Why this project?

The forests of Matavén, spanning over 1.8 million hectares in southeastern Colombia and located at the intersection of the Amazon and Orinoquía biomes, are among the most ecologically and culturally valuable regions in Colombia—and the world. These forests are not only one of the planet’s most vital carbon sinks but also serve as a biodiversity hotspot and a lifeline for Indigenous communities. Yet, they face threats from illegal cattle grazing, land grabbing, and resource extraction. These activities are accelerating deforestation, fragmenting ecosystems, and undermining the traditional stewardship of the land by Indigenous communities. In many cases, deforestation is linked to broader patterns of insecurity, poor governance, and economic marginalization, which leave these forests—and the people who depend on them—particularly vulnerable.

Against this issue, the REDD+ Matavén project stands as a critical line of defense. The project was launched to combat deforestation and forest degradation, and it is expected to prevent more than 108 million tons of CO₂ from entering the atmosphere between 2013 and 2042. It does this by supporting forest protection, community-led monitoring, sustainable livelihoods, and strengthened land governance. But its impact goes beyond carbon: by preserving these forests, the project strengthens regional climate resilience, reduces the risk of drought, and buffers extreme weather events that are becoming increasingly common due to global climate change.

The Matavén region also plays an ecological role as a corridor for species migration and climate adaptation, connecting two major biomes. For the more than 16,000 Indigenous people from six ethnic groups who live in the region, the REDD+ project helps preserve access to clean water, traditional foods, medicinal plants, and ancestral knowledge tied to the forest, making protection here especially urgent.

Protecting Indigenous forests

What sets Matavén apart is its leadership: this is a project by and for indigenous communities. The area is home to rich biodiversity and six Indigenous communities who have lived in harmony with nature for generations. Through their organization, ACATISEMA, Indigenous leaders plan, manage, and carry out all conservation activities, ensuring that everything aligns with their traditions, rights, and long-term vision for the land.

The project aligns modern conservation practices with ancestral knowledge, fostering a holistic approach to sustainability that respects and promotes Indigenous peoples’ rights, autonomy, and cultural integrity. Moreover, young people are trained in both traditional skills and modern tools, building intergenerational leadership for conservation. The governance model through ACATISEMA is officially recognized by the Colombian government, ensuring long-term legal empowerment and Indigenous sovereignty. Where possible, the project also promotes women’s participation in decision-making and income-generating activities.

Beyond conservation, the initiative improves access to clean water, education, healthcare, and local markets. Over 90% of the project revenue is reinvested directly into the Indigenous territory, making sure that environmental impact goes hand-in-hand with community well-being.

Certifications & global recognition

REDD+ Matavén is certified under the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) and the Climate, Community & Biodiversity (CCB) Standards, earning Gold Level status for its climate adaptation benefits. It’s internationally recognized as a groundbreaking model for Indigenous-led conservation, showing how traditional knowledge and modern climate solutions can work hand in hand.