Amazon Carbon Offset Project Avoids GHG Emissions While Fostering Responsible Forest Management

EMERYVILLE, Calif., Oct. 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Brazilian Jari-Amapa forest managed by Biofílica Environmental Investments has just achieved third-party validation and verification by SCS Global Services (SCS) for its Jari-Amapa forest under the Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) program, registered to the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS). The Jari-Amapa forest had previously achieved responsible forest management certification to the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) standard, also awarded by SCS Global Services.  Through both carbon verification and responsible forestry certification, the Jari-Amapa project is confirmed to be supporting the local economy while protecting important ecosystems. The FSC-certified forestry operation is managed by Brazilian forest products company Jari Forestal S.A., under conglomerate Grupo Jari.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120827/MM63583LOGO)

"Biofílica and Grupo Jari's collaboration on joint FSC certification and carbon offset verification shows genuine leadership in climate protection and responsible resource management." said Robert J. Hrubes, Executive Vice President at SCS Global Services.

The 65,000-hectare carbon offset portion of the 200,000-hectare FSC certified forest will avoid emissions of more than 3 million tons of greenhouse gases over a 30 year period. Most of these avoided emissions derive from protection from the region's main deforestation drivers: cattle ranching, human settlements and large-scale infrastructure projects. To thwart these pressures, Grupo Jari's charitable arm, Fundacao Jari, and Biofílica have partnered to incubate smaller, lower-impact enterprises within the community, which will directly benefit more than 50 local families.

Jari Forestal S.A's FSC Forest Management certification ensures that the forest is responsibly managed. Harvests are carefully planned using rigorous monitoring and inventory data, and environmental impacts are minimized through adherence to FSC operational requirements. The Jari-Amapa forest region supports a rich ecosystem, home to more than 150 threatened plant, animal and insect species.

"The responsible forestry operations benefit our community while the REDD+ supported ecological research and sustainable business models enable conservation of critical habitats," explained Mariama Vendramini, Biofílica Financial and Commercial Manager.

SCS Global Services has been providing global leadership in third-party environmental and sustainability certification, auditing, testing, and standards development for three decades. Programs span a cross-section of industries, recognizing achievements in green building, product manufacturing, food and agriculture, forestry, and more. SCS is accredited to provide carbon offset verification under a multitude of globally-recognized methodologies, including VCS, CCB, ACR and CAR. www.scsglobalservices.com

Biofílica Environmental Investments is a Brazilian company focused on the management and conservation of forest landscapes. Its model is based on the commercialization of environmental credits and services while investing in both scientific research and socio-economic development of communities living in those areas. In addition to providing emissions reductions from avoided deforestation projects in the Brazilian Amazon, Biofílica is a leader on the Brazilian market of Cotas de Reserva Ambiental (CRAs), a national regulatory-based title of native vegetation. www.biofilica.com.br

Elise Hunter
[email protected]
510-452-6820

Mariama Vendramini
[email protected]

SOURCE SCS Global Services