top of page
coffee-grains-1474601_1920.jpg

Community Conservation Enterprises Rating System
'CERS' Framework

The CERS framework is a comprehensive approach designed to assess the viability and sustainability of Community Conservation Enterprises (CCEs). It combines financial, environmental, and social criteria, integrating tools like geospatial analysis and inclusivity metrics, to evaluate projects managed by Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities.
The framework ensures that CCEs contribute to biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, adaptation and livelihoods while offering practical pathways for implementation and long-term success.

WHY USE CERS?

A comprehensive, multidimensional assessment helps stakeholders: ​​​​​​​

CERS Framework PDF (8).png
CERS Framework PDF (7).png
CERS Framework PDF (9).png
make
informed decisions

ensure financial viability

and social inclusivity

ensure sustainability

for long-term success

A Community Conservation Enterprise is a business model that:

generates income for local communities

through sustainable and regenerative practices

while promoting Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities unique cultural, spiritual, and customary ties to their lands and waters, and safeguarding their essential contributions to human well-being, biodiversity conservation, and efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
image.png

HOW DOES IT WORK?

This framework, built from work done by WWF, USAID, IUCN and others, provides a comprehensive, adaptable approach to selecting and assessing the feasibility of conservation enterprises. CERS addresses the key challenges by focusing on four critical dimensions:

 

Step 1:

Each layer is evaluated using a variety of tools to score the 4-dimensions of the framework.

CERS Framework PDF (1).png

Stakeholders Engagement

Geospatial Analytics

Desktop Research

Field Data & Community Consultation

Subject Matter Expertise

Market, Risk and Financial Analysis

Governance and Policy Assessment

01

Conditions for Success:

Enabling context that supports project sustainability.

02

Thriving Enterprises:

Viability of the business model for long-term

success & scale.

03

Community & Culture Alignment:

Socio-economic values alignment.

04

Nature's Balance:

Impact on biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Step 2:

Each layer and outcome receives a rating.

CERS Framework PDF for website_edited.pn
Catalysts for Success
Thriving Enterprises
Community & TEK Impact
Nature’s Balance

Step 3:

The sum of the four dimensions result in

a final rating ranging from triple A to D.

CERS Framework PDF for website (1).png

Step 4:

All the outcomes are weighted together

for a final CERS Rating.

CERS Framework PDF for website (2)_edite
Catalysts for Success
Thriving Enterprises
Community & TEK Impact
Nature’s Balance
Final
Result

Step 5:

The final rating is used, not only to assess viability, but also to

lay the groundwork for design, funding, implementation,

and monitoring, as well as to inform investors.

CERS Framework PDF for website (3).png

THREE USE CASES

CERS Framework PDF (4).png

New Projects

It ensures that only viable and sustainable nature- based enterprises are pursued, maximizing the likelihood of success.

CERS Framework PDF (5).png

Project Initiation

It provides a robust foundation for launching projects, securing resources, and building capacity.

CERS Framework PDF (6).png

Existing Projects

It offers a structured method for evaluation and improvement, enhancing performance and sustainability.

THE GAPS WE'RE CLOSING

Inconsistent Models:

Viability assessments vary widely depending on the practitioner who is hired, often lacking consistency and depth.

01

Wasted Resources:

Unclear viability wastes investments

and missed high- impact opportunities.

02

Insufficient Evaluation:

Current methods fail to capture the

full picture of people, planet, and profit.

03

Local Misalignment:

Ignoring community realities leads to

failure and resistance.

04

Return On Investment Overemphasis:

Focusing only on financial returns

neglects the project lifecycle.

05

Fragmented Perspectives:

Misaligned priorities between stakeholders

cause confusion and underperformance.

06

Scaling Issues:

Success is hard to replicate

without clear drivers.

07

Lack of Advanced Tools:

Assessments rarely use AI or consider biodiversity and climate impacts.

08

forest-5524525_1920.jpg

Case Study

Sustainable Value Chains in Licuáti Forest Reserve,

Mozambique in Partnership with MUVA

The Licuáti region in southern Mozambique faces a dual challenge, balancing economic development with the need to conserve its rich biodiversity. The region relies heavily on natural resources, particularly for activities like charcoal production and agriculture. This study aims to develop sustainable value chains that provide economic benefits while maintaining environmental integrity.

​

The need for CERS arises from the current economic activities in Licuati that pose a threat to biodiversity and ecosystem services. The primary objective is to identify, assess, and develop sustainable value chains that not only empower local communities but also ensure the preservation of natural ecosystems.

A pre-screening process was used to identify 20 potential value chains. These were selected based on their alignment with local resources, community needs, and economic potential.

01

Data Mining

Maps & Remote Sensing:

To analyze ecological impacts and land use.

Stakeholder Mapping:

Identified key players in the local economy, government, and NGOs.

Community Consultation:

Participatory mapping and group meetings helped gather local insights

on sustainable practices and economic aspirations.

02

Value Chain Selection Process “From 20 to 5”

Using CERS, we narrowed the 20 value chains to the 5 most promising value chains: Sustainable Charcoal Production, Afforestation, Reforestation, and Revegetation (ARR), Regenerative Agriculture, Integrated Livestock Management Agroforestry.

03

Validation of Results

The results were then validated through feedback from key stakeholders in the process.

04

Application of CERS Rating on selected Value Chains

Sustainable Charcoal Production

Carbon Credits - ARR

Regenerative Agriculture

upload png.png
CERS Framework PDF for website (1).png
CERS Framework PDF for website (2)_edite
Catalysts for Success
Thriving Enterprises
Community & TEK Impact
Nature’s Balance
Final
Result

Curious about the CERS Framework?

 

Our tool is designed to assess the viability of Community Conservation Enterprises, helping businesses and organizations make

informed decisions for sustainable long-term success.

 

Download the PDF for more information or reach out to us.

We are happy to assist!

OUR PARTNERS

The framework helped many of our clients to successfully evaluate enterprises including:

Webpage CERS info (copy).jpg
"This tool has been a game-changer, for me and my clients.
It provides the clarity and structure needed to make smart decisions, include all voices, adapt to challenges, and build conservation enterprises that thrive for the long run."

Matthew Jordan - CEO of RAMO Earth

© 2025 by Groundd. All rights reserved.

  • LinkedIn
bottom of page