London, UK – June 18, 2025

Social Carbon Foundation and ReSeed PBC are proud to announce the release of the Smallholder Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI-SF) — a new, science-based module designed to quantify the vulnerability of smallholder farming communities and integrate those insights into land use and carbon finance project design.

This jointly developed tool represents a major step forward in aligning climate finance with the realities and resilience of smallholder farmers — the caretakers of biodiversity, carbon stocks, and cultural heritage around the world.

“Smallholder farmers are climate heroes, yet are routinely excluded from the benefits of environmental markets,” Vasco van Roosmalen CEO of ReSeed PBC. “This index is about making the invisible visible — through rigorous data, shared language, and a framework that centers their lived experience.”

“We are thrilled to collaborate with ReSeed on this critical module,” Mike Davies, CEO of Social Carbon Foundation. “Together, we’re creating systems that reward stewardship, uphold social equity, and ensure that high-integrity carbon projects reflect on-the-ground realities.”

 

What is the LVI-SF?

The LVI-SF module is a composite index and additionality tool designed to:

• 📊 Quantify livelihood and climate vulnerability of smallholder communities using both IPCC and Sustainable Livelihoods Frameworks

• 🌱 Support the eligibility and design of afforestation, regenerative agriculture, conservation, and peatland restoration projects

• 🎯 Enable targeted and just allocation of climate finance, based on measurable need and impact

• 🛠️ Replace subjective assessments with standardized indicators across education, income, food security, health, gender, and climate resilience

This module is especially suited to project developers and investors looking to ensure that smallholder livelihoods are not only protected, but valued and invested in as part of their climate strategy.

Public Consultation Now Open

The LVI-SF module is being released under the SOCIALCARBON Standard and is now open for 30 days of public consultation. Stakeholders from across the carbon, agricultural, policy, and development sectors are invited to review the methodology and provide feedback.

🔗 Access the full module and consultation page here
🗓️ Consultation period: June 18 – July 18, 2025

About Social Carbon Foundation
The Social Carbon Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation committed to advancing high-integrity certification for nature-based solutions. Through its SOCIALCARBON Standard and digital infrastructure, the Foundation supports climate action, ecological resilience, and community empowerment globally.

About ReSeed PBC
ReSeed PBC is a public benefit corporation working to ensure smallholder farmers are recognized and compensated for their environmental services. By combining ground-level engagement, technology, and data equity, ReSeed advances inclusive climate solutions rooted in justice and measurable impact.