Emission Removal
Protecting Colombia’s Indigenous Matavén Forest Reserve
Protecting Colombia’s Indigenous Matavén Forest Reserve
Selva de Matavén, Cumaribo, Colombia
Selva de Matavén, Cumaribo, Colombia
Dries Grasveld
Dries Grasveld
Head of Climate Projects
Head of Climate Projects
1,856,836
Ha covered
35,400,000
tCO2e reduction
5,366
People educated
22,486
People supported
17
Species protected
Low
Low
Low
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
High
High
High
Very High
Very High
Very High
Carbon Impact
Carbon Impact
Carbon Impact
Measures the project's effectiveness in removing or avoiding CO₂
Measures the project's effectiveness in removing or avoiding CO₂
Co-benefits
Co-benefits
Co-benefits
Assesses the positive impact on biodiversity, local communities, and ecosystem resilience.
Assesses the positive impact on biodiversity, local communities, and ecosystem resilience.
Data Transparency & Governance
Data Transparency & Governance
Data Transparency & Governance
Evaluates project accountability, monitoring accuracy, and the reliability of reported outcomes.
Evaluates project accountability, monitoring accuracy, and the reliability of reported outcomes.
Overview
Update 2024
Why this project?
The forests of Matavén span over 1.8 million hectares in southeastern Colombia and are at the intersection of the Amazon and Orinoquía biomes. They are among the most ecologically and culturally valuable regions in Colombia and the world. These forests are one of the planet’s most vital carbon sinks and serve as a biodiversity hotspot and a lifeline for Indigenous communities.
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. This will also lead to higher regional climate resilience, reduced drought risks, and a buffer against extreme weather events triggered by 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.
Spanning over 1.8 million hectares in southeastern Colombia, the forests of Matavén lie at the intersection of the Amazon and Orinoquía biomes. This region is a vital carbon sink, a biodiversity hotspot, and home to over 16,000 Indigenous people from six ethnic groups. 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.
The REDD+ Matavén project was launched to confront these threats. Between 2013 and 2042, it aims to prevent over 108 million tons of CO₂ emissions by protecting forests, supporting community-led monitoring, and strengthening land governance. It also boosts climate resilience by reducing drought risks and buffering against extreme weather.
Protecting Indigenous forests
What makes Matavén unique is its leadership. The project is managed entirely by Indigenous communities through their organization, ACATISEMA, aligning conservation efforts with ancestral knowledge, cultural rights, and a long-term vision for the land. Youth are trained in both traditional and modern conservation practices, and women are increasingly involved in decision-making and income-generating roles.
Beyond forest protection, the project improves access to clean water, education, healthcare, and local markets. Over 90% of revenues are reinvested into Indigenous territories, linking environmental impact directly to 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.
Project Gallery
Location
Project Partner
This project is verified by Verified Carbon Standard (Verra). VCS was established in 2007 and is a full-fledged carbon offset program developed and run by the non-profit Verra. It focuses on GHG reduction attributes only and does not require projects to have additional environmental or social benefits. The VCS is broadly supported by the carbon offset industry (project developers, large offset buyers, verifiers, and project consultants) and is active globally.
United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals
The Project implements various activities that improve food security, strengthen indigenous governance, and increase access to educational programs.
The Project has created the Family Agri-food Production Units System (FAPUS) and several initiatives like cocoa, plantain, and beekeeping, promoting traditional food production for self-consumption and trade.
Over 7,600 indigenous people, including 3,498 women, now have better healthcare through "IPS Matavén Salud" and other programs.
Indigenous guards, leaders, and community members receive training on protecting natural resources. Support is provided to higher education students, and schools are being upgraded with new facilities and kits for children.
The Project empowers women through education and active roles in community leadership, including the chance to become captains and join ACATISEMA. It also supports improvements in traditional roles like food production.
Over 1,900 people, including 890 women, benefit from better water quality and access to clean drinking water through programs providing treated water to indigenous communities.
The Project is evaluating solar equipment like stoves and panels, with some communities already using solar panels for energy and water pumps.
Over 3,100 community members, including 350 women, have joined training workshops. The Project also supports local professional development and provides education opportunities for future Matavén leaders.
The Project has built new infrastructure, including those that promote agroforestry cultivation of cocoa, plantain, corn, and abarco; checkpoints for the indigenous guard, bridges, classrooms, communal dining rooms, health posts, deep wells, and ACATISEMA's offices in Cumaribo and Inírida.
The Project includes 6 major ethnic groups and gives them a voice in Matavén's highest authority. REDD+ Matavén fosters an inclusive environment, valuing and enhancing the roles of women, the elderly, youth, children, and men.
By upgrading infrastructure, the Project is raising living standards for local communities, providing facilities for sustainable farming, communication, transport, healthcare, water treatment, and housing.
The Project supports sustainable farming by reducing water use, avoiding chemicals and plastic, and following expert guidance to enhance food security with minimal environmental impact.
The Project has already cut over 35.4 million tonnes of CO₂e, with more reductions expected over its 30-year span. 96,000 has. of forest have been protected by the project, contributing to biodiversity conservation.
The Project supports sustainable use of aquatic resources, protecting wildlife and improving water quality.
The Project prevents deforestation in a biodiversity-rich area, home to many endemic species, and protects ecosystem services like water quality and microclimate regulation by maintaining wildlife corridors.
The Project respects indigenous rights and traditions, ensuring its activities don’t interfere with them. In response to local armed conflict, the government has deployed police, army, and naval forces to protect the Matavén population and demobilize armed groups.
The Project links Matavén to global climate efforts through improved technology, knowledge sharing, and trade, with international support backing its initiatives like productive projects.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Project Highlights
Project Gallery
Location
Project Partner
SDG's
Overview
Update 2024
Why this project?
The forests of Matavén span over 1.8 million hectares in southeastern Colombia and are at the intersection of the Amazon and Orinoquía biomes. They are among the most ecologically and culturally valuable regions in Colombia and the world. These forests are one of the planet’s most vital carbon sinks and serve as a biodiversity hotspot and a lifeline for Indigenous communities.
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. This will also lead to higher regional climate resilience, reduced drought risks, and a buffer against extreme weather events triggered by 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.
Spanning over 1.8 million hectares in southeastern Colombia, the forests of Matavén lie at the intersection of the Amazon and Orinoquía biomes. This region is a vital carbon sink, a biodiversity hotspot, and home to over 16,000 Indigenous people from six ethnic groups. 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.
The REDD+ Matavén project was launched to confront these threats. Between 2013 and 2042, it aims to prevent over 108 million tons of CO₂ emissions by protecting forests, supporting community-led monitoring, and strengthening land governance. It also boosts climate resilience by reducing drought risks and buffering against extreme weather.
Protecting Indigenous forests
What makes Matavén unique is its leadership. The project is managed entirely by Indigenous communities through their organization, ACATISEMA, aligning conservation efforts with ancestral knowledge, cultural rights, and a long-term vision for the land. Youth are trained in both traditional and modern conservation practices, and women are increasingly involved in decision-making and income-generating roles.
Beyond forest protection, the project improves access to clean water, education, healthcare, and local markets. Over 90% of revenues are reinvested into Indigenous territories, linking environmental impact directly to 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.
Project Gallery
Location
Project Partner
This project is verified by Verified Carbon Standard (Verra). VCS was established in 2007 and is a full-fledged carbon offset program developed and run by the non-profit Verra. It focuses on GHG reduction attributes only and does not require projects to have additional environmental or social benefits. The VCS is broadly supported by the carbon offset industry (project developers, large offset buyers, verifiers, and project consultants) and is active globally.
United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals
The Project implements various activities that improve food security, strengthen indigenous governance, and increase access to educational programs.
The Project has created the Family Agri-food Production Units System (FAPUS) and several initiatives like cocoa, plantain, and beekeeping, promoting traditional food production for self-consumption and trade.
Over 7,600 indigenous people, including 3,498 women, now have better healthcare through "IPS Matavén Salud" and other programs.
Indigenous guards, leaders, and community members receive training on protecting natural resources. Support is provided to higher education students, and schools are being upgraded with new facilities and kits for children.
The Project empowers women through education and active roles in community leadership, including the chance to become captains and join ACATISEMA. It also supports improvements in traditional roles like food production.
Over 1,900 people, including 890 women, benefit from better water quality and access to clean drinking water through programs providing treated water to indigenous communities.
The Project is evaluating solar equipment like stoves and panels, with some communities already using solar panels for energy and water pumps.
Over 3,100 community members, including 350 women, have joined training workshops. The Project also supports local professional development and provides education opportunities for future Matavén leaders.
The Project has built new infrastructure, including those that promote agroforestry cultivation of cocoa, plantain, corn, and abarco; checkpoints for the indigenous guard, bridges, classrooms, communal dining rooms, health posts, deep wells, and ACATISEMA's offices in Cumaribo and Inírida.
The Project includes 6 major ethnic groups and gives them a voice in Matavén's highest authority. REDD+ Matavén fosters an inclusive environment, valuing and enhancing the roles of women, the elderly, youth, children, and men.
By upgrading infrastructure, the Project is raising living standards for local communities, providing facilities for sustainable farming, communication, transport, healthcare, water treatment, and housing.
The Project supports sustainable farming by reducing water use, avoiding chemicals and plastic, and following expert guidance to enhance food security with minimal environmental impact.
The Project has already cut over 35.4 million tonnes of CO₂e, with more reductions expected over its 30-year span. 96,000 has. of forest have been protected by the project, contributing to biodiversity conservation.
The Project supports sustainable use of aquatic resources, protecting wildlife and improving water quality.
The Project prevents deforestation in a biodiversity-rich area, home to many endemic species, and protects ecosystem services like water quality and microclimate regulation by maintaining wildlife corridors.
The Project respects indigenous rights and traditions, ensuring its activities don’t interfere with them. In response to local armed conflict, the government has deployed police, army, and naval forces to protect the Matavén population and demobilize armed groups.
The Project links Matavén to global climate efforts through improved technology, knowledge sharing, and trade, with international support backing its initiatives like productive projects.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Project Highlights
Project Gallery
Location
Project Partner
SDG's
Other projects
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