Tree-planting Project in Brazil Aims to Revive Carbon Markets

In the heart of Brazil's Amazon rainforest, a unique tree-planting project is underway. Known as Mombak, this company is using funds from countries like the United States and companies such as Google, Microsoft, and McLaren F1 to reforest millions of hectares. They aim to plant 30 million trees by 2032, covering an area five times larger than Manhattan. The goal? To help these companies offset their carbon emissions. The Amazon is the ideal place for this, as it has lost about 60 million hectares of forest since 2015. Unlike some projects that focus on single species like eucalyptus, Mombak plants a diverse mix of 120 indigenous species. This approach is crucial because it helps create a resilient and healthy forest ecosystem. However, the carbon market is not without its criticisms. Many projects have been accused of inflating their emission reduction claims, a practice known as "greenwashing. " Companies can claim carbon neutrality while doing little to reduce their own emissions. Mombak hopes to change this by proving that reforestation can be effective and honest. They have already planted three million trees in just 18 months at their first farm, Turmalina, which used to be a cattle ranch. Mombak's project is financed by private investors and organizations like the World Bank. They have even secured a $37. 5 million loan from the United States during President Joe Biden's visit. The company aspires to plant trees that are currently at risk of extinction, such as the yellow ipe, a Brazilian emblem. The success of this project will depend on how well it is validated by certifiers like Verra, which has recently strengthened its methods to address criticism. Professor Lise Vieira da Costa from the Federal University of Para is cautious but sees potential in Mombak's approach. She believes that buying land from established owners can reduce conflicts with local communities. Land ownership is a sensitive issue in the Amazon. Many people lack titles for their land, making it easy for farmers and speculators to exploit this legal limbo. Mombak is currently working on areas acquired from private owners with clear documentation. However, they are also interested in a government tender to reforest a public area of 10, 000 hectares. Forestry specialist Carlos Augusto Pantoja argues that funds should go directly to the people of the Amazon, who have the necessary knowledge and need support. He questions the ability of capitalism to solve the climate crisis it created.