Colombia is known for its incredible biodiversity, with around 10% of the world's plant and animal species found there. The country is one of 12 globally recognised for its diverse environments, home to over 40,000 plant species. Deforestation is a major problem in Colombia, especially in areas such as the department of Vichada, near the Orinoco River basin. Between 1990 and 2005, approximately 500,000 hectares of forest were lost in this region alone, leading to a significant reduction in forest cover.
About the project
The Matavén REDD+ Framework Initiative aims to conserve 1,150,212 hectares of tropical forest within the indigenous Matavén Forest Reserve. Over the past decade, this project has successfully avoided harmful emissions by addressing the root causes that drive local encroachment and deforestation. The initiative provides an alternative to smallholders by creating jobs as forest guards and promoting sustainable livelihoods. In addition, around 16,000 indigenous people benefit from the programme, not only through forest conservation, but also through access to education, healthcare, dental care, sanitation and food security.
In addition, the initiative not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions, but also provides multiple benefits to the local community and helps conserve biodiversity. Certification to Verra's Climate, Community and Biodiversity Standard (CCBS) confirms their commitment to benefiting both the local community and the environment.
To learn more about this incredible initiative, watch the video linked below.
Verification
The initiative has been validated by the Verified Carbon Standard and can be viewed on the Verra Registry. The good people at Sylvera have given it a Tier 1 rating.
Project location: Vichada, Colombia
UN Sustainable Development Goals:
The 'Mataven REDD+' project is in accordance with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals:
3 - Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
4 - Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
6 - Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
8 - Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
9 - Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
13 - Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
15 - Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
Read more about the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG): https://sdgs.un.org/goals
Photos: Seve Producción
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