DGB Group N.V. (“DGB” or “the Group”) (Euronext: DGB: NL0009169515), a leading carbon project developer and ecosystem restoration company, announces the successful completion of the feasibility study for its Lake Aral Afforestation Project (“Project”) in Kazakhstan. With this milestone achieved, the Project is now poised to move into its implementation phase.
Key highlights
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Project scope: The Project focuses on the reclamation and restoration of the Aral Sea's dried banks by planting saxaul trees to improve local air quality, stabilise soil, and mitigate the harsh impacts of sand-salt storms. It aims to provide enduring benefits to the ecosystem and local populations. To implement the Project, DGB partnered with the Biodiversity Conservation Fund of Kazakhstan, a local non-governmental organisation with high expertise in preserving the biological diversity of Kazakhstan and sustainable nature management.
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Verification: The project follows Verra’s latest globally recognised VM0047 methodology for Afforestation, Reforestation, and Revegetation and has a minimum project lifetime of 40 years, ensuring adherence to the highest environmental standards. DGB anticipates the project will achieve Verra registration in the first half of 2025.
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Strategic collaborations: In May 2024, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Akimat of the Kyzylorda region, the Kazakhstan Biodiversity Conservation Fund, and DGB to facilitate the Project’s development. The agreement secures up to 80,000 hectares of land for restoration, highlighting the collaborative commitment to align the Project with regional environmental priorities and goals.
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Government support: In November 2024, during high-level discussions between DGB’s CEO Selwyn Duijvestijn and Kazakhstan’s Minister of Ecology, HE Mr Yerlan Nysanbayev, strong governmental support was pledged for the Lake Aral Afforestation Project.
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Financial outlook: For every 10,000 hectares, the project is projected to generate between 3,792 and 9,122 carbon units annually (amounting to between 151,700 and 364,910 carbon units over the project’s lifetime). The total area of the Aral Sea region spans approximately 6.8 million hectares (68,000 km²), with significant portions eligible for similar restoration efforts. As the first verified carbon project in the region, it represents a high-quality carbon removal initiative that actively combats desertification in one of the world’s most recognised environmental disaster zones.
Minister of Ecology, HE Mr Yerlan Nysanbayev, emphasised: "Kazakhstan greatly values international cooperation in addressing ecological challenges. We are confident that our joint efforts with DGB Group will yield substantial results for the region and its people."
DGB CEO Selwyn Duijvestijn stated: "Kazakhstan is setting an inspiring example in addressing global environmental challenges. We are proud to contribute to the restoration of the Aral region’s ecosystem. This project represents a significant step toward a sustainable future for Central Asia."
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Disclaimer
This press release does not contain an (invitation to make an) offer to buy or sell or otherwise acquire or subscribe to shares in DGB and is not an advice or recommendation to take or refrain from taking any action. This press release contains statements that could be construed as forward-looking statements, including about the financial position of DGB, the results it achieved and the business(es) it runs. Forward-looking statements are all statements that do not relate to historical facts. These statements are based on information currently available and forecasts and estimates made by DGB’s management. Although DGB believes that these statements are based on reasonable assumptions, it cannot guarantee that the ultimate results will not differ materially from those statements that could be construed as forward-looking statements. Factors that may lead to or contribute to differences in current expectations include, but are not limited to: developments in legislation, technology, tax, regulation, stock market price fluctuations, legal proceedings, regulatory investigations, competitive relationships and general economic conditions. These and other factors, risks and uncertainties that may affect any forward-looking statement or the actual results of DGB are discussed in the annual report. The forward-looking statements in this document speak only as of the date of this document. Subject to any legal obligation, DGB assumes no obligation or responsibility to update the forward-looking statements contained in this document, whether related to new information, future events or otherwise. The provision of DGB’s services and products is subject to its General Terms and Conditions.
