KAYA Newsletter #4. May 2025
KAYA Newsletter #4. May 2025
Introduction
Welcome to the latest edition of KAYA’s newsletter, bringing you highlights from another eventful couple of months!Â
At the KAYA Lab, our fire management and prevention operations are now underway, marking a key step in our on-the-ground activities. We also celebrated the International Day of Forests by hosting visitors, media, and stakeholders, shining a spotlight on our growing impact. Meanwhile, we continue our trials to identify the most effective native tree and crop combinations for scaling across Angola in our reforestation and agroforestry projects.Â
Beyond the field, we’ve been engaging with climate leaders at the European Climate Summit 2025, contributing to important discussions on the future of carbon markets and climate action.Â
Meanwhile, our team grows ever larger with the hiring of some highly valued and experienced new colleagues. Read on to get the full picture!Â
Latest News
Project Developer Forum Membership
We’re proud to announce that we’ve been accepted as a member of the Project Developer Forum (PD Forum), a leading global association of carbon market practitioners. Â
Joining the PD Forum marks a significant step forward for us as a Nature-based Solutions (NbS) project developer in Angola, providing a platform to contribute to international policy discussions, stay at the forefront of carbon market developments, and collaborate with peers advancing high-integrity climate action. This membership strengthens our commitment to transparency, quality, and impact across our agroforestry, reforestation, and fire management initiatives, while amplifying the voice of Africa-focused project developers in shaping the future of the voluntary carbon market.Â
Agroforestry Project
We recently identified the priority areas for our agroforestry project, and we’ve now assessed which farming cooperatives are best placed to benefit from nature-based solutions.
Cooperatives were shortlisted using a set of criteria aimed at ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and maximising the project’s impact. Key factors included strong member participation, experience in cultivating a range of crops, suitable vegetation, and a diverse and inclusive membership. Legal recognition, secure land tenure, and logistical considerations—such as accessibility, road conditions, and proximity to municipal centres—were also taken into account.Â
This assessment was carried out with support from the municipal agricultural authority (EDA), whose local knowledge was helpful in identifying the most promising and context-appropriate cooperatives.Â
The KAYA Lab
At the KAYA Lab native tree species nursery in Malanje, our team have been expanding the site and running trials to establish the optimal combination of species to incorporate into our reforestation and agroforestry projects. Multistrata agroforestry systems have been established across 7,300 m², using species that improve soil fertility and yield staple crops despite drought challenges.
Fire Management
We recently marked the official launch of fire management and prevention operations at the KAYA Lab. Activities include the construction of firebreaks, engagement with local community members, and strategic patrolling of high-risk areas. Â
Oversight is being provided by relatives of local village Sobas (traditional leaders), ensuring community alignment and local governance support.Â
In Angola, Sobas play a crucial role in local governance, conflict resolution, and maintaining cultural traditions. They are often key figures in mediating between the government and rural communities and are deeply respected within their communities.
We have created carefully planned firebreaks to help contain wildfires and protect surrounding ecosystems, using minimal vegetation clearance to balance safety with environmental preservation.
International Day of Forests
In late March, we hosted an event at the KAYA Lab to celebrate the UN International Day of Forests by bringing together key stakeholders to discuss forests, food security, and wildfire prevention.Â
Local and national media were in attendance, and KAYA was recognised by provincial institutions as a leading actor in conservation and inclusive community development.
European Climate Summit 2025
KAYA CEO and Founder Chaitanya Sure was in attendance at the European Climate Summit in Lisbon. Organised by the International Emissions Trading Association (IETA), it brought together policymakers, business leaders, and climate innovators to discuss the evolution of carbon markets and climate action strategies.
The summit highlighted the growing importance of carbon markets as a key instrument for meeting climate targets. Conversations centred on boosting competitiveness, safeguarding the integrity of markets, and encouraging innovation in response to shifting geopolitical and regulatory conditions.Â
Forestry and Agriculture Investment Summit 2025
KAYA’s Policy and Markets Specialist Christopher Stephenson will be attending the Forestry & Agriculture Investment Summit in London on 27-28 May. He will be part of a panel discussing earning principles and scaling for early-stage projects, and KAYA’s plans to create real equity for local people, that also satisfies the new breed of investor.Â
Feel free to reach out to Chris to book a meeting if you will be in attendance:Â [email protected]
KAYA's Team
The KAYA team grows ever stronger as we are delighted to welcome three new experts on board.Â
We introduce our new Project Development Specialist Diego de Paula Toledo to the team. He brings over 15 years of experience in nature-based carbon projects, with deep expertise in project certification, ecological restoration, and community-focused climate solutions.Â
Emanuel Inocêncio Pitra Leopoldo joins us as our new Head of Operations. With over 36 years of leadership experience across Angola’s Oil & Gas, LNG, and Banking sectors, he brings deep technical expertise, a strong commitment to environmental projects, and a passion for advancing clean energy and conservation initiatives.Â
Our new Finance, Asset and Administration Specialist José Valente has over 10 years of experience and expertise in overseeing asset portfolios and streamlining administrative processes in airport ground support, the Private Sector and the Angolan Stock Exchange Market.Â
Visit us on LinkedIn for regular updates on KAYA, including new job postings.
KAYA Climate Solutions
