Emily Fripp, Founding Director of Efeca, brings extensive experience and expertise in sustainability, particularly in her role as a Trustee on the Board of Trustees of the Plan Vivo Foundation (PVF), a Scottish charity dedicated to promoting sustainable land management among rural smallholders and communities. PVF has pioneered a framework known as the Plan Vivo Standard, which facilitates Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) schemes. These schemes are crucial for communities reliant on natural resources for their livelihoods, offering them a structured approach to manage their land sustainably.
The Plan Vivo Standard sets out rigorous requirements for smallholders and communities interested in participating in PES schemes. It provides a framework where communities can engage in activities such as afforestation, agroforestry, forest conservation, restoration, and avoided deforestation. These activities are designed through a community-led process, ensuring that local stakeholders have a say in determining which land use practices are most beneficial for their ecosystems and align with their socio-economic needs.
One of the key outputs of Plan Vivo projects is the generation of Plan Vivo Certificates. These certificates serve as environmental service certificates, with each certificate representing the reduction or avoidance of one metric tonne of carbon dioxide emissions. Beyond their environmental impact, Plan Vivo Certificates also deliver livelihood and ecosystem benefits to participating communities. The revenue generated from selling these certificates supports the ongoing activities and sustainability initiatives of Plan Vivo projects, thereby creating a sustainable funding mechanism for community-driven conservation efforts.
Emily Fripp’s involvement as a Trustee highlights her commitment to advancing sustainable practices and supporting community-led conservation initiatives. Her tenure as a Trustee of The Proforest Initiative for seven years until 2023 further highlights her dedication to promoting sustainable land use practices and mitigating environmental impacts across various sectors.
Through her roles and contributions, Emily Fripp continues to play a pivotal role in shaping sustainability strategies that empower local communities, enhance ecosystem resilience, and contribute to global environmental goals. Her leadership within PVF and past involvement with The Proforest Initiative exemplify a steadfast commitment to sustainability and community-driven conservation efforts.