Project details
1216 · Reforestation
  • Rio Kama, Nicaragua
Bamboo for deforestation-free products

Our project in eastern Nicaragua has planted more than 1 million plants of a native species of giant clumping bamboo, covering 2,361 hectares while protecting an additional 1,000 hectares of old forest as a conservation zone. It has transformed a degraded landscape into a flourishing and biodiverse ecosystem. Bamboo is one of the most efficient biological tools for fighting climate change. The project contributes to mitigation by preventing deforestation and capturing CO2 as well as to adaptation by reducing temperatures, creating micro-climates, supporting a low-carbon economy and creating livelihoods for vulnerable communities.

In contrast to cutting trees, harvesting giant clumping bamboo does not kill the plant. Once fully mature, selective poles are harvested from each bamboo clump annually, leaving enough time for other poles to regenerate. Thus the carbon stored within the bamboo becomes a permanent sink, with the bamboo clumps having a lifetime of 80 years. The bamboo fibre from the plantations forms the base for a broad range of substainable, deforestation-free products like fibers or building materials.

How does reforestation/afforestation/revegetation contribute to climate action?

Forests are essential in our lives and are among the planet's most important carbon sinks. Besides providing habitats for wildlife, they filter the air, stabilise and protect soils, store water, and contribute to the balance of our climate. However, global forest areas have declined sharply in recent decades due to increasing settlements, agriculture, illegal logging, and raw material extraction. Afforestation, reforestation, and revegetation activities significantly increase a forest’s carbon storage capacity in both the biomass of the forest and in the soil. The storage capacity varies according to the tree species, age, and location. Experts distinguish these activities in the following way:

Afforestation converts non-forested areas into forest ones. Reforestation restores forest areas that have been damaged or deforested in the past. Revegetation increases the vegetation through planting trees, shrubs, or other plants. Reforestation projects in the ClimatePartner portfolio are registered with international standards.

Contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
No PovertyProviding secure, attractive and long term employment in a region where few opportunities exist.
Zero HungerContribution to soil health and diverse ecosystems.
Good Health and Well-BeingMedical checks for all employees, full-time nurses on site during harvesting season, awareness campaigns on good health.
Quality EducationFinancial support of local schools and adult literacy programs.
Gender EqualityEqual opportunity employment and active encouragement of women's participation on all farms and through to senior management. Education through radio programs, community days and stakeholder dialogue.
Clean Water and SanitationProvision of clean water to all surrounding communities.
Decent Work and Economic GrowthProviding long-term employment with fair conditions and vocational training opportunities.
Industry, Innovation and InfrastructureInvestment in clean technologies to disrupt industry through seed to sale sustainability.
Reduced InequalitiesProviding equal opportunities to all individuals, focus on overall sustainable community development.
Responsible Consumption and ProductionSustainable production of fibre as a base for deforestation-free paper products.
Climate ActionThe project saves about 40,810 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year.
Life on LandRegenerating landscapes at scale, restoring the key functions of ecosystems: soil, water, climate, biodiversity.
Project standardVerified Carbon Standard (VCS)TechnologyReforestationRegionRio Kama, NicaraguaEstimated annual emission reductions40,815 t CO2Validated byRainforest AllianceVerified byTÜV NORD CERT GmbH