Can I sell carbon credits when restoring my farm?
- escuelabosque3
- Aug 2, 2024
- 3 min read
In this blog we will tell you about the history of your farm with projections of carbon credits during the restoration. Do you know how long your farm has been in the process of soil degradation after cutting down the forest? Your commitment to the sale of carbon credits. carbon will last several years, let's look at some concepts.
• Restoration of farms and carbon credits in the Colombian Amazon .
The Colombian Amazon , known as the golden gate of biodiversity, faces environmental challenges that require innovative and sustainable solutions. One of the most relevant topics in the restoration of farms in this region is the generation and sale of carbon credits. Carbon projects have two main objectives: remove greenhouse gas emissions or avoid their generation. In the context of ecosystem restoration , the aim is to both preserve existing forests and restore degraded areas.
• Carbon Projects and their Importance
An on-farm carbon project may involve preserving primary or secondary forests , thereby preventing carbon stored in trees and soils from being released into the atmosphere. Deforestation, whether by slashing or burning, contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. On the other hand, reforestation projects capture atmospheric carbon by planting trees. These projects not only benefit the environment , but can also generate additional income for farm owners through the sale of carbon credits.
• Steps to Start a Carbon Project
To evaluate the viability of a carbon project on a farm, it is essential to determine the percentage of land covered by forests and the amount of degraded land. If a farm has 80% pasture and 20% forest, it should be investigated when the logging occurred. This is because carbon projects follow the “ten-year rule,” which prohibits including land deforested in the last decade to avoid encouraging recent deforestation.
If a farm is small, such as less than one hectare, it is advisable to group together with other landowners to make the project viable. The initial investment in these projects is significant, and collaboration with neighbors can distribute the costs and efforts necessary to develop a successful project.
•Long-Term Participation and Commitment
Participation in a carbon project requires a long-term commitment, typically 30 to 40 years. This commitment must be discussed not only with the
Co-owners of the farm, but also with possible heirs, since the responsibility of maintaining the project can pass to future generations. It is crucial to consider the implications of a carbon project if you plan to sell the farm in the future, as the new owner will need to accept the conditions of the project.
•Fair and Equitable Distribution of Income
A fundamental aspect of carbon projects is revenue distribution. Although land is the essential resource, revenues must be shared equitably among all actors involved, including investors and project developers. The latter provide the capital and technical knowledge necessary to develop and monitor the projects. Transparency and fair distribution of benefits ensure the success and long-term sustainability of carbon projects.
Restoring farms and participating in carbon projects in the Colombian Amazon offer a significant opportunity to contribute to climate change mitigation and generate additional income. It is crucial that landowners are properly informed, consider all factors, and make a long-term commitment to ensure the success of these projects. The Amazon Emprende Escuela Bosque will continue to explore these issues in depth, providing farm owners with the tools and knowledge necessary to effectively participate in the conservation and restoration of their lands.
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