Nature Services Peru

Supporting REDD in Peru

Overview

Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD) is emerging as a cost effective way of mitigating climate change. In effect, a consensus is emerging that preventing dangerous climate change without addressing deforestation and its root causes may well be impossible. At the same time, the sale of carbon credits from avoided deforestation and degradation is gaining acceptance as a novel market mechanism for sustaining natural landscapes in many parts of the world. The company Nature Services Peru is spearheading the development of REDD credits in Peru in partnership with indigenous Machiguenga and Piro communities in the Madre de Dios region of Peru and facilitating the substitution of destructive logging practices with economic activities that keep the forest standing. The long term goal is to become the leading provider of environmental credits in Peru.

Approach

Together with the communities, Nature Services Peru is developing communication infrastructure and land-use planning expertise to enable participation in ecosystem service markets and to strengthen local governance. A framework for the distribution of benefits arising from the sale of REDD credits is being developed, and includes both a community and a family based component. We therefore expect significant income, capacity building and job creation benefits for our partners. In terms of biodiversity, our operations area is on the foothills of the Tropical Andes Biological Hotspot and we will therefore be conserving some of the most species rich habitats on the planet. Viable populations of umbrella species like jaguars, giant otters and harpy eagles remain in this area. 

Outlook

Although initially engaging with communities holding title to 124,000 hectares, there are more than 10 million hectares of primary rainforest under indigenous management in Peru. Other communities have already expressed interest in working with Nature Services Peru once our work concepts are proven. Upon completion of the contractual framework and the necessary certification processes the sale of carbon credits can be initiated. First revenues are expected in early 2012.