a simplified contract, which governs the allocation of carbon rights in favor of PrimaKlima, can be written.

Project Implementation - a project becomes reality
When implementing projects, PrimaKlima distinguishes between (1) projects in Germand and small-scale international projects and (2) big international projects.

(1) Projects in Germand and small-scale international projects
In addition to projects in Germany, this category includes afforestation measures covering an area of up to 100 ha and forest protection measures on areas of up to 1000 ha, which are implemented outside abroad. Through the course of implementing the project, the partner carries out the measures defined in the project proposal and contract.
In return, PrimaKlima makes the agreed upon payments. Afterwards, a monitoring concept for controlling and documenting the development of the project areas is implemented. The reports submitted to PrimaKlima, which describe the current condition of the project areas are an important part of this concept. The current state of the afforested area is submitted by means of standardized forms.
Since the scope of measures for forest protection is much more diverse, individual forms for reporting are set up for this type of report. During the first ten years of the project, reports are made every two years. Afterwards, reports are provided every four years.


(2) Big international projects
Major projects abroad invariably follow an inclusive approach that goes beyond forestry. Besides CO2-compensation, these projects aim to make a positive contribution to the sustainable development of the project region. The successful implementation of such complex projects requires (1) extended planning, (2) adaptive management, and (3) external audit.

Extended planning
On the basis of a comprehensive situation and problem analysis, PrimaKlima and its project partners (as well as other relevant parties) develop a more detailed planning and design of the project. Specific project objectives and measures required for a successful project are defined and measurable performance indicators and project risks identified.

Performance monitoring
More information about how PrimaKlima monitors/secures the success of its projects can be found under "monitoring/verification".