A French-based developer, Fronterra, is set to introduce the first biodiversity credits from the Peruvian Amazon by the end of the year. This initiative aims to bolster conservation efforts in the Sierra del Divisor National Park.
Close-up of a jaguar in Amazon Sierra del Divisor National Park. AI generated picture.
Fronterra is collaborating with the national agency for protected areas, SERNANP, to enhance control, surveillance, and monitoring in the park. This project is part of a pilot scheme developed by the Organisation for Biodiversity Certificates (OBC), headquartered in France.
Established as a protected area during the 2015 UN Paris climate summit, the Sierra del Divisor National Park spans 1.35 million hectares, making it one of the world's largest rainforest conservation projects.
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Juan Carlos Gonzalez Aybar, the founder and CEO of Fronterra, announced that the first biodiversity credit units would be registered with the OBC and sold to the French biodiversity fund, Restore. This fund was launched by natural capital entrepreneur Sylvain Goupille earlier this year.
Although the OBC methodology is still in development, the credits are expected to be activity-based, with prices covering implementation and certification costs. An independent verification body will ensure transaction transparency.
Fronterra has secured a 20-year public bidding project to administer the area and support preservation efforts alongside local NGOs such as Cima, Cedia, and Jardin Botanico de Missouri-Peru.
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The project will begin with biodiversity monitoring to establish a baseline, followed by restoration of degraded areas through assisted natural regeneration and agroforestry. Fronterra plans to aid local communities in cultivating native cocoa under the shade of native trees, combining carbon credits with biodiversity credits.
The biodiversity credit market could reach $200 million by 2030, driven by such initiatives. Gonzalez Aybar emphasised the need for additional funding to combat deforestation, as the current annual budget of $100,000 for the park is insufficient.
Fronterra is also working with the Peruvian government to develop a legal framework to support and scale the biodiversity credit market, encouraging immediate action from companies and developers. In a related effort, Fronterra and OBC co-founder Adryada have launched a joint initiative to expand nature-based solutions in Latin America, including Guatemala, Colombia, and Brazil.
DGB Group adopts a comprehensive approach to sustainability, understanding that it extends beyond merely carbon sequestration. We leverage cutting-edge technologies to effectively develop, measure, and validate high-quality nature-based projects aimed at fighting deforestation and revitalising biodiversity. Central to our initiatives are sustainable farming practices, which we incorporate into our projects and share with local communities to ensure long-term environmental health. We welcome progressive organisations to join us in forging a greener, more sustainable future.
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