Antioquia, Colombia
In late 2022, NatureRe acquired 705 ha of degraded land in the region of Antioquia, Colombia. We have implemented our high-quality methodology, Assisted Natural Regeneration, and verified our project with Verra. We are preparing to scale this project to 17,000 ha in 2026. This has become NatureRe’s large-scale reference project. We will be issuing our first Verifiable Carbon Units (VCUs) in Q3 2026.
AAA-rated methodology (SER/SCOR) | BBB-AA-rated project (Sylvera)
High-quality restoration method
AAA-rated methodology (SER/SCOR) | BBB-AA-rated project (Sylvera)
Historically degraded due to cattle ranching activities, we have implemented Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR), which leveraged nature’s natural growth processes to restore ecosystems close to pre-deforestation state.
We started by removing barriers to natural regrowth (cattle), and implemented soft interventions such as fire prevention, boundary fencing, and control of invasive species. For areas which needed more assistance, we planted at small scale, and based on the land’s density and cover. Strategies included low and medium density planting, enrichment planting, and establishing green corridors. Planting was set up in multiple phases with our forest rangers, and maintenance was conducted to ensure adaptive restoration. We planted a total of 24,000 trees, from 23 native species, such as wild cashew trees (Anacardium excelsum) and mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla). Species are selected taking into account local climatic conditions, soil conditions, contribution to conservation value, and support of wildlife attraction.
Since then, we have monitored the progress of our project, for carbon, fauna, flora, water, and community impact. Verified by Verra, we will issue our first high-quality carbon removal credits (VCUs) with biodiversity and social co-benefits (CCB). The data gathered not only supports carbon accounting, but also provides insights into ecosystem health and restoration progress, which informs our adaptive management approach to ANR
Image: ocelot, anteater and others present on our land
Enhanced biodiversity
Multilayered vegetative cover, in comparison to typical reforestation creates a mosaic of habitats, offering diverse resources, and supporting a wide range of species. This structural complexity contributes to the overall health, resilience, and ecological functionality of ecosystems.
Results from our monitoring report confirm that the land covered has greatly improved: clean pastures have decreased by 53% and connectivity has increased by 74% (Integral Index of Connectivity).
Restoration has achieved a 14% recovery in species composition compared to the reference forest, with 25 species of high ecological value identified.
We also protect regional and continental corridors such as the Jaguar Conservation Corridor to connect jaguar populations of Central and South America by allowing them to move from one area to another, guaranteeing the maintenance of the species and the ecosystems. With 50% of the species’ original range having been lost due to illegal poaching, human-jaguar conflict and loss and fragmentation of habitat, this initiative allows for the protection of the species and the ecosystem.
Improved water quality
Full ecosystem restoration does not only address fauna and flora. It includes other natural resources such as water. Healthy native ecosystems are the only way to balance water and climate extremes.
The project area has multiple water resources which in the past supplied a rural aqueduct, including the river Nus. Rural community aqueducts are publicly managed and have a community approach, enabling the flow and channeling of water resources, specifically for local consumption. NatureRe regularly samples water sources to assess its quality.
The micro-watersheds that supply the rural aqueducts are part of a small geographic area, where the water flows through drains with a main exit called spring or source. Micro-watersheds are of vital importance for the development of ecosystems, communities, settlements, and, therefore, the country.
We have engaged with the local Aqueduct Board to understand their needs and identify opportunities to support improved access to clean water. Domestic water treatment systems, including septic tanks & grease traps have been installed to improve local water quality and ensure safer access for communities. Water conservation and the importance of protecting water resources was addressed during the Environmental Education Training Day held with community children.
Image: drone shot of water source on our land
Image: local environmental engineer and property managers working on the project planning and monitoring
Local communities
To restore our land, we actively work with local communities, consulting with stakeholders to ensure the protection of their land and communities, as well as to ensure fair economic returns. Our social strategy puts local communities at the HEART of our projects:
Health & Well-Being: Home improvement, water quality & free fruit crops.
Economic Empowerment: Above minimum wage local employment for rangers & engineers.
Ambition & Education: Youth environmental programs and employment training.
Representation & Inclusion: Support for working parents and childcare services.
Transparency & Exchange: Stakeholder consultation for community acceptance.
We have hired 40 members of the local community, from rangers, to biologists, to environmental engineers. Our local team has also set up workshops with village inhabitants to better understand their needs and priorities and to ensure access to information, throughout all stages of development. Raising awareness on the operations and sustainable management of forests resources, reforestation strategies and biodiversity protection is essential for capacity and knowledge building. We dedicate 10% of profits from carbon credit sales to fund local well-being and livelihood programs.