Conserving the natural Amazon biome while preventing social conflicts that harm the environment and local communities in the region
Located in the northern part of the state of Mato Grosso, the Florestal Santa Maria estate occupies 71,714 hectares in the district of Colniza. This region is part of the Brazilian Amazon known as Deforestation Arch, due to the intense deforestation pressure. The main mission is to preserve the native forest of the Amazon biome, threatened by illegal land grabbing, logging, slash-and-burning and creation of pasturelands. The Florestal Santa Maria estate is a rural property and the first privately owned farm in Brazil to implement an environmental service under the REDD framework. The program is dedicated to the protection of the land, while also avoiding social conflicts which cause damages to the environment and communities in the region.
Today, the project is accredited under the Social Carbon standard and the estate has been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), which aims to demonstrate best practices in forestry management while respecting the economic, environmental, and social aspects of the farm. Going forward the carbon project is expected to be validated by both the VCS and CCB (Climate, Community and Biodiversity) standards.
Project Highlights:Stimulate the creation of jobs linked to forest managementTraining in forest managementTraining of fire brigade teamsNew income opportunities for forest stewardship and in terms of sustainable exploitation of non-wood products, e.g. fruits and essencesSupports and conserves critical biodiversity habitats
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Standard
Verra catalyzes measurable climate action and sustainable development outcomes by driving large-scale investment to activities that reduce emissions, improve livelihoods, and protect nature.