The project aims to improve and expand sustainable forest management in the Zoque rainforest of San Miguel Chimalapa in Oaxaca through a carbon sequestration program covering an area of 60,000 hectares. It strengthens the local indigenous community by integrating sustainable practices and ensuring ecological, social, and economic benefits.
Project standard: Mexico Forest Protocol (MFP) / Climate Action Reserve (CAR)
Detailed description
The climate protection project in the indigenous community of San Miguel Chimalapa in the state of Oaxaca (Mexico) is a nature-based approach to long-term carbon sequestration and the protection of one of the most ecologically valuable rainforest regions in Mexico. The aim of the project is to increase CO₂ storage through sustainable forest management while strengthening the livelihoods of the local population.
At the core of the project is the implementation of Improved Forest Management (IFM) measures, including in particular:
- sustainable, reduced timber harvesting
- restoration of degraded forest areas
- targeted afforestation and forest maintenance measures
- prevention of forest fires and pest infestations
- strengthening of local governance structures
Through these activities, long-term carbon sequestration in the forest is increased, while at the same time reducing the risk of emission losses.
The project generates high-quality CO₂ removal credits, in which CO₂ is sequestered by actively increasing additional carbon storage in the forest. The expected impact lies in a significant improvement in carbon sequestration over several decades.
Social and economic benefits
In addition to its climate impact, the project delivers important co-benefits:
- Securing income and employment for local communities
- Strengthening indigenous self-governance
- Protection of biodiversity and sensitive ecosystems
- Promotion of sustainable land use
In this way, the project contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the areas of climate protection, biodiversity, and sustainable development.
