Paramos Y Bosques, Colombia
Ridge-to-Reef Watershed

6°22'48.1"N 77°22'43.0"W

Protect the Paramos Y Bosques Watershed in Colombia

This "Ridge to Reef" REDD+ project protects 500,000 hectares of coastal watershed in the Choco Eco-Region of Colombia. REDD+ is one of the most effective carbon offset protocols and stands for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation program developed by the UNFCC.

Located along Colombia's Pacific coast, the Paramos Y Bosques region includes eight project sites and three mangrove forest-protected areas along the Gulf of Morrosquillo. This project conserves 500,000 hectares of South American tropical forest, which is home to 10% of the entire planet’s animal and plant species.

This area is one of Colombia’s poorest and historically marginalized regions. The Paramos Y Bosques project improves the well-being of over 40,000 people, increases employment opportunities for the local afro-descendent and indigenous communities, implements systematic protection of mangrove forests, and maintains biodiversity.

powered by the people

Community-Led Project

This is one of the first REDD+ projects led by the local indigenous community. The people of the eight project sites collectively own and operate the project and serve as the primary decision-makers, with long-term capacity building facilitated under ongoing USAID support. All value from the project goes directly to the local commmunity.

Project Summary

Project Benefits:

  • Sustainable conservation of the mangrove ecosystem, marshes, and associated streams.
  • Local governance of protected marine-coastal areas at the regional level.
  • Sustainable community management practices of mangrove forests.
  • Economic empowerment of community groups and increased job opportunities.
  • Habitat protection for vulnerable flora and fauna species.

Project Impact:

  • Generates 70 million tons of verified emissions reductions over 30 years.
  • Improves the well-being of over 40,000 local people.
  • Increases conservation of at least 10 % of coastal and marine areas.
  • Promote ecotourism in the project area.
  • Strengthens efforts to safeguard the area's cultural and natural heritage.

The Chocó-Darien Global Ecoregion

One of Most Biodiverse Areas in the World

Stretching from the border of Panama to Ecuador, Colombia’s pacific coast is home to 10% of the planet’s animal and plant species. This rainforest has some of the highest biodiversity on the planet and is home to several critically endangered endemic species, including the South American jaguar.

a critical ECOSYSTEM

Threatened by Deforestation

The Paramos Y Bosques region is a highly productive marine-coastal ecosystem that provides protection against coastal erosion, water purification, flood control, significant carbon stocks, and shelter for a variety of vulnerable species such as birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and fish.

The Colombian coastline has once again become threatened by narco-gangs competing to control the communities and partake in illicit activities that threaten the fragile forest ecosystem, including timber, mining, and cocoa harvesting.

Although illegal timber extraction is a common source of income for Colombia, it is the leading cause of forest degradation. On the Pacific coast, the emissions from forest degradation are nearly as prevalent as those from deforestation where areas are cleared for agriculture and livestock.

REDD+ is one of the only promising options that provides communities with a meaningful alternative livelihood, one based on incentives and rewards for effective conservation.

VCS CERTIFIED

REDD+ Carbon Project

Learn More

A UNIQUE GEOGRAPHIC SETTING

Ridge To Reef Watershed

Wetland and marine environments are less vulnerable to damage when rivers upstream are healthy and protected. This project protects 500,000 hectares of coastal watershed ecosystems.

PROJECT PARTNER

EVERLAND

Learn More

UN SDGs

Sustainable Development

This project provides income flow for the local community and sustainable management and protection of marine and coastal ecosystems. This in turn drives other Sustainable Development benefits produced by the project. This project's longer-term success is ensured by the creation of meaningful jobs that are reliant on the forest being protected.