Bosques del Uruguay (BDU) project obtained VCS + CCB certification with the support of ProSustentia.
The Bosques del Uruguay project, one of the forest financial trusts developed and operated by Agroempresa Forestal in Uruguay, has achieved validation and verification of its initiative “BDU I Afforestation through high quality timber in grazing land” under the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) and Climate, Community & Biodiversity (CCB) certification standards, with the collaboration of ProSustentia.
This project is considered to have a triple impact as it addresses economic, environmental, and social dimensions. Firstly, it involves the plantation of eucalyptus trees for hardwood production on an area of 2,919 hectares located in central-eastern Uruguay. Secondly, besides timber production, the project aims to restore land and capture carbon through afforestation. All implemented practices follow the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) standard for sustainable forest management and aims to enhance biodiversity conservation. This will be possible by increasing forests connectivity. Third, the project generates income and employment opportunities for local rural communities. Additionally, collaboration with communities is undertaken to identify needs and mitigate risks.
ProSustentia has provided continuous support in the validation and verification process of BDU. On this occasion, the project has issued its first carbon credits (VCUs), marking the beginning of their commercialization. These credits not only certify effective carbon capture but also the benefits achieved in terms of community and biodiversity through the identification and management of high conservation value areas, as well as the development of joint activities with the community.