Description

The Cordillera Azul National Park REDD+ Project is an exemplary initiative aimed at preventing deforestation in the vast and ecologically rich lowland and montane forests of central Peru, spanning the departments of San Martín, Ucayali, Huánuco, and Loreto. Covering approximately 1,351,964 hectares within the national park, the project operates through a public-private partnership between the Centro de Conservación, Investigación y Manejo de Áreas Naturales (CIMA) and the Peruvian government, with funding and management led by CIMA. The project achieves its objective of avoiding deforestation by reinforcing park protection, engaging local communities and other stakeholders in conservation-compatible land-use practices, and enhancing the quality of life for the park's neighbors. Key Highlights - Over 180,000 people from more than 200 communities, including indigenous and immigrant populations, live in the buffer zone around the park. The project is highly participatory, with villagers leading many initiatives and developing skills to ensure long-term success. Communities actively engage in programs such as Quality of Life Plans and "Blue Agreements», fostering sustainable development and local empowerment while preserving the forest for future generations. - The park harbors astounding biodiversity, with intact forests ranging from lowlands (150 meters) to rugged peaks (2,400 meters). The unique geographic isolation of this eastern outlier of the Andes has driven speciation, leading to the discovery of over 35 species new to science. It is also home to numerous rare and endangered species, vital ecosystems, and abundant flora and fauna critical to global biodiversity and the well-being of local communities. - Cordillera Azul National Park is a hub for scientific research, offering valuable insights into biodiversity and ecosystem services. - The project employs innovative strategies such as ranger patrols, land-use zoning, and participatory monitoring to enhance forest protection and reduce deforestation pressures. Despite political and economic challenges, the Cordillera Azul National Park REDD+ Project continues to excel in achieving its goals of climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable community development, making it a model for integrated conservation efforts worldwide. Carbon Credits The carbon credits for this project are issued by Verra under the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) Program, one of the world’s most widely used GHG crediting programs. Verra’s programs offer comprehensive methodologies and frameworks that support the design and implementation of carbon reduction, sustainable development, and plastic waste reduction projects globally.