SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT
Sustainable forest management is the core of our mission. We aim to conserve the vitality and potential of this universal heritage so that it can continue its essential functions: ecological, economic, and social, both at a local and at a global level, acting in the present and in the future.
The law in the State of Amazonas permits the harvesting of a maximum of 25m3/ha of disposable wood over a period of 30 years.
At the Mejuruá Project, we limit the potential harvesting still more, to a maximum usage of a mere 20m3/ha over a 30-year period.
Practical execution: methodology and hands-on approach
The Mejuruá Project takes place in the Amazon, over a remarkably large area of more than 900.000 hectares of land between the municipalities of Carauari, Juruà and Jutai.
Over 160.000 hectares sustainably managed
Within this territory we sustainably manage a total of over 160.000 hectares: after having divided this territory into 30 distinct plots of land, on a yearly basis we select a single plot in which we judiciously harvest in a limited volume of timber, enabling it to regenerate over a 30-year period when it remains untouched.
Our approach ensures that the forest is able to regenerate itself—all while enhancing its resources in a responsible manner.
Growing Greener: innovative practices for a resilient forest
Reduced Impact Logging (RIL) and other practices (such as the protection of rare trees or the removal of overlapping ones) allow the forest to grow qualitatively better as well as stronger. The activity will follow the best practices globally recognized to keep the sustainability of the forest, and will be certified against the corresponding international standards, such as the Programme for Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC).
Sustainable economic development: the carbon credits
The Mejuruá Project is a REDD+ initiative aiming to conserve the forest, thus the Carbon Credits to be generated by this project are based on the fact that Carbon emissions from deforestation or forest degradation are avoided.
From the heart of the forest to that of its people
Respecting the forest is at the heart of what we do: this is why all our actions seek to keep a harmonious balance between the well-being of the forest and the people that call this land their home.
Monitoring tools and techniques
Throughout the duration of the project, the efficiency of our forest conservation efforts will be guaranteed by a meticulous methodology that implements advanced technologies and tools. Satellite imaging technologies, together with local patrolling, will allow for comprehensive surveillance capable of swiftly detecting potential illegal activities or changes within the ecosystem. The on-ground patrolling teams inspect the area, interact regularly with local communities, and guarantee that all activities carried out within the territory are in line with the project’s objectives.
Furthermore, the local communities will support the surveillance effort, as they are local dwellers, in direct contact with the forest and the possible threats that may menace it.
Transparency
We ensure our accountability and transparency by making publicly available regular updates and reports concerning our activities.
The information available to the public cover both the planning and the projects involved in the initiative in an ex-ante perspective and the monitoring of the implementation and performance in the ex-post situation, using different indicators.
A relevant part of the disclosure process is, in fact, required by the different certifications of the initiative, using independent third parties to audit the process. This is the case with the VCS and CCB certifications from Verra, which are directed to the origination on Carbon Credits and the corresponding efforts to support the local communities and biodiversity. A comprehensive monitoring process is carried out and publicly disclosed according to the corresponding standards, in that sense.
However, as far as transparency is concerned, the Mejuruá Project goes much beyond. In this section you will find general and also specific information about the project and its performance over time, arranged as per subject and interested public, under the following titles:
- general information about the project operation
- information for the local communities regarding social and cultural activities
- information for the local communities regarding biodiversity
- information about environmental local impacts
- information about climatic global impacts
- financial general information on the Mejuruá Project
- contacts for further information, under request
The benefits of sustainable forest management
Prevention of deforestation
Sustainable Forest Management is an eco-friendly activity. As it generates its own income, it prevents against other alternative activities, some of them destructive, and even illegal.
Reduced Impact Logging
Avoiding destructive practices that harm the forest, valuing its natural regeneration ability instead.
Biodiversity conservation
Maintaining the ecosystem by protecting a vast number of species living in the project area including 13 that are currently at high risk of extinction.
Safeguarding the ecosystem
Focusing our efforts on conserving the area will benefit local biodiversity and also that of surrounding areas. This is achieved through the promotion of habitat connectivity, enabling species transition. The linkage between different natural areas is crucial for the preservation of biological diversity, as it allows animals to move freely, seek resources, and establish new populations.