Since 2009, the Livelihoods Carbon Funds has been investing in large-scale, nature-based solutions in partnership with local communities across India. Recently, Bernard Giraud, President and Co-Founder of Livelihoods, and Eric Soubeiran, the newly appointed CEO, visited four key projects: mangrove restoration in the Sundarbans (West Bengal) mulberry plantations for silk in Jharkhand, and agroforestry initiatives in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. What impact have these projects had? What were the key factors behind their success, and what challenges have they faced?
In the below interview, Bernard and Eric reflect on their recent field visit and share their insights.
Q: What were your main impressions from this field visit?
Eric: “What struck me most was the strong alignment between Livelihoods mission—connecting social impact and environmental impact—and the real-world outcomes we’re observing on the ground. For instance, in the Sundarbans, the protection of the mangroves is not only enhancing the local environment by preventing saline water intrusion but also providing tangible benefits to the local communities. People’s livelihoods are improving because they’re better connected to local markets, and the land is being used more sustainably.
Similarly, with the Tasar Silk programme, communities are developing new income-generating activities through the cultivation of silk, and they’re eager to expand their work because they can see how nature can support their livelihoods. This is where Livelihoods really excels and stands out.”
Bernard: “What struck Eric is one of the core principles of the Livelihoods approach since the inception of our first carbon funds: these nature restoration projects cannot succeed without the strong motivation and commitment of local communities. The women who have planted millions of mangroves on the Sundarbans islands understand that mangroves protect the dikes during cyclones. The farmers of Araku have cultivated high-quality coffee under the shade of trees. At the heart of every Livelihoods project is the concrete goal of improving the lives of farmers and their families by generating income and enhancing land resilience to the impacts of climate change.
These plantations and thousands of restored hectares also play a vital role in sequestering large amounts of CO2 in trees and soil. For us, the interests of local communities and the planet must align if we are to succeed.”
Q: How does Livelihoods involve local communities in its collective action?
Eric: “Engaging local communities is a core part of Livelihoods’ approach. It’s not just about implementing projects, it’s about involving communities deeply in both the planning and the execution. Our programmes succeed because we focus on farmers—often thousands of people—and we help them understand how they will benefit from the work. For example, in Ayyalur, we saw communities actively involved in the recruitment phase, and we used joyful techniques to help people learn how to plant trees, making it both educational and engaging, for instance with local planting songs. It’s all about creating a local network with villagers, farmers, local authorities, and community leaders. We’ve learned a lot from our projects in Africa and Rwanda too, exchanging best practices on how to engage communities and share knowledge. This type of community involvement and knowledge transfer is really an expertise we’ve developed over the years.”
Q: What challenges has Livelihoods faced with its projects in India?
Bernard: “Implementing large-scale projects involving thousands of small-scale farmers is never easy. Even with thorough planning and detailed studies before launch, there is often a gap between the plans and the reality on the ground. For instance, a cyclone may devastate plantations, or cattle may graze on young plants while villagers are confined during the Covid crisis. Maintaining a close relationship with farmers across thousands of hectares requires strong organization and management. Looking back, as some of our projects are now fifteen years old, we can see that these initiatives have withstood the test of time. Solutions were found through the quality of our partners, their persistence, and their deep understanding of local communities. This was also made possible by the extraordinary cooperation between Livelihoods teams and our partners. We’re all in this together. Our responsibility goes beyond simply financing a project; we are committed to delivering results and ensuring successful project implementation.“
Q: What impact did you observe on the ground during your visit?
Eric: “The impact I saw was multifaceted. First, there’s the carbon sequestration happening across our projects, which is at the core of what we do. The Sundarbans mangrove restoration is a prime example of how these ecosystems can act as carbon sinks. Then, we saw real improvements in biodiversity in places like the Sundarbans and PRADAN’s land restoration, where soil fertility is being restored. There’s also a clear economic impact—Ayyalur is still early in its journey, but we’re hopeful it will significantly boost farmers’ incomes. Beyond the environmental and economic impacts, what really struck me was the pride felt by the local communities. In the Sundarbans, for example, the farmers created Badabon Harvest, an initiative that allows them to run their own business, generating income through sustainable practices. This feeling of collective achievement is powerful, and we see similar pride in places like Araku with its coffee and Tasar Silk producers.
Q: Is India and the Indian subcontinent a priority for Livelihoods? What can you bring to the country, and what do you need to succeed?
Eric: “India is a strategic focus for Livelihoods. The diversity of land, ecosystems, and communities here offers unique opportunities for impactful projects. The country also faces significant challenges due to climate change, and we believe we can make a real difference. We have a fantastic local team and strong partnerships that allow us to explore new ideas and scale up our impact. Our agroforestry initiatives, for example, are critical for reducing risks and improving resilience in farming communities. India will remain a key geographical focus for us as we continue to expand our work, and I’m excited about the future opportunities here.”
Bernard: “We have built strong, lasting relationships with India and are committed to the long term. Thanks to the experience we’ve gained working with our Indian partners, we’re now in a position to extend these benefits to many other communities, making a modest but real contribution to the country’s sustainable development. Our work aligns with the climate priorities set by the federal government and the states where we operate. We are able to carry out Livelihoods projects thanks to the trust our investors place in us—companies committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions. For these investors, it’s crucial to have clear and stable regulations regarding carbon rights.“
Q: Any closing remarks on the path forward for Livelihoods?
Bernard: “In an international context where carbon projects are sometimes criticized, Livelihoods’ projects in India provide concrete evidence that these initiatives can positively impact not just the climate, but also local communities. It is precisely because they address both economic and social needs that they succeed. This belief has been the foundation of Livelihoods since its inception. I am deeply convinced of the immense potential of this approach worldwide. Success can only be achieved by deploying solutions that benefit both nature and the people who depend on it.“
Eric: “It’s an honor to serve as the CEO of Livelihoods, especially because of the highly committed teams and partners we have around the world. I’m deeply grateful for the trust and loyalty of our investors, who are willing to commit to long-term projects, often for 20 years or more. This is a huge responsibility, but also a great privilege. What excites me most is seeing how passionate and motivated our team is, and the strong sense of confidence our investors have in our ability to deliver. It’s this trust and collaboration that will allow us to continue making a real, lasting impact on the ground.”