Protecting the cloud forest and supporting local communitiesScolel´te stands for "the tree that grows" and protects the endangered mountain cloud forest through reforestation activities and sustainable forest management. In operation since 1997, it is the longest-lasting project of its kind worldwide.
Through the Scolel'te program, the local initiative AMBIO collaborates with rural communities in Chiapas in order to contribute to climate change mitigation, promote social welfare by strengthening local capacities, and encourage the establishment of forest systems, agroforestry, and the sustainable management of community forest areas. This is done from an integral perspective of territorial management and community participation, in order to generate sustainable livelihoods.
Currently, more than 1,200 small landowners participate in this scheme, distributed in more than 90 campesino and indigenous communities in the state of Chiapas, benefiting more than 2,500 families.
How does forest protection help fight global warming?Forests are not only among the planet's most important carbon reservoirs. They also are home to an enormous diversity of species and are the livelihood for all people. However, global forest areas have declined sharply in recent decades due to increasing settlement, agricultural use, illegal logging and mining.
Forest protection projects ensure that forests are preserved in the long term and that the protection of forests is given a higher value than their deforestation. Together with the local population, project participants protect the area from negative influences. To allow for this the projects create alternative sources of income and educational opportunities. Depending on the project region, forests store varying amounts of carbon per hectare. Particularly high amounts of carbon are stored in the vegetation and soil of tropical swamp forests, primary rainforests, or mangroves. Forest protection projects in the ClimatePartner portfolio are registered with international standards.
