Green Carbon embarks on adapting monitoring techniques of AWD paddy fields projects for global methodology development
Green Carbon, Inc. (CEO: Jun Okita, hereinafter referred to as Green Carbon) is pleased to announce its selection for the second consecutive year in one of the business feasibility themes of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)’s Land Observing Satellite-2 “Daichi-2” (ALOS-2) program. Green Carbon has launched a business feasibility study aimed at utilizing data from the “Daichi-2” satellite for a certified methodology to reduce methane emissions from paddy fields.
◆ Background of Consecutive Selection
Green Carbon is dedicated to creating nature-based carbon credits primarily in Southeast Asia. Our initiatives include a wide range of projects such as forest conservation, rice paddy management, mangrove reforestation, reducing methane emissions from cattle, and biochar projects. Notably, the company’s paddy field project is expanding extensively across the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand.
Last year, Green Carbon’s business feasibility model focused on applying satellite data to Japan’s J-Credit System ※1 methodology for “extending the mid-season drainage period in paddy rice cultivation ※2. Building on this success, we are now conducting feasibility tests aimed at expanding its applications to global markets. Compared to Japan, paddy fields in Southeast Asian countries cover larger total areas but have smaller farm sizes per farmer, which results in a farmer participation rate that is tens of times higher than in Japan. This characteristic highlights the value of satellite data for extensive, periodic monitoring across large areas.
Green Carbon will continue expanding its biochar initiatives in Cambodia and across Southeast Asia, working to increase the scale and impact of carbon credit generation.
◆Project Overview and Future Outlook
This feasibility project will be carried out in collaboration with local universities, farmers in Bulacan, Philippines, and An Giang, Vietnam as well as JAXA. Using water level data from rice fields along with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite observation data from “Daichi-2”, the project will conduct the following two studies:
① Monitoring paddy field water levels
Green Carbon is expanding projects to implement Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) ※3 irrigation in paddy fields across Southeast Asia, utilizing a global methodology to reduce methane emissions from rice paddies. In AWD projects, water level monitoring is required to observe and record the flooded conditions of fields throughout the growing period, adding considerable labor demands for farmers and local staff.
In this study, Green Carbon aims to validate the effectiveness of satellite monitoring by comparing water level data observed through “Daichi-2” with data collected from field-installed water level sensors and manually gathered observations. By utilizing “Daichi-2” satellite data for water level monitoring, we aim to reduce the burden on farmers for field photo collection, ensure consistency across field data, and improve the reliability of project data through objective satellite monitoring. This approach also seeks to enhance transparency in the credit creation process by providing scientifically based, reliable data.
② Estimating agricultural practices before project implementation
To generate carbon credits, it is essential to establish a baseline by identifying past land use and traditional farming practices in rice paddies. Currently, we conduct interviews with target farmers for this purpose. By leveraging archived data from “Daichi-2” to estimate past water management practices in rice paddies, we aim to improve the credibility and transparency of this background information. Additionally, identifying historical land use can assist in pinpointing suitable areas for project expansion, supporting further scalability in project regions.
Overview of the “Daichi-2” Business Feasibility Project
This initiative seeks to demonstrate the feasibility of business utilizing archived data from “Daichi-2”, which has been underway since 2021. The long-term vision for this project includes the establishment of regular, business-centered use of satellite data, with private sector stakeholders playing a leading role in operationalizing these applications.
〇 Land Observing Satellite-2 “Daichi-2” (ALOS-2) ©JAXA
※1:
The J-Credit System is a government-authorized program that certified reductions in CO2 and other emissions achieved through energy-saving measures, renewable energy use, or proper forest management. This system, developed through the integration of the Domestic Credit System and the Offset Credit (J-VER) Program, is operated by the Japanese government. J-Credits created through this program can be used for various purposes, including meeting the targets of the Japan Business Federation’s (Keidanren) Carbon Neutral Action Plan and carbon offset initiatives.
※2:
A new J-Credit System methodology has been approved to reduce methane emissions and generate J-Credits by extending the mid-season drainage period in rice paddies. Mid-season drainage (lowering of water levels) allows the soil to interact with air, which suppresses anaerobic bacteria activity, effectively reducing methane emissions.
※3: AWD (Alternate Wetting & Drying)
AWD is a technique that involves periodically flooding and naturally drying paddy fields based on the water level. Compared to continuous flooding, AWD can reduce water usage and contribute to the conservation of water resources.
※4:
This project aims to demonstrate the feasibility of regular, business-centered utilization of satellite data by both private and public users. It leverages archived Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data from “Daichi-2”, which has collected observational data over a 10-year period since its launch in 2014. Through this initiative, we seek to establish the potential for practical applications of satellite data in various industries.
◆Green Carbon, Inc.
Representative : Jun Okita, CEO
Location : Isal AKASAKA607, 5-2-33 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Establishment : December 2019
Business : Carbon credit creation and sales business, agriculture-related business, environment-related business, other related businesses and ESG consulting business
URL : https://green-carbon.co.jp/
◆Introduction of Green Carbon
Green Carbon operates with the vision of “Saving the Earth with the Power of Life”, providing comprehensive support from carbon credit creation, registration, to sales. Additionally, we are involved in agriculture-related businesses, research and development, ESG consulting. Among others. Our main focus is on generation carbon credits through methane gas reduction in rice paddies, where we have obtained certification for J-Credits, the first and largest in Japan (approximately 6,220 tons), and plan to expand to around 50,000 hectares in the fiscal year 2024. We also offer a service called “Agreen” that integrates credit registration, application, and sales into one platform, simplifying procedures such as application registration and document preparation, thus reducing workload for credit creators.
◆GREEN CARBON JAPAN VIETNAM COMPANY LIMITED
Abbreviation ：GREEN CARBON JAPAN VIETNAM CO,. LTD
Representative ：Jun Okita, CEO
Location ：10th Floor, The Nexus Building, 34-3B Ton Duc Thang, 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Establishment : August 24
Businesses : Carbon credit creation and sales business. agriculture-related business