Keeling Curve

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Project Summary / Description:

We seek to accelerate natural systems for carbon capture, utilization and sequestration in one of the world‚ most biodiverse areas, Costa Rica‚ Osa Peninsula, by advancing technological and nature-based strategies. Our model will demonstrate how restoration, community-based agroforestry, and silvopastoral methods improve sequestration viability, reduce emissions and increase productivity. Focusing on agricultural activities and carbon capture on farms, this replicable and scalable project will result in a vital expansion of local sustainable income-generating opportunities. The project prioritizes ecological corridors and buffer zones, chosen for benefits they can deliver as a climate solution by reducing pressure for rainforest exploitation and deforestation.

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We will increase tree cover across 43 ha of agricultural land, while working collaboratively to deliver community agro-forestry training to women, indigenous groups and community members who have few opportunities for formal education. Building local capacity to benefit from micro-enterprise, certification schemes & Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES), we will work with landowners on the development & implementation of alternative income-generating opportunities. 

OC will work with expert partners, local government agencies, & a sustainable development advisor to deliver community training on technical & practical skills to increase benefits gained from micro-enterprise, certification schemes & PES. Training will target participation by 50% women, 20% indigenous & 30% landowners over 30, who have few opportunities for formal education. Female participation will be encouraged through direct outreach with our existing community network, through local women associations, & support from established female community leaders. OC will offer training the trainer opportunities with a focus on sustainable agroforestry practices (including processing and marketing products), improving productivity through land management, eco-tourism and cutting-edge conservation technology. Technology transfer will emphasize use for biodiversity monitoring to maximize PES and certification benefits, as well as to generate ecotourism hotspots through citizen science applications. 

In the long-term, landscape connectivity will lead to the ability for tropical species to maintain healthy populations and migrate altitudinally to survive future climates. Through catalyzing community action to accelerate carbon capture and protect biodiversity in its last strongholds, we will start to see a transition towards a legacy that promotes a conservation ethic. Poverty will be reduced in the poorest region in Costa Rica by creating resilient communities that are less vulnerable to changing climates and that are invested in sustainable micro-enterprises and agro-forestry opportunities that generate food security, advance women empowerment, and promote management of conservation areas. This model will be replicable and scalable to impact change across tropical landscapes.

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