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OREASOC AGRICULTURE INC.

Quilombolas Communities Environmental Conservation Project

The Quilombolas Communities Environmental Conservation Project represents the largest environmental conservation initiative on the planet. This ambitious effort, developed in partnership with the Coordenação Nacional de Articulação das Comunidades Negras Rurais Quilombolas (CONAQ) and the Cooperativa de Produção e Serviço da Agricultura Familiar (COOPPSAF), seeks to protect, restore and manage more than 30 million hectares of rainforest in Brazil for more than 25 years. Through the implementation of sustainable agricultural practices and the conservation of vast areas of forest, this project has a significant impact on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, the protection of biodiversity and the sustainable development of Quilombolas communities.

Our Quilombolas Communities Environmental Conservation project is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Climate Action (SDG 13), Life of Terrestrial Ecosystems (SDG 15) and Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11). In addition to mitigating climate change through the capture of more than 7 billion tons of CO2e, the project also seeks to restore more than 3 million hectares of degraded areas, contributing to reforestation and strengthening local ecosystems.

Certification Standards

The Quilombolas Communities Environmental Conservation Project is certified under the most rigorous international standards, such as the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) and the Climate, Community & Biodiversity (CCB) Standard. These certifications ensure that carbon reductions are verifiable, permanent and of high quality, and that the carbon credits issued effectively contribute to emissions reductions, biodiversity conservation and the well-being of the communities involved.

Verified Carbon Standard (VCS)

The Verified Carbon Standard (VCS), administered by Verra, is one of the most globally recognized certification frameworks for greenhouse gas emission reduction projects. This standard ensures that projects such as the Quilombolas Communities project meet strict additionality criteria, guaranteeing that the emission reductions achieved are a direct consequence of the project’s implementation and would not have occurred otherwise. In addition, the VCS requires compliance with rigorous Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) protocols, ensuring that each carbon credit issued effectively represents one metric ton of CO2e captured or avoided.

Climate, Community & Biodiversity (CCB) Standard

The Climate, Community & Biodiversity (CCB) Standard complements the VCS certification, adding value by highlighting additional benefits in terms of community impact and biodiversity conservation. This standard evaluates projects in three key areas: climate impact, community impact and biodiversity impact. In the case of the Quilombolas Communities Environmental Conservation project, CCB certification ensures that the activities achieve carbon emission reductions, and also that they generate tangible benefits for local communities, such as socioeconomic empowerment and effective ecosystem protection.

Implementation Phases

The Quilombola Communities Environmental Conservation Project will be implemented in four phases, ensuring progressive and sustainable development. Each phase is designed to maximize the impact on forest conservation, climate change mitigation and empowerment of local communities.

Assessment, Planning and Initial Implementation (2024): a comprehensive technical assessment will be conducted in this phase, with the objective of identifying priority areas for conservation and addressing the specific needs of communities. Pilot projects will be implemented on 1,420,972 hectares, benefiting more than 30,000 members of Quilombola communities such as Kalunga, Alto Trombetas, Barra da Aroeira, Erepecuru and Gurupa. Key activities include mapping critical areas, initiating the construction of essential infrastructure (including schools and community centers), and training in sustainable agricultural practices.
Expansion and Implementation (2025): This phase will cover an additional 3,594,026 hectares, expanding the scope of conservation projects. Infrastructure development and the provision of essential services to Quilombola communities will continue. Advanced monitoring technologies will be implemented to ensure continued protection of the conserved areas, and more communities will be integrated into the conservation process. Communities incorporated in this phase include Kalunga, Tambor, Alcantara, Alto Bonito, Alto Trombetas, among others.
Phased Certification and Sustainable Operations (2026-2038): During this phase, annual certification of conserved areas will be implemented, with an estimated certification of 1.5 million hectares per year, increasing to 2.25 million hectares in the later years. This certification will allow the issuance of a substantial volume of Carbon Credits, which will be traded on the international market. The income generated will strengthen the financial sustainability of the project, provide direct benefits to the communities to boost their socioeconomic development, and facilitate access to research aimed at biodiversity conservation.
Long-term Consolidation and Sustainability (2039-2048): The final phase will be aimed at consolidating the achievements made by the project and ensuring its long-term sustainability. It will complete the legalization of an extensive territory in addition to the lands already protected, covering more than 30 million hectares, destined for the Quilombola Communities. This will guarantee their legal and territorial protection and the preservation of the culture of these communities. In addition, the sustainable practices implemented will be maintained and strengthened, with a special focus on the reforestation of degraded areas and the integral restoration of ecosystems.

The final phase will be aimed at consolidating the project’s achievements and ensuring its long-term sustainability. The legalization of an extensive territory in addition to the lands already protected, covering more than 30 million hectares, will be completed for the Quilombola Communities. This will guarantee their legal and territorial protection and the preservation of the culture of these communities. In addition, the sustainable practices implemented will be maintained and strengthened, with a special focus on the reforestation of degraded areas and the integral restoration of ecosystems.

Project Cycle

Project Impact

Climate Impact

The Quilombola Communities Environmental Conservation Project is at the forefront of the global fight against climate change through excellent environmental management. This initiative aims to capture more than 7 billion tons of CO2e over a period of 25 years, contributing significantly to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. It also contemplates the reforestation of more than 3 million hectares, restoring critical ecosystems and strengthening carbon sequestration capacity. The project plays a key role in preventing deforestation, protecting vast tracts of tropical forests and establishing critical ecosystem services such as water regulation, pollution control and pollination.

In full alignment with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this initiative establishes a benchmark model for integrated efforts in environmental conservation and community development.

Community Impact

The Quilombola Communities Environmental Conservation Project is designed to empower over 1.3 million members of more than 1,900 Quilombola communities over the first five years, promoting a sustainable and prosperous future. Through the strengthening of local governance and community leadership, this initiative aims to develop capacities for self-sustainable growth and the generation of sustainable employment opportunities. In addition, the project will support educational and health programs, improving infrastructure with access to clean water, sanitation and renewable energy sources.

Significant investments in community development and infrastructure are planned, boosting local economies while preserving the cultural heritage and traditions of the Quilombola communities. In order to create resilient communities for future generations, the project is committed to ensuring long-term sustainable and equitable development.

Impact on Biodiversity

The Quilombola Communities Environmental Conservation Project is at the forefront of the fight against climate change, thanks to exceptional environmental management that provides extensive biodiversity benefits. With the goal of capturing more than 7 billion tons of CO2e over 25 years, this initiative contributes substantially to the reduction of global greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, it is expected to reforest more than 3 million hectares, restoring critical ecosystems and strengthening carbon sequestration capacity, which in turn creates healthy habitats for local flora and fauna.

The project plays an essential role in preventing deforestation, protecting vast areas of tropical forests that are home to a great diversity of species. This not only conserves biodiversity, but also promotes essential ecosystem services such as water regulation, pollution control and pollination, ensuring balanced and healthy ecosystems. By aligning with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the project sets a standard for the integration of environmental conservation and community development, ensuring positive impacts for both the planet and its inhabitants.

Together we will improve the future of our planet by leading the world’s largest conservation effort.