Peruvian Rainforest Protection to be Funded by Madre de Dios Amazon REDD Project Verified by SCS Global Services

 SCS Global Services announced that it has independently verified the Madre de Dios Amazon Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD) Project under the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS), thereby allowing the project to generate carbon credits that will finance the protection of key Peruvian rainforest habitat.  SCS confirmed that the carbon offset project avoided emissions of approximately 4.5 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalents over a four-year period from January 1, 2009 – December 31, 2012.  

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This REDD project is located in the Ecological Corridor, Vilcabamba-Amboro, in the Peruvian Amazon, one of the world's most important biodiversity hotspots. The area has become vulnerable to deforestation due to major population pressures and construction of the transoceanic highway. The highway connects western Brazil and eastern Peru, giving farmers access to previously remote parts of the rainforest. High agricultural commodity prices have led to a greater economic incentive to expand farming operations in the region, making preservation of forests all the more critical. 

"The Madre de Dios REDD project sets an excellent precedent for the region," said Robert J. Hrubes, SCS Executive Vice President.  "During our assessment, we found the project to be well-organized with clear calculations of project emissions and firm supportive evidence generated through methods such as remotely sensed imagery."

The project design was initially validated by SCS in accordance with the VCS and the Climate, Community & Biodiversity Alliance (CCB) standard, assuring that exceptional social and environmental benefits would be generated. The project obtained "Gold Level" status, the highest CCB level of recognition. The newly issued verification confirms that the project is being implemented according to this plan.  

The project protects a swath of rainforest nearly 300 times the size of Central Park by financing initiatives that provide an alternative livelihood to subsistence farming and illegal logging, which both rely on deforestation. Project developer Greenoxx Global Environmental Program will use proceeds from the sale of carbon credits to increase field patrolling and satellite monitoring to prevent illegal deforestation, while providing benefits to nearby communities through social programs such as investing in health, education, and alternative livelihoods. The project will also preserve the habitat of four endangered rainforest species and eleven endangered wildlife species.

For a map of carbon projects that have been validated and verified by SCS, visit http://www.scsglobalservices.com/verified-carbon-offset-projects

SCS Global Services has been providing global leadership in third-party environmental and sustainability certification, auditing, testing, and standards development for nearly 30 years. Its programs span a wide cross-section of industries, recognizing achievements in green building, product manufacturing, food and agriculture, forestry, retail, and more.  SCS provides accredited services under a wide range of internationally recognized certification programs.  SCS is a chartered benefit corporation and Certified B Corp™, reflecting its commitment to socially and environmentally responsible business practices.