Model for Conservation

Chaco Vivo Leading by Example

Chaco Vivo is not just another conservation project—it is a pioneering effort that sets the benchmark for REDD+ initiatives globally. As an Avoided Planned Deforestation (APD) project, Chaco Vivo operates with a level of transparency, accountability, and community involvement that is rare in the field. Unlike many other REDD+ projects, which often focus on mitigating unplanned and illegal deforestation, Chaco Vivo addresses legally sanctioned deforestation plans, making it a proactive force in the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss.

The Chaco Vivo Difference:

A Blueprint for Success

Chaco Vivo goes beyond traditional conservation efforts by integrating economic sustainability with environmental integrity, creating a replicable framework for success. The project combines cutting-edge technologies, robust scientific methodologies, and meaningful partnerships with local and Indigenous communities to ensure measurable impacts and equitable benefits. Its approach emphasizes not just preserving ecosystems but also addressing the systemic pressures driving deforestation, offering a model that aligns development goals with long-term climate and biodiversity commitments. This innovative strategy positions Chaco Vivo as a leader in advancing REDD+ projects with unparalleled effectiveness and integrity.

1. Avoided Planned vs. Unplanned Deforestation (APD vs APD REDD+ projects)

 Chaco Vivo is distinct because it focuses on preventing legally planned and approved deforestation. This approach allows for more precise baseline measurements and more reliable carbon credit issuance, addressing one of the major criticisms of other REDD+ projects – the overestimation of carbon reductions. Chaco Vivo ensures its efforts are effective and verifiable by intervening before deforestation begins.

Why APD Projects Like Chaco Vivo Might Be Preferred -

While both APD and AUD projects play crucial roles in reducing deforestation and mitigating climate change, APD projects are often preferred for their predictability, accuracy in baseline setting, and reliability in carbon credit issuance. APD projects can ensure their environmental impact is measurable and verifiable by targeting large-scale, legally sanctioned deforestation. This makes them a strong option for stakeholders seeking robust, high-quality carbon offsets. On the other hand, AUD projects excel in engaging with local communities and addressing the diffuse, often illegal, deforestation activities that occur at a smaller scale. The choice between APD and AUD projects depends on the specific goals and contexts of the stakeholders involved. However, for those prioritizing accuracy, predictability, and reliability, APD projects generally offer a more straightforward path to achieving significant, verifiable results.

2: Rigorous Standards and Accountability

At Chaco Vivo, precision and integrity are at the heart of every stage, from establishing baselines to monitoring carbon stocks. The project employs scientifically rigorous and conservative methodologies to calculate emissions reductions, ensuring the credibility and authenticity of the carbon credits generated. Continuous monitoring, supported by cutting-edge technology, and independent third-party verification provide an additional layer of assurance, guaranteeing that the environmental benefits achieved are both measurable and transparent. This unwavering commitment to excellence solidifies Chaco Vivo as a trusted leader in sustainable climate action.

3: Community-Centric Approach

Chaco Vivo places people at the heart of its mission, recognizing that lasting conservation is only possible when it uplifts and empowers the communities who call the forest home. By actively involving local and Indigenous populations in every stage of the project, Chaco Vivo ensures they share in the economic and social benefits of conservation. This inclusive approach not only strengthens the project’s sustainability but also sets a new standard for addressing social safeguards, countering criticisms often leveled at REDD+ initiatives. By prioritizing collaboration and equity, Chaco Vivo transforms conservation into a partnership for a better future.

4: Mitigating Leakage and Ensuring Permanence

Leakage, where deforestation activities are displaced to other areas, is a significant concern for REDD+ projects. Chaco Vivo mitigates this risk by engaging with surrounding communities and promoting sustainable land-use practices beyond its project boundaries. This holistic approach helps ensure that the project’s environmental benefits are not undermined by deforestation elsewhere​.

Proxy Areas Leakage Assessment

200km Area Radius Leakage Assessment

Entire Paraguayan Chaco Leakage Assessment

5: Transparent and Impactful Carbon Accounting

One of the most significant criticisms of REDD+ projects is the overestimation of carbon savings. Chaco Vivo counters this by employing conservative assumptions in its carbon accounting and ensuring that every ton of CO2 saved genuinely represents real-world reductions. This transparency is critical for maintaining the credibility of the project and the broader REDD+ mechanism.

Learn more about Chaco Vivo’s conservative carbon estimates by visiting TransparenC.

Importance of Collaboration

Building a Strong Network

Collaboration is at the heart of Chaco Vivo’s success. The project brings together a diverse array of stakeholders, including local communities, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and international partners. By fostering strong partnerships, Chaco Vivo ensures that its conservation efforts are informed by a wide range of expertise and perspectives, enhancing both the effectiveness and sustainability of the project. These collaborations also help build local capacity, ensuring conservation efforts continue long after the project’s initial implementation.

Municipality of Puerto Casado
Aligns efforts and resources, ensuring greater effectiveness in community development.
Government of Alto Paraguay
Coordinates efforts in sustainable development and the well-being of local communities throughout the Chaco department of Alto Paraguay.
Faculty of Agricultural Sciences of the National University of Asunción (FCA UNA)
Develop sustainable agricultural practices and improve agricultural productivity in harmony with environmental conservation.
National Forestry Institute (INFONA)
Improve the sustainable management of forest resources and promote reforestation and forest restoration with native species.
Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences of the National University of Asunción (FACEN)
Promote scientific research and environmental monitoring in the project area.
Agricultural Credit Bureau
Facilitate access to financing and technical resources that support sustainable productive activities in the region.
Paraguayan Institute of Indigenous Affairs
Collaborates to preserve and promote the rights and cultural heritage of indigenous communities in the Chaco region.
Family Health Unit of Puerto Casado
Supports the improvement of health services and the well-being of communities in the project area
Juana María de Lara School, Juan de Ayolas School, Bernardino Caballero School
Supports education and student development, promoting environmental awareness from an early age. Strengthen environmental education and provide educational resources that benefit students and the community.
Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development
Chaco Vivo seeks to sign an agreement with the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development to strengthen environmental management and conservation initiatives in the Gran Chaco.
Global Peace Foundation
Promotes peace and sustainable development through joint initiatives in the Chaco region.
Institute for the Development of the Patria Soñada Thought
To promote the integral and sustainable development of local communities.
SOUNDS OF THE EARTH (Sonidos de la Tiera)
Promotes musical and cultural education in local communities, strengthening the social and cultural fabric.
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Addressing REDD+ Criticisms

Why Chaco Vivo Stands Apart

Despite its potential, REDD+ has faced significant criticism. Concerns range from the quality of carbon credits to the social and environmental impacts on local communities. Chaco Vivo is designed to overcome these challenges

High-Quality Carbon Credits
REDD+ projects have been accused of generating credits that don’t accurately reflect actual emissions reductions. Chaco Vivo avoids this pitfall by adhering to stringent verification processes and using conservative baselines, ensuring its robust and reliable credits.
Strong Social Safeguards:
Some REDD+ projects have been criticized for inadequate social safeguards, negatively impacting local communities. Chaco Vivo’s community-first approach, which involves local communities in every aspect of the project, ensures that conservation benefits are shared equitably, and traditional land rights are respected.
Ensuring Long-Term Impact
The permanence of carbon storage is a critical concern for REDD+ projects. Chaco Vivo addresses this by implementing long-term legal protections for the forest and continuously engaging with local communities to ensure that conservation gains are not reversed.
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Avoided Planned Deforestation (APD

Avoided Unplanned Deforestation (AUD)

Why APD Might Be Better

Deforestation Type

Legally sanctioned, planned deforestation (e.g., for agriculture, plantations

Unplanned, often illegal deforestation (e.g., small-scale logging, slash-and-burn agriculture

APD deals with clearly documented and planned activities, making the baseline more accurate.

Predictability of Outcomes

High – Since deforestation is planned, outcomes and carbon savings are more predictable

Low to Medium – Outcomes are less predictable due to the spontaneous nature of deforestation

APD projects offer more reliable and verifiable carbon credit issuance due to predictable outcomes.

Baseline Accuracy

High – Baselines are based on planned

Medium – Baselines are harder to determine due

APD projects can set more accurate and conservative

Carbon Credit Reliability

High – Due to predictable outcomes and accurate baselines, carbon credits from APD projects are often more reliable deforestation activities, making them easier to calculate and verify

Medium – Carbon credits from AUD projects can be less reliable due to the unpredictability of unplanned deforestation to the unregulated nature of activities

APD projects generally produce more trustworthy carbon credits due to the structured nature of the deforestation they prevent.baselines, reducing the risk of over-crediting.

Community Involvement

Often involves negotiations with commercial entities; community involvement may vary

High – Typically involves working closely with local communities to prevent deforestatio

While AUD projects are strong in community engagement, APD projects ensure more consistent involvement with defined stakeholders.

Type of Deforestation Targeted

Large-scale, commercial deforestation activities

Small-scale, often subsistence-driven deforestation

APD projects can have a larger impact by targeting bigger deforestation activities.

Legal Framework

Operates within a clear legal framework, often involving land zoned for non-forest use

Often operates in a more complex legal environment with varying levels of enforcement

APD projects benefit from working within established legal frameworks, which can simplify project implementation.

Carbon Credit Reliability

High – Due to predictable outcomes and accurate baselines, carbon credits from APD projects are often more reliable

Medium – Carbon credits from AUD projects can be less reliable due to the unpredictability of unplanned deforestation

APD projects generally produce more trustworthy carbon credits due to the structured nature of the deforestation they prevent.

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Ministerio del Ambiente y Desarrollo Sostenible

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Ethel Estigarribia

Instituto Paraguayo del Indígena

INDI

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Marlene Ocampos (ex presi)
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