Sustainable timber production combined with protecting unique biodiversityThis climate project is located in Vichada, Colombia and combines sustainable forest management with the restoration of the local ecosystem. It comprises several activities in order to promote afforestation and reforestation activities for sustainable and high-quality timber production. These are both combined with activities designed to protect the extraordinary biodiversity of the region. In addition, the project activities protect basic elements, such as the water balance and the stability of the soil.
Afforestation activities take place on roughly 13,000 hectares while about 8,000 hectares are designated for forest conservation, protecting the natural CO2 storage capacity of the trees. Thereby, healthy ecosystems can develop, their inter-connectivity is ensured and the habitat of many plant and animal species is protected.
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.
