The Trocano Araretama REDD+ Project began development in 2010 as the Borba Conservation Project, in conjunction with the Municipality of Borba, Brazil.
Origin of the Trocano Araretama Project Name
For the official launch of the Trocano Araretama REDD+ project in June 2011, the local communities were given the opportunity to name the project.
This was important as it enabled the residents to connect in such a way that they felt reflected both the origins and traditions of the municipality. It also demonstrated their involvement in the project and its resulting benefits. After a number of suggestions were put forward, it was decided that the words “Trocano” and “Araretama” both had important local historical meaning. Henceforth the Trocano Araretama project was born.
Early days of the Trocano Project
The initial stages of the project comprised of extensive research activities, discussions, public meetings and consultations. All these processes were vital to ensure the successful implementation of the project. These actions are crucial for any REDD+carbon project, and form the basis for the project objectives and impacts.
REDD+ Project Validation and Verification
In 2013, after the initial 2 years of project implementation, the project was successfully validated under the Natural Forest Standard. The Natural Forest Standard (NFS) was the first standard to combine carbon, social and biodiversity benefits. Designed specifically for REDD+ projects, this meant these carbon projects could be implemented under one combined and specific standard.
Later that year, the Trocano Araretama project successfully achieved verification status for the initial project period. Verification was achieved following a strict and comprehensive process and extensive site visit. This was carried out by the environmental auditing organisation Environmental Services Inc. The verification was carried out in accordance with the Natural Forest Standard, using the ISO 14064-3 and ISO 14065 frameworks. The project was successfully verified for its subsequent project period in 2014.
Go Balance as REDD+ Project Developer
In 2015, the Trocano Araretama project development was taken over by Go Balance Ltd. The project remains co-run along with the City Hall of Borba. With Go Balance as the project developer, Trocano Araretama continues to deliver it’s important project activities that are the essence of this REDD+ project.
As a result of this successful transition, the Trocano Araretama project has continued to successfully protect the natural forests. It has also brought numerous social benefits to the communities of the project area and the Borba locality within the Brazilian Amazon.
The Trocano project continues to adhere to the Natural Forest Standard. The NFS is the most applicable voluntary carbon standard for jurisdictional-level REDD+ projects. Being a registered NFS project is beneficial for both the project and the people of Borba.