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
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 Benefits:
Project Impact:
The Chocó-Darien Global Ecoregion
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
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+ - aka "Reduced Emissions from Degradation and Deforestation" projects are some of the highest quality carbon credits available. REDD+ creates permanent protection for existing old-growth forests that are under direct threat. This is achieved through a 30-year sustainable development program that transitions the local economy to permanent forest protection.
A UNIQUE GEOGRAPHIC SETTING
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
Fondo Accion is a private Colombian fund with over 20 years experience in sustainable investment in the environment. Fondo Accion connects the local community with their surrounding territory by providing financial, environmental and social resources. So far they have supported 1,400 environmental and childhood initiatives.
PROJECT PARTNER
Wildlife Works is the world's leading REDD+ program development and management company with an effective approach to applying innovative market based solutions to the conservation of biodiversity. Over its 20 year history, Wildlife Works established a successful model that uses the emerging marketplace for REDD+ Carbon Offsets to protect threatened forests, wildlife, and communities.
UN SDGs
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.
