Which one of the following is the first Plan Vivo certified Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) project in India?
Correct answer: C
Explanation
The Khasi Hills Community REDD+ Project in Meghalaya, implemented by the Ka Synjuk Ki Hima Arliang Wah Umiam Mawphlang Welfare Society in partnership with Community Forestry International, became India's first Plan Vivo-certified REDD+ initiative (validated 2013). It covers community-managed sacred groves and forests across ten Khasi himas, generating verified carbon credits while strengthening customary forest governance. The Sikkim Mamley-Kamrang project came later as a second community REDD+ effort, and the ICFRE-ICIMOD transboundary work is a research initiative, not Plan Vivo certified.