Forest Carbon Inventory Project

The Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve works with private landowners to reforest degraded landscapes and capture CO2 from the atmosphere, restore soil and watershed health, and protect biodiversity.  This project was designed based on SSC-AR-AMS001/ version04.1, and Researchers from Monterrey Technical Institute and Bosque Sustentable A.C., recently completed an extensive carbon inventory of the Reserve´s ecosystems, calculating the tons of carbon stored in each forest type. They are now measuring the amount of carbon captured thus far in each reforestation project within the reserve, including this one in areas of extreme poverty. This project began in December 1997, and roughly 50 hectares per year are being added to the project size. A letter of commitment exists with Rainforest Alliance to validate the project using CCB and VCS standards, and is expected in 2009.

 

Landowners are employed as forest stewards, assisting natural regeneration by removing their cattle, planting native seeds, and actively managing their forests for optimum health, carbon sequestration, and storage.   Bosque Sustentable is the experienced local operator of the Ecosystem Services Program, which is well connected to local communities, serving as the link between rural landowners and national and international investors.  Bosque Sustentable provides technical support to landowners, monitors all conservation activities, verifies carbon sequestration and ensures the permanence and additionality of ecosystem service provisions.  All income generated through the Ecosystem Services Program is directly invested in conservation activities.