Sivirú-Usaragá-Pizarro-Pilizá (SUPP) REDD+ project

“Resources that flow directly into the heart of the communities.”

key impacts

4 Community Councils

Sivirú, Usaragá, Pizarro, and Pilizá joined forces to conserve more than 47,667 hectares of rainforest in Bajo Baudó, Chocó — uniting territory and purpose under a shared REDD+ vision
6500 people across 40 villages

Engaged through collective land governance strengthening infrastructure, training, and sustainable livelihood programs, anchoring forest protection in local leadership and cultural identity
36 globally threatened species

Protected through enhanced environmental monitoring, training local brigades and biodiversity surveillance — including the Blue-billed Curassow (Crax alberti), Brown-headed Spider Monkey (Ateles fusciceps), and Baird’s Tapir (Tapirus bairdii)
47667 HA

Of tropical rainforest and mangroves protected within the Chocó-Darién biodiversity hotspot — one of the most species-rich and rain-drenched ecosystems on Earth
1.9 million tonnes CO₂ verified reductions

Achieved from 2013 to 2019 under the VCS and CCB Gold standards, with ongoing monitoring and a long-term crediting period to 2043 ensuring durable climate benefits

Women in Sivirú are leading sustainable mangrove harvesting initiatives, protecting the ecosystem while earning an income for their families.

Women’s mangrove harvesters

Their piangua-gathering project shows how community-driven resource use can support both livelihoods and conservation.
Environmental monitoring teams in Usaragá and Pilizá walk their territories collecting data, tracking forest health and supporting community stewardship of protected areas.

Environmental monitoring teams

Their work is central to understanding changes in the ecosystem and ensuring sustainable management.
In Pilizá, local families continue the tradition of harvesting naidí (açaí) as part of their community-led sustainable production efforts.

Naidí Harvesters

These practices strengthen food security and maintain the health of their forest landscape.