Iroko Restoration Project earns “A” rating from Sylvera

Yaoundé, Cameroon, 25 March 2026 — The Iroko Restoration Project in Cameroon, co-developed by project proponent Terraformation and project originator Iroko Analytics, has been awarded a Pre-Issuance Rating of ‘A’ by Sylvera, an independent carbon data and intelligence provider, as of 11 March 2026. The rating reflects high confidence that the project’s claimed carbon impact will be a true representation of its real impact, underpinned by close collaboration with implementing partner Centre Technique de la Forêt Communale (CTFC), and formal support from the Government of Cameroon. Sylvera, a trusted carbon credit data and intelligence provider, rates projects on a AAA-to-D scale and has not awarded a AAA rating to any project to date.

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Native Forest Restoration at Scale

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The Iroko Project plans to restore nearly 14,000 hectares (about 1.5x the size of Paris) of degraded communal land across two communal forests in the East Region of Cameroon. By planting more than 25 locally adapted native species, the project will rebuild biodiverse forests, mirroring the structure and resilience of the Congo Basin's native forests. A cocoa agroforestry component will also integrate selected native species to provide long-term shade needed for cocoa growth and support sustainable livelihoods. The project is expected to generate 4.9 million Verified Carbon Units (VCUs) with issuance starting as early as 2031.*

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The project, formally titled Increasing Carbon Stocks through the Reforestation of the Communal Forests of Ndélélé and Bétaré-Oya, is listed on Verra's registry under validation (VCS 5858) and is pursuing Climate, Community and Biodiversity (CCB) Standards certification at Biodiversity Gold Level, reflecting its potential to deliver exceptional biodiversity benefits through native forest restoration. The project embeds long-term stewardship by local communities by positioning them at the core of governance, restoration, and monitoring, while building capacities, securing sustainable livelihoods, and enabling inclusive decision-making. This approach is reinforced through alignment with ABACUS Label Guidance, ensuring enhanced integrity, transparency, and best-in-class practices.

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The Iroko Restoration Project was originated and co-developed by Iroko Analytics (Techstars ‘22), which brings over a decade of Congo Basin conservation work and uses a data-driven approach to project identification and development to minimize risk and maximize impact. During implementation, Iroko Analytics will be responsible for helping ensure project quality through a dedicated MRV team and financial control.

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On-the-ground implementation is led by the Centre Technique de la Forêt Communale (CTFC) and Iroko Analytics. CTFC, an NGO established in 2009 under the Government of Cameroon’s decentralised forest management initiative, brings over 15 years of experience, having supported more than 20,000 hectares of restoration and facilitated the classification of over 2 million hectares of forest nationwide. 

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The project has secured key government approvals. It is endorsed by Cameroon’s National REDD+ Committee, with a Letter of Approval and Endorsement issued by the Ministry of Environment (MINEPDED). It is also anchored in long-term agreements with the communal forests of Ndélélé and Bétaré-Oya.

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What the Independent Rating Found

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Sylvera's 'A' rating reflects an independent assessment across three core dimensions: carbon accounting, additionality, and permanence. The rating and subsequent report aim to answer three main questions: 

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Will the project remove as much carbon as being claimed?

‍Sylvera rated the project’s carbon accounting as Very Low Risk, concluding Terraformation’s projections are "more likely to be delivered." That outcome reflects deliberate design choices: realistic ex-ante modeling approach, complete understanding of the field context, use of scientific evidence for technical decision making, use of dynamic baselining under VM0047 methodology and the adoption of best methodological practices that together reduce overcrediting risk.

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Would this reforestation happen without carbon finance?

Sylvera assessed additionality as Low Risk. Cameroon's policy environment lacks the regulatory frameworks or financial incentives that would drive restoration activities at this scale. Combined with significant implementation barriers, the project is non-viable in the absence of carbon finance.

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Will the forest last?

Sylvera assessed permanence as Moderate Risk, reflecting anthropogenic risks present but partially mitigated by a strong project design and team experience. Drought risk is Moderate – while other natural risks like flooding and pests remain Low – reduced by species selection and planting to occur during the rainy season. 

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Sylvera also rated the project’s co-benefits as Very High Impact, with significant contributions across SDGs 1, 5, 8, 12, and 15, covering poverty reduction, gender equality, decent work, responsible production, and life on land.

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“The voluntary carbon market is under scrutiny. It should be. The Iroko Restoration Project was built from day one to meet a higher bar. Sylvera’s rating shows that standard is real.”
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— Yishan Wong, Founder and CEO, Terraformation

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Open to Offtakers and Funders

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The Iroko Restoration Project is now open to pre-issuance offtake and project funding discussions.  

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To learn more about the project and access additional documentation, contact impact@terraformation.com. For more information on Terraformation's native reforestation projects, visit terraformation.com. 

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_{*Sylvera’s assessment currently covers the first implementation instance of the Iroko Restoration Project, representing 8,289 hectares of the total planned restoration area.}

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About Terraformation
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Terraformation supports large-scale native forest restoration to stabilize the climate, boost biodiversity, and create long-term economic opportunity for local communities. Through training, technology, and access to capital, Terraformation equips forestry teams to deliver high-integrity reforestation outcomes worldwide.

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About Iroko Analytics

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Iroko Analytics is a project developer and data company originating high-integrity nature-based carbon projects across sub-Saharan Africa. Drawing on over a decade of conservation experience in the Congo Basin, Iroko uses a data-driven approach to identify, structure, and develop projects that minimize risk and maximize climate, biodiversity, and community impact. For more information about Iroko Analytics’ approach to project origination and development, visit irokoanalytics.com.

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Sylvera Disclaimer
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Sylvera Ratings are statements of opinion on the carbon impact of a project at a certain point in time and not statements of fact, investment or financial advice, endorsements or recommendations to take or not take a particular action. Sylvera expressly disclaims all warranties and liability. Refer to the Ratings Disclaimer at www.sylvera.com for more information. 

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About Sylvera 

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Sylvera is an independent carbon data platform offering actionable insights to help buyers and investors discover, evaluate, and connect with high-quality projects. With a live database of 20K+ projects, including 2K+ pre-issuance and pre-registry projects, Sylvera equips companies with the confidence to set robust carbon credit strategies.