1. Combining biochar and microfinance for carbon offsets Rasmus Kiehl, Biochar Ontario

3. Agricultural yield improvements from biochar tend to be higher in low-carbon soil.

9. Time course 0 months: start of project - negotiations, educational session - project area clearly defined, photographed; satellite pictures also taken - initial soil samples taken for lab analysis - pyrolysis equipment (stoves, other) sold to individuals or community at low price (= at cost or subidized)

10. Time course, cont’d 6 months: checking status / educational session / possible first micro-payments 12 months: checking status / educational session / possible partial payments 24 months: measurements taken: - depth of soil char amendment - char content % measured - composition (feedstock) of char determined (?) - rest of payment made (later: stretched-out payments, ongoing initiatives)

13. for offset company Long-term protection of soil investment: erosion (semi-arid and arid regions). Perhaps there is a case for even more stretched-out payments ? 5-10 years ? Ongoing involvement Monitoring during project, after completion Cost to administer ? Little experience Opportunities Challenges Highly verifiable offsets perfectly quantifiable, stable Benefits to local food security Ongoing involvement – good Conservation benefits Cost Could be very inexpensive / highly beneficial.