rePLANET and CATIE join forces to conserve natural resources

• Collaboration aims to drive sustainable projects and mitigate climate change in Latin America and the Caribbean.

October 3, 2023. In a significant stride towards conserving and sustainably utilizing natural resources in Latin America and the Caribbean, rePLANET and CATIE (Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center) have entered into a cooperative agreement. The accord was formalized by Timothy Frederick Coles, CEO of rePLANET, and Muhammad Ibrahim, Director General of CATIE.

CATIE's Climate Action Unit will be responsible for overseeing this agreement. Its primary objective is to establish a framework of collaboration to undertake mutually beneficial activities, focused on the conservation of terrestrial and coastal-marine biodiversity, as well as the sustainable use of natural resources in the region.

The agreement outlines specific areas of cooperation, such as the restoration of forest ecosystems and wetlands, blue carbon projects, and the development of nature-based solutions. It also encompasses innovations in financial mechanisms for sustainability and collaborations on research and ecosystem restoration projects.

With 50 years of experience, CATIE stands out as an international center dedicated to innovation and sustainable development in agriculture and natural resource management. Its focus spans the Latin American and Caribbean region, excelling in integrated management of agriculture and natural resources to address global challenges.

From its Climate Action Unit, CATIE promotes solutions for climate change adaptation and mitigation, with a focus on strengthening sustainable development processes and enhancing human well-being. Its approach centers on landscape management, integrating actions in agriculture, water, forests, and coastal-marine systems.

On the other hand, rePLANET is a company driving large-scale ecological restoration and protection, funded by the private sector. Its mission is to generate carbon and biodiversity credits for sale in voluntary markets. 60% of the final price of these credits is directly allocated to benefiting local communities.

Both institutions commit to jointly defining needs and mutual priorities, as well as developing joint projects. Additionally, they will advocate for national policies and strategies for conservation towards the sustainable use of natural resources and biodiversity.

The agreement will have an initial duration of five years, with the possibility of extension, thereby solidifying a strategic alliance in favor of the environment and sustainable development in the region.