Carbon projects in the voluntary carbon market are designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to global climate goals. However, the true impact of these projects often lies in their ability to deliver additional benefits beyond carbon removal—known as co-benefits. These co-benefits create meaningful outcomes for communities, addressing social and economic needs while supporting environmental conservation.
By incorporating co-benefits, carbon projects transform into holistic initiatives that improve livelihoods, preserve biodiversity, and strengthen local economies. These added benefits ensure that carbon projects are sustainable and remain relevant to the communities they serve.
This year, Wovoka has intensified its efforts to explore innovative ways of incentivizing community-driven forest restoration initiatives. Through co-benefit programs, we seek to inspire active participation from local communities while addressing their immediate needs, even as the broader project design evolves.
This article highlights Wovoka’s approach to designing co-benefit programs, with a focus on aligning community needs with practical solutions. As a case study, we delve into the story of one of our partner organizations that successfully implemented a coin-operated Wi-Fi business, demonstrating how co-benefits can empower communities and create lasting positive impacts.
The Center for People’s Empowerment in the Upland- Farmers Association Inc. (CPEU-FAI), one of the pilot partners of Wovoka Philippines in forest restoration and rehabilitation, has been identified as the initial beneficiary of the co-benefit program. The organization holds a tenurial right in an area known as the Community-Based Forest Management Agreement (CBFMA).
In previous conversations with CPEU-FAI leaders and through firsthand experience, Wovoka Philippines identified several communication challenges. Due to limited mobile network signals in the area, it has been difficult to maintain timely communication for project updates.
With this in mind, Wovoka Philippines developed a solution offering them early incentives as they join the restoration program.
In May 2024, Wovoka Philippines’ Regulatory Compliance Lead, Rae Lucena, visited CPEU-FAI to deliver a pre-purchased Starlink Wifi system and a coin-operated Wifi vending machine. The Starlink kit includes a Standard Actuated Kit, an Ethernet adapter, and a pipe adapter.
The PisoWiFi vending machine allows users to access the internet by selecting the WiFi network on their device, navigating a login page, and inserting coins to gain internet access for a specified duration. For a minimum of 1 peso, the users can gain access to the internet for 15 minutes, while a 10 peso coin can give 1 hour limited access.
This setup is popular in the province due to its low-cost, retail-friendly design. Starlink was chosen for its ability to provide high-speed internet with download speeds ranging from 25 to 220 Mbps, making it suitable for rural connectivity needs.
Initially, the PisoWifi business faced technical challenges. Fortunately, Wovoka tapped a technician to complete the setup, allowing operations to begin smoothly. In less than a month of operation, the organization reported initial earnings of over PHP 3,000.00 (around USD 50) within just 12 days.
Mr. Jose Carlos Asug, the son of the CPEU President, shared how their first earnings helped them:
“Marami nagwa-WIFI. Ang ginawa namin ni Misis ay may nakuha kaming 4,000.00 mula sa 4Ps (Cash for Work program known as Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program), idinagdag namin sa mga pinamili namin para mabuhay at magkalaman ang tindahan namin.”
("A lot of people use the WiFi. My wife and I combined our Php 4,000.00 cash assistance from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) with the first earnings from WiFi to restock our convenience store.")
With high demand for WiFi, the community sees an opportunity to revitalize local businesses. CPEU Treasurer Ma. Christina Llantos remarked on the positive changes:
“It’s a big help, especially in restocking my brother’s store. It also helps fund our meetings, covering snacks and refreshments. Before, we had to stretch resources to make ends meet. Thanks to PisoWiFi, we now have additional support.”
Under the agreement with CPEU-FAI, Wovoka will cover the first year of Starlink subscription fees, amounting to PHP 2,700.00 monthly (around USD 45). Afterward, CPEU-FAI will take on the responsibility for continued premium payments.
Given the program’s success, Wovoka has committed to implementing a similar co-benefit project with another partner, the Baay-Labo Upland Farmers Inc. (BLUFAI) in Labo, Camarines Norte.
In addition to the PisoWiFi project, Wovoka is investigating other income opportunities for its partners that utilize local resources and expertise. During a community check-in in July 2024, several potential projects were identified, such as bakery services, hog dispersal programs, handicrafts, abaca stripping, nursery development, beekeeping, and biochar production. Wovoka is excited to secure potential sponsors and market support for these products to ensure that they can be sustainable.
These early co-benefit projects underscore Wovoka’s commitment not only to carbon development but also to community empowerment. As the project design progresses, Wovoka is confident that its partner organizations will benefit from immediate income and gain experience in business management as they prepare for the program’s full implementation.
