In Uganda, across our projects in Kole, Alebtong, Otuke, and Dokolo Districts, an independent objective observer has been assessing our safe water project as part of the thorough verification process carried out by Gold Standard.
The observer assessed whether the project goes beyond ‘business as usual’ and contributes to climate security and sustainable development. Safeguarding principles are also assessed and mitigation of risks are identified. This process adds an extra layer of scrutiny to the carbon verification process in order to demonstrate the high standards of the project.
The observer’s report has concluded that the CO2balance project adheres to, and goes beyond, GS requirements, noting that:
“There is provision of clean safe water through their project, communities no longer suffer from water borne diseases for example cholera, diarrhea, typhoid and there is a lot of time saved because of close water sources, beneficiaries have been able to engage in income generating activities.”
A key target for the project is to ensure that time is saved collecting water and fuelwood due to the rehabilitation of the safe water borehole, contributing to SDG 3 Good Health and Wellbeing. This spare time is used for a range of activities, as outlined in the report:
“There’s time for activities such as farming, small scale businesses, brick laying, women also get time to form and attend village money savings groups that have been of great help for family basic needs, animal rearing and shoe craft making.”
