How Indigenous Knowledge and Community Partnerships are Key to Climate Forestry
March 06, 2023
Project Updates
Julian Ekelhof, Climate Solutions Senior Director at FORLIANCE, recently visited the XiCo₂e project area in the Durango federal state, Mexico. During his trip, he had the opportunity to meet with the local communities and get a special insight into the community-based forestry project being jointly developed by FORLIANCE and our partner, AlaBoOL.
Julian Ekelhof, Climate Solutions Senior Director at FORLIANCE (right), and our project partners from AlaBoOL (left)
The Yucatan peninsula and the Durango federal state are home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, some of which are endangered. The ecoregion holds enormous potential to further increase its value for climate mitigation and biodiversity. To address this potential, FORLIANCE is working closely with the local communities to improve forest management and promote sustainable practices.
The Ejidos, a community-based system where land is cooperatively managed, plays a crucial role in responsible forest management in the region. Reforestation is part of the Ejidos‘ forest management plans, which allows crucial native species to regrow and thrive.
Meeting the ejido councils
During his visit, Julian had the chance to meet with the ejido councils, both those participating in XiCO2e and those interested in joining. The ejidos are local communities that collectively own and manage the land within the project area, which is the key to the project’s success. By involving the ejidos in the forest carbon program, the project ensures the preservation of this important ecosystem while providing a sustainable source of income for the locals.
By involving the ejidos in the forest carbon program, the project ensures the preservation of this important ecosystem while providing a sustainable source of income for the locals.
In addition to meeting with the ejidatarios, Julian attended the annual assembly of the ejido Pueblo Nuevo, where he presented FORLIANCE’s methodology for the commercialization of carbon credits. This presentation was crucial in raising awareness about the importance of climate protection and the potential economic benefits of sustainable practices.
Our Climate Solutions Senior Director also had the chance to enjoy breakfast in one of the forestry camps and witness the demonstration of the establishment of an intensive carbon inventory parcel in the CAR methodology, supervised by CAR’s director for LATAM.
Demonstration of the establishment of an intensive carbon inventory parcel in the CAR methodology, supervised by CAR’s director for LATAM.
Conserving and recreating the forest
By co-developing the project and implementing the activities on the ground, FORLIANCE and its partners strive towards their goal of conserving and recreating the forest and securing a stable income for the communities. The Improved Forest Management System is a main approach that will play a major role in the restoration of the forest. The project area extends to 150,000 ha and is expected to impact around 2400 stakeholders/inhabitants. This unique and impactful project will be certified by the new CAR Protocol 3.0, which was developed by CAR to better reflect the operational and legal realities of Ejido-managed forests.
Julian’s trip was an important and insightful step in the project’s development. By directly exchanging with the people working on the ground, he gained a better understanding of the challenges faced by the local communities and the opportunities for sustainable development. He also had the chance to witness the impact of the project first-hand and meet the people whose lives it will improve.
Get involved
You are a business leader and want to get involved in high-quality carbon projects? By investing in the XiCO₂e project, you can support your company’s sustainability goals. The project is set to be certified by the ICORA-accredited Climate Action Reserve, offering assurance and credibility to investors.
By partnering with FORLIANCE, you can tap into our deep knowledge of ecological processes and biodiversity, as well as our experience in project development and create your own climate protection project.
