Land Conservation

Preserving, protecting maintaining, and improving Zambia's natural resources and environment is critical for Zambia's infrastructure and development, particularly with respect to land preservation. Conservation values of Zambia's lands need to be protected, maintained, and improved by restricting the use of land to allow only activities that promote national goals to include conservation, tourism, game ranching, community development and education. The direct benefits to the farming industry are also tremendous as yields increase when applying land conservation measures. Sable is committed to working with private entities that specialize in reducing carbon emissions.

Pursuant to this goal, under an investment agreement with BioCarbon Group Pte Limited (BCP), Sable and BCP are developing and operating the Lower Zambezi REDD-Project under the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) and the Climate Community and Biodiversity Standard (CCB Standard). The project is being conducted on 38,781 hectares of land and is designed to reduce emissions from deforestation and degradation and generate GHG reductions. This innovative and transformational development model combines rural economic development with environmental conservation financed through the carbon markets.

A Deed of Conservation Easement Certificate of Title Number 134624, Farm Number 10800 (Rufunsa Ranch Deed of Conservation Easement) was executed on 14th Sable and BCP for an initial term of 30 years to allow BCP to manage the land to preserve natural, scientific, aesthetic, ecological, scenic, and recreational value. BCP is developing a REDD+ project through the preservation of land leading ultimately to the trading of forest carbon on the international market. The work is being monitored by recognized international third parties to meet REDD+ validation standards. The Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) an agency of the Government of the Republic of Zambia is in full support of this project as are all local communities in the area.

On 21st June 2013, a Project Validation Report was issued by a U.S. based independent validation company -- Environmental Services, Inc. (Climate, Community & Biodiversity Alliance Approved Validator), Project # VO12079.00. The validation statement issued pursuant to this report indicated that the project entitled BioCarbon Partners — Lower Zambezi REDD+ Project fully met criteria outlined by Climate, Community, and Biodiversity Project Design Standards. Updated projected validation reports can be found at http://www.vcsprojectdatabase.org/#/project_details/1202

The Validation Statement is consistent with ISO 14064-3:2006 and ISO 14065:2007 and has reduced emissions from deforestation and degradation (REDD+) on Rufunsa Conservatory which remains one of the last intact areas of forest in Lusaka Province, providing a 60 kilometre buffer to Lower Zambezi National Park (LZNP). Environmental Services, Inc. confirmed that all validation activities, including objectives, scope and criteria, level of assurance and compliance with design standards were met. All three GOLD Level Benefits including Climate Change Adaptation, Exceptional Community, and Exceptional Biodiversity Benefits were achieved.

Sable's investment in this conservation project is unique and has allowed us to be one of the first Zambian companies to invest in this viable project that directly benefits the Zambian government and nation. Similar models are planned for other parts of the country based on this successful model.