Guatemalan Conservation

Overview

The Conservation Coast represents a vital effort to conserve biodiversity, mitigate climate change, and improve community well-being in the Caribbean coastal region of Guatemala. Covering an area of 54,157 hectares, the project is estimated to prevent over 21 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e) emissions over a 30-year period. Led by Fundacion para el Ecodesarrollo y la Conservacion (FUNDAECO), the project focuses on protecting critical habitats for endangered species, improving access to healthcare, and providing comprehensive training programs for local communities.

Environmental impact

The Conservation Coast project protects at least 15 Critically Endangered and Endangered species, including the Guatemalan Black Howler and the Black-handed Spider Monkey. By preserving vital habitats within a protected area, the project helps maintain high levels of species diversity and contributes to the conservation of threatened wildlife. Despite moderate risks to carbon stock permanence from historical droughts and fires, the project's implementation of activities beyond common practice demonstrates its commitment to additional emission reductions and biodiversity conservation.

Social benefits

One of the project's key achievements is the improvement of access to healthcare services for community members. Through partnerships with organizations like the "Network of Women Health Clinics," the project has significantly reduced maternal and neonatal mortality rates in the region, particularly in rural areas. Additionally, the project provides extensive training on various topics, including human rights, maternal health, climate change, and coastal resilience, benefiting over a hundred participants from local communities. By integrating under-represented groups such as women and youths and conducting consultations and meetings in the local indigenous language, the project ensures inclusive community engagement and empowerment.

Certification

Certified under the VCS and CCB Gold standards, the Conservation Coast project has achieved significant emission reductions and biodiversity conservation outcomes. With very high co-benefits overall, the project has provided significant livelihood improvements and successfully collaborated with local communities. By protecting critical habitats and promoting sustainable development, the project contributes to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to biodiversity conservation, health, and gender equality. FUNDAECO, based in Guatemala City, leads the project with extensive experience in community engagement, biodiversity assessment, and forest measurement. Certified under the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) and Climate, Community & Biodiversity (CCB) Gold standards, the project demonstrates adherence to rigorous environmental and social standards. Despite some challenges, including over-crediting risks and inadequate market leakage accounting, the project's high co-benefits overall underscore its success in delivering tangible benefits to both communities and biodiversity.

Documentation