Pilot Activities – Starting in 2024

ARR

The cornerstone of our ARR project is the reforestation of 4,550 ha and the establishment of a large-scale nursery designed to support ecosystem recovery and create lasting positive impacts in the region. We are committed to growing only native species that will accelerate the natural recovery of the forest, promoting biodiversity and long-term ecological resilience.

As part of our reforestation efforts, we are launching a pilot project that begins with a dedicated 5-hectare site and massively increases in the upcoming years.

In the first year, the nursery will produce 300,000 seedlings, with plans to increase this capacity to approximately 700,000 seedlings annually. Over the course of the project, the nursery will produce an estimated 7-8 million seedlings, which will be vital to restoring degraded areas and reforesting approximately 4,550 ha of land.

Beyond its role in reforestation, the project and especially the nursery will generate significant local employment opportunities, offering jobs and skill development in sustainable land management.

Beyond carbon

For us, a successful project goes far beyond just generating a high volume of carbon credits. While carbon credits are undoubtedly a critical aspect of our work, they are not the sole measure of success. Equally important, if not more so, are the social and biodiversity impacts that our projects create on the ground. These impacts resonate deeply with our core values, ensuring that the communities we work with experience lasting benefits and that ecosystems are restored and preserved for future generations.

In our Colombia project, we aim to contribute to 10 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

NO POVERTY

During the first 3 to 4 years of our project lifetime already we aim to create over 100 jobs, directly related to our REDD+ and ARR activities. On top of that we are committed to fostering sustainable income opportunities that endure beyond the project lifespan by educating the local farmers in sustainable agriculture, beekeeping, nut oil production, cocoa farming, and more.

These initiatives not only promote environmental stewardship, but also empower local communities economically. Together, we aim to cultivate a future where conservation efforts and economic prosperity thrive harmoniously, ensuring lasting benefits for local communities and the environment alike.

ZERO HUNGER

Our mission is to promote sustainable farming practices by transforming 150 or more hectares of deforested land into a hub for regenerative agriculture. This initiative serves a dual purpose: first, to provide nutritious food for the local community, and second, to cultivate products such as fruits, nuts, and oils for sale in urban markets.

By generating income through these activities, we empower farmers to thrive economically while nurturing the land back to health. This approach not only supports local food security, but also fosters a sustainable and prosperous future for all involved.

GOOD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

In our commitment to community health and well-being, we are dedicated to proactively assessing the prevalence of local diseases and implementing robust preventive education initiatives to minimise their spread. Furthermore, we are exploring flexible healthcare solutions, such as scheduling a doctor to be recurrently present at our facility for designated hours or utilising virtual consultations for daily medical advice, ensuring accessible healthcare options for all.

Moreover, regular monitoring and testing of drinking water quality are integral parts of our strategy, aiming to safeguard against waterborne illnesses and ensure clean water access for the community. Additionally, we will provide comprehensive education on hygiene, diet and food preservation to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary for maintaining optimal health standards.

QUALITY EDUCATION

We address the challenges of low educational quality in Mapiripán’s rural area through targeted initiatives. Next to investments that enhance educational facility equipment, we will provide informal training to educators and help enrich the curriculum.

The plan is also to provide local farmers and other community members with training on how to boost the sustainability and yield of their practices, both via group sessions as well as case-by-case visits. In addition, we aim to enhance educational resources through higher accessibility to internet connectivity, starting with our nursery facility and extending to community buildings later on.

CLEAN WATER AND SANITATION

We are committed to conducting preventive water quality testing, on a recurrent basis, to identify and mitigate potential risks. In addition, we will focus on improving sanitation and hygiene practices by evaluating current routines and educating households on best practices.Moreover we will also be conducting comprehensive analyses of local water bodies to monitor ambient water quality and identify areas where water quality improvements are most needed. We will also be analyzing the proportion of wastewater that is safely treated.

DECENT WORK AND ECONIMIC GROWTH

By establishing our nursery, we aim to create 30-40 jobs in the first year, with plans to triple this number to 100-120 in subsequent years. Next to their living wage, employees will be provided with all social benefits as per Colombian regulations (incl. health insurance and pension building). Our initiative also focuses on empowering farmers by teaching them how to monetize their harvests effectively. We will introduce diverse income-generating opportunities, including chicken farming, beekeeping, and cultivating fruit and nut trees. These efforts will not only enhance the local economy, but also provide sustainable livelihoods for the community. Our ultimate goal is to foster a self-sufficient and prosperous agricultural environment.

INDUSTRY, INNOVATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE

Our goal is to enhance connectivity in our community by establishing a weekly service to Puerto Gaitán and Bogotá, ensuring easier access to essential resources and opportunities. We are committed to providing internet access to the more than 200 local families, enabling them to stay connected, access educational resources, consult with doctors and meet daily needs. This improved connectivity will not only bridge the digital divide, but also foster a more informed, healthy, and connected community.

RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION

Our project is dedicated to promoting sustainable farming by providing comprehensive education on advanced agricultural practices and introducing more resilient crop species. By encouraging local livestock and chicken farming, we aim to reduce dependency on external products, fostering greater self-sufficiency within the community. These efforts will lead to healthier, more nutritious eating habits and enhance local food security. Additionally, the local production and sale of farm products will generate income for farmers, further boosting the community's economic resilience. Through these initiatives, we strive to create a thriving, sustainable agricultural ecosystem that benefits both the environment and local residents.

CLIMATE ACTION

Our project has set a target to protect 78,370 ha of Amazonas rainforest and to plant over 4 million native trees in the next 10 years. The replantation part alone is anticipated to sequester more than 60,000 tCO2e per year on average over a 40 year timeline, assuming a tree density of 1,450 trees/ha. By preserving this vital ecosystem and restoring degraded areas, we aim to make a substantial impact on climate change mitigation. Our initiative not only safeguards biodiversity, but also promotes long-term environmental sustainability.

LIFE ON LAND

Our project aims to conserve 78,370 ha and to restore and sustainably manage around 4,550 ha of deforested and degraded land. By choosing science-backed conservation methods and native reforestation, the project aims to promote biodiversity and safeguard our ecosystems.