Conhuás

Carbon

Campeche, México

In the heart of Calakmul, the Conhuás ejido decided to preserve its rainforest as a path of development. Through a forest carbon capture model, the community protects its territory, generates employment and strengthens its local capacities for long-term sustainable management.

350

carbon offsets

annually estimated

hectares

preserved

187

ejido members

receive benefits from the project

757

local residents

inhabit the ejido

282

sites

of carbon monitoring

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The context

A Forest Mosaic on the Frontlines of Climate

Located in southeastern Mexico, the Conhuás ejido conserves more than 58,000 hectares of tropical rainforest, acting as a natural connector between the Calakmul Reserve and other key areas for biodiversity. 96% of its territory remains covered by forest vegetation, making it a critical link within the region's biological corridor.

However, its strategic location also makes it vulnerable: fires, deforestation and pressure from land use change threaten the continuity of this ecosystem. At the same time, economic opportunities are limited for their population, increasing dependence on extractive activities.

Location

Campeche, México

Dimensions

The Project Area (ADP) is 58.493 hectares, while the Activity Area (ADA) is 47,330,115 hectares under restoration.

Productive Activities

Temporary agriculture, beekeeping, and in some areas of the ejido, ecotourism.

Vegetation

Low semi-evergreen rainforest to medium semi-evergreen rainforest

Fauna

Mammals such as the tapir (Tapirus bairdii), white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), jaguar (Panthera onca), aardvark (Tamandua mexicana), temazate (Mazama temama), Tlacuache (Didelphis marsupialis), Tepezcuintle (Cuniculus paca), puma (Puma concolor), white-lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari), martucha (Potos flavus), spider monkey (Ateles geoffroyi), birds such as the Royal-billed toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus) and the ocelated turkey (Meleagris ocellata), as well as reptiles such as boa (Boa constrictor).

Flora

Trees such as mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla), ramón (Brosimum alicastrum), tzalam (Lysiloma latisiliquum), red chacá (Bursera simaruba), pucté (Bucida buceras), dye stick (Haematoxylum campechianum) and chicozapote (Manilkara zapota).

Certifier

Climate Action Reserve (CAR)

Protocol

Forest Protocol Version 3.0

Verifier

Ruby Canyon (first period) and GREENCI (second period)

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The activities

On-the-Ground Action

Environmental Analysis and Monitoring

The carbon baseline was built on more than 47,000 hectares, with an estimated capture of 309,642 carbon credits, actively involving ejidatarios and residents.

Carbon Baseline

A territorial analysis of the ejido and a carbon baseline were carried out in 296 sites over 47,000 ha. 304,000 ha were also studied with GIS and multi-criteria evaluation to define priority areas for intervention in a territory of more than 58,000 ha.

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Community Pariticipation

An annual capture of 309,642 carbon credits was estimated with the active participation of 187 ejidatarios and 757 residents in monitoring and surveillance, strengthening their commitment to forest conservation and biodiversity.

Restoration and Conservation

Degraded areas were restored and conservation strategies were established on more than 47,000 hectares, with an emphasis on native flora and fauna.

Ecological Restoration Actions

In a single area of activity that covers more than 47,000 hectares, ecological restoration and conservation actions are implemented. The reintroduction of native vegetation seeks to recover degraded areas.

Conservation and Regeneration Actions

Conservation includes flora and fauna monitoring, camera traps, firewalls, weed control, thinning and seed collection to strengthen natural regeneration and preserve ecosystem integrity.

Sustainable Use Management

Sustainable productive activities that strengthen the local economy and conserve natural capital were promoted.

Sustainable Land Use

The productive activities within the area of activity are oriented to a sustainable use of the forest that generates economic and environmental benefits. These include organic beekeeping and melipona.

Ecotourism and Conservation of Natural Capital

Ecotourism focused on wildlife sighting was also promoted. These initiatives make it possible to diversify the local economy while conserving the territory's natural capital.

Workshops and Training

Community capacities were strengthened through practical workshops and environmental training for all age groups.

Community Training

Strengthening community capacities is a pillar of the project. Workshops and training are held that include forest fire prevention and management, opening and maintaining firewalls, fuel management and placing preventive signs.

Intergenerational Environmental Education

Phototrapping training is also offered and environmental education workshops are held for all age groups, encouraging community ownership of the project and ensuring the continuity of long-term conservation actions.

Environmental Analysis and Monitoring

Restoration and Conservation

Sustainable Use Management

Workshops and Training

“We are constantly learning about the value of the ecosystem services provided by the Conhuás rainforest. The community is holding workshops to return to overlooked aspects and benefits of forest regeneration, including positive impacts on biodiversity, such as flora and fauna, and tree growth.”

Ruth Chávez

Ejido member

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The Turning Point

A Collective Decision

The community identified an opportunity: to conserve their land not only as an environmental heritage, but also as a legitimate path of development. Thus, a carbon capture project built from its own territorial reality was born.

A Purpose-Driven Project

Through the conservation and management of its forest cover, the ejido generates carbon credits that allow it to finance restoration activities, community surveillance and capacity building, consolidating a long-term strategy.

Beyond Carbon

The design and management of the ejido of its territory focuses on local knowledge, community governance and the regeneration of ecosystems as a basis for collective well-being.

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The Impact

Conservation with co-benefits

Science-Based Restoration

To ensure permanence and additionality, the project is registered, verified and certified by accredited entities. We also combine our Toroto Track tool with satellite monitoring and fieldwork technologies to ensure the quality and permanence of the captured carbon.

Biodiversity as a Foundation

Biodiversity is the foundation of resilient socio-ecological systems. Our specialized team performs baseline studies, continuous monitoring and strategies to conserve and strengthen key ecosystems.

Community-Led Action

Local brigades implement conservation actions, generating employment, roots and a sense of belonging to the territory. These activities strengthen environmental education and encourage active and sustained community participation.