30 Mar Yuxibu Project Combats Deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest
In January of this year, 2023, there was a positive development indicating increased awareness of the importance and preservation of the Amazon. The National Institute for Space Research (INPE) reported a 61% reduction in deforestation compared to January 2022 in the so-called “Legal Amazon.” The alerts were generated by the Real-Time Deforestation Detection System (Deter), a tool used by INPE.
The “Legal Amazon” comprises the states of Acre, Amapá, Amazonas, Mato Grosso, Pará, Rondônia, Roraima, Tocantins, and part of Maranhão. Speaking of Acre, Canopée has one of its beneficial projects located in this region, named “Yuxibu,” situated in the São Jorge I, São Jorge II, and Mucuripe Farms in the city of Sena Madureira.
This area is predominantly inhabited by traditional peoples and communities, such as the Huni Kuin indigenous people, and has historically shown high deforestation rates, posing a threat to both the native biome and the local population.
Consistent with Canopée’s principles in all projects, a portion of the revenue generated from carbon credit sales is reinvested in socio-environmental initiatives in the project’s influence areas. In the case of the Yuxibu Project, one of Canopée’s earliest initiatives, funds from carbon credits preservation go back to the state of Acre, creating jobs for the local community, preserving biodiversity, and combating climate change.
For the Huni Kuin, the name Yuxibu represents a sacred entity that is challenging to explain. According to Pajé Agostinho Ĩka Muru, it is the great creator of all things. In a possible translation, Yuxibu could mean something like spirits or creators.
“It is a Yuxibu that gives life to us, gives everything that we want to do here on Earth, fulfilling our missions, passing through the stretches with all the Yuxibus here that we walk on borrowed. Nothing we have is ours. (…)” (Ika Muru, 2014)
One of the main objectives of the Yuxibu Project is to protect the Amazon rainforest and its vast biodiversity from deforestation. Canopée takes special care of this region, and it is certified by “Bureau Veritas,” a pioneer in sustainability and ESG solutions, as well as a global leader in Testing, Inspection, and Certification. They have developed their own methodology adapted to the country for the accounting and generation of carbon credits from sustainable forest management projects.
Furthermore, all actions taken in Yuxibu, which has been protecting the forest since 2005, are geared towards assisting in the development of local communities. Among the goals in this region is the reduction of carbon emissions by 3,311,169 tons of CO2eq (carbon dioxide equivalent) over a period of 30 years. The term “CO2eq” refers to any other greenhouse gas (GHG) emitted.
To ensure that everyone involved in the Yuxibu Project is committed and working diligently, constant monitoring is conducted. Annual audits are performed in the certified area to monitor environmental and socio-economic indicators, deforestation, and the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Reliable certifications and technical oversight are essential to ensure the environmental and social integrity of these projects, as well as the accuracy of measurements of greenhouse gas emission reductions.
Certification must be carried out by internationally recognized and trustworthy entities that verify whether the projects meet stringent standards of quality and sustainability. This ensures that the acquired carbon credits are real, effective, and suitable for companies wishing to contribute to planetary preservation.