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CR

Costa Rica

979 ha

Isla Bosque

Afforestation, Reforestation, and Revegetation

Transform barren cattle pastures into thriving forests in Northern Costa Rica

Overview

Isla Bosque

CR

Costa Rica

979 ha

Developer: BaumInvest

Afforestation, Reforestation, and Revegetation

The project areas were originally covered by dense tropical forests but were clear-cut in the 1970s for extensive cattle ranching. The Isla Bosque project was established in 2007 on one parcel of land, with a 30-year crediting period, and has since acquired additional parcels. They plan to establish a mature forest ecosystem by planting a diverse mix of native and non-native species. The name Isla Bosque translates to 'forest island.’ The project was given this name because as these forests grow, they serve as safe havens for flora and fauna in the region. Primary project activities include restoring forest landscapes, sustainable forest management, and providing employment opportunities to local communities.

Connect with our team to learn more about this project and how Pachama can support your nature strategy.

Registry

Gold Standard Logo

Registry ID: 2913

Methodology

Afforestation/Reforestation

Pachama's project evaluation criteriaPachama rigorously evaluates every project listed on our marketplace to ensure that we're surfacing only the highest quality projects. Our Evaluation Criteria includes a series of checks that every project must pass as well as a number of informative insights on project quality. You can see a preview of these checks below.

01

Additional

Does the project have a net additional climate benefit?

  • Net additional climate benefit

    Emissions reductions are calculated based on the difference between baseline, project, and leakage emissions. Pachama analyzes emissions claims to confirm that the project has a net additional climate benefit, and each credit represents at least one metric ton of carbon.

02

Conservative

Is the climate benefit based on sound and conservative claims?

  • Baseline claims

    Pachama analyzes baseline emissions accounting to confirm that the reported baseline emissions are less than what Pachama observes with remote sensing.

  • Project claims

    Pachama assesses the project boundary, project emissions accounting, carbon inventory, and financial and legal additionality.

  • Leakage claims

    Pachama summarizes the project's reported leakage emissions accounting.

03

Durable

Is the climate benefit long-lasting?

  • Ongoing monitoring

    Pachama quantifies emissions since the last verification to ensure the project continues to deliver a climate benefit.

  • Project risks

    Pachama characterizes fire and other natural risks and summarizes buffer pool contributions.

04

Beyond Carbon

Does the project deliver benefits beyond carbon?

  • Social impacts

    If a project occurs on community-owned land, Pachama confirms the community is fully informed of the project activity and impact, consent is given without coercion, and a grievance and redress mechanism is in place.

  • Ecological impacts

    For ARR projects, Pachama analyzes native species planting, species diversity, regional suitability, and reforestation practices.

  • Certifications

    Pachama provides a summary of the project's awarded certifications.

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Project story
Regenerating fallow lands back to their original nature

Across all of Isla Bosque’s reforestation sites, there is a similar story of dense tropical moist forests being cleared around 1970 for cattle ranching, meat, and dairy production. The northernmost site, known as Finca Las Delicias, was previously owned by a food manufacturing company specializing in canned heart-of-palm for exportation. Under new ownership, these land parcels are now being reforested with predominantly native trees in mixed stands.

BaumInvest, the project owner, has continued to purchase additional land parcels, expanding the reforestation effort. Project financing covers all costs for planting, management, and maintenance. This private land ownership enhances the permanence and success of the project activities.

The forest management activities (certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) include land preparation, tree nursery development, planting, replanting, pruning, thinning, harvesting, and continuous weed and pest control to ensure the survival of the seedlings. Additional project activities work to prevent illegal logging and other disturbances in the newly established forest.

625-825

Trees planted per hectare (predominantly native species)

30%

Total project area consists of old-growth forest, secondary forest, and wetlands

A panoramic view of one of the reforestation sites, Finca La Virgen.

A panoramic view of one of the reforestation sites, Finca La Virgen.

Impacts beyond carbon

Providing employment and alternative livelihoods in rural areas

The project provides secure, long-term employment and fair working conditions for the local population in these rural areas of northern Costa Rica. All employees, almost 50% of whom are women, are given social insurance contributions and accident insurance coverage. Additionally, agroforestry systems are implemented in a portion of the planting area to cultivate products such as yuca, tiquisque, and ginger, providing employees with another source of income. Learn more about a few of their key initiatives:

08

Decent work and economic growth

Employing 18 people, and that number is growing as farm workers and foresters are given fair wages, appropriate equipment, training, and social and accident insurance.

Learn more

12

Responsible consumption and production

Training employees in sustainable forestry management, such as low-impact harvesting and agroforestry systems, to provide an alternative income.

Learn more

13

Climate action

Promoting environmental education to reduce illegal logging, poaching, and animal trading as well as biodiversity monitoring in partnership with the Senckenberg Institute.

Learn more

15

Life on land

Conserving habitat for rare and endangered wildlife species, protecting water catchment areas, and improving water quality.

Learn more

biodiversity
Bringing back sanctuaries for rare species to resettle

Isla Bosque aims to create a diverse secondary forest composed predominantly of native tree species. This forest will serve as a habitat and biological corridor for many rare and endangered wildlife species in Central America's diminishing Atlantic lowland rainforests. Biodiversity monitoring, in cooperation with the Senckenberg Institute, shows promising impacts and reflects habitat quality and land-use compatibility.

biodiversity image
  • 70

    New species of amphibians and reptiles found within the project since the start date

  • 10%

    Of all the avian species native to Costa Rica have been found in the project area

Almendro image
tree spotlight
Almendro

Native to Central America, the Almendro (almond) is considered a keystone tree, serving as a “glue” for the entire ecosystem. The fruits are a critical aspect of survival for hundreds of animals and the branches offer a nesting spot.

how this project helps

This project consciously plants these trees to increase the biodiversity of the forest and support the surrounding wildlife.

Great Green Macaw image
animal spotlight
Great Green Macaw

The critically endangered Great Green Macaw is one of the most prominent beneficiaries of the Almendro tree. This bird relies on its fruit for up to 80% of its diet during the dry season and uses its natural cavities for nesting. Their population continues to decline due to extensive habitat loss and capture for caged bird trade.

how this project helps

This project provides a sanctuary for these rare birds to return and resettle amongst the Almendro trees.

Public registry documentsApplicable calculation methods are referenced in the reports below. Note that registries do not publicly provide all pertinent data required to reproduce emissions calculations. However, Independent Validation and Verification Bodies have access to the data needed to reproduce and verify emissions calculations.

  • Verification Report 2007-2015

    pdf

  • Verification Report 2015-2021

    pdf

  • Project Description Document

    pdf

  • Validation Report

    pdf

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