VCS Version 3 - Verified Carbon Standard

Transcription

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: VCS Version 3
GROUPED PROJECT FOR COMMERCIAL
FOREST PLANTATIONS INITIATIVES IN THE
DEPARTMENT OF VICHADA
Document Prepared By
South Pole Carbon Asset Management SAS and Carbono & Bosques
Project Title
Version
Date of Issue
Prepared By
Contact
Grouped project for commercial forest plantations initiatives in the department of
Vichada
01
16/02/2016
South Pole Carbon Asset Management Ltd; Corporación Carbono & Bosques
T +57 4 352 4428; v.giraldo@thesouthpolegroup.com
T +57 4 230 0876; bzapata@carbonoybosques.org
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Table of Contents
1
Project Details ...................................................................................................................................... 4
1.1
Summary Description of the Project ............................................................................................. 4
1.2
Sectoral Scope and Project Type.................................................................................................. 4
1.3
Project Proponent ......................................................................................................................... 4
1.4
Other Entities Involved in the Project ............................................................................................ 5
1.5
Project Start Date .......................................................................................................................... 7
1.6
Project Crediting Period ................................................................................................................ 7
1.7
Project Scale and Estimated GHG Emission Reductions or Removals ....................................... 7
1.8
Description of the Project Activity.................................................................................................. 9
1.9
Project Location .......................................................................................................................... 25
1.10
Conditions Prior to Project Initiation ........................................................................................ 25
1.10.1
Description of the group project location ......................................................................... 26
1.10.2
Description of Instance 1 location ................................................................................... 38
1.11
Compliance with Laws, Statutes and Other Regulatory Frameworks..................................... 51
1.12
Ownership and Other Programs ............................................................................................. 53
1.12.1
Right of Use......................................................................................................................... 53
1.12.2
Emissions Trading Programs and Other Binding Limits ..................................................... 53
1.12.3
Other Forms of Environmental Credit ................................................................................. 53
1.12.4
Participation under Other GHG Programs .......................................................................... 53
1.12.5
Projects Rejected by Other GHG Programs ....................................................................... 54
1.13
2
Additional Information Relevant to the Project ........................................................................ 54
Application of Methodology ................................................................................................................ 55
2.1
Title and Reference of Methodology ........................................................................................... 55
2.2
Applicability of Methodology ........................................................................................................ 55
2.3
Project Boundary ......................................................................................................................... 58
2.4
Baseline Scenario ....................................................................................................................... 60
2.5
Additionality ................................................................................................................................. 62
2.6
Methodology Deviations .............................................................................................................. 69
3
Quantification of GHG Emission Reductions and Removals ............................................................. 69
3.1
Baseline Emissions ..................................................................................................................... 69
3.2
Project Emissions ........................................................................................................................ 70
3.3
Leakage....................................................................................................................................... 71
3.4
Net GHG Emission Reductions and Removals ........................................................................... 71
4
Monitoring ........................................................................................................................................... 81
4.1
Data and Parameters Available at Validation ............................................................................. 81
4.2
Data and Parameters Monitored ................................................................................................. 86
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4.3
5
Monitoring Plan ........................................................................................................................... 93
Environmental Impact ....................................................................................................................... 112
In order to monitor the environmental impacts, a monitoring plan is described in the project
description document develop for the Clime Community and Biodiversity Standard (CCBS). ........ 115
6
Stakeholder Comments .................................................................................................................... 115
APPENDIX I: Threatened species ............................................................................................................ 122
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1
1.1
PROJECT DETAILS
Summary Description of the Project
The Grouped Project for Commercial Forest Plantations Initiatives in the Department of Vichada aims to
promote investments new commercial forest plantations in Puerto Carreño Municipality. The project is
based on changing the use of land from extensive cattle ranching to sustainable forest production
systems, restoring natural forest cover, and creating a landscape of biological and productive corridors
that produce financial, social and environmental services for the region. These impacts include the
mitigation of climate change, regulation of water flows, expansion of habitat and conservation of the flora
and fauna in the zone and the Orinoco region.
The Project area for the first instance corresponds to the properties of La Pedregoza, El Toro, Canapro,
El Diamante and Horizonte Verde, located at the veredas Caño Negro, Aceito, La Esmeralda and Campo
Alegre, in the municipality of Puerto Carreño (Department of Vichada, Colombia). The land within the
project boundary is degraded grassland for all cases of the grouped instances, as they all occur in the
same baseline conditions. Such grasslands grasslands have been historically subject to burns that took
place with the objective to reduce tree covers and expand grasslands in order to develop extensive cattle
ranching activities. However, all properties conserve remnants of gallery forests and natural areas.
For the first instance, it is expected to reforest around 8,700 ha with commercial plantations, using the
species Acacia mangium, Eucalyptus tereticornis, Eucalyptus pellita Hevea brasiliensis, Anacardium
occidentale, Pinus caribaea and other 25 native species.
The project is expected to capture 972,417 tCO2e in 30 years, with an average annual GHG emission of
32,413.92 tCO2e.
1.2
Sectoral Scope and Project Type
The project corresponds to VCS scope 14 “Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use” as an Afforestation,
Reforestation and Revegetation (ARR). The project is a grouped project that aims to reforest degraded
lands, which are expected to remain degraded or to continue to degrade in the absence of the project.
1.3
Project Proponent
Organization name
Fundación Natura
Contact person
Roberto León Gómez Charry
Title
Assistant Director of Local Development and Global Change office
Address
Carrera 21 No. 39-43, Bogotá D.C. (Colombia)
Telephone
PBX: (+57-1) 245 5700 - 2455727 Ext. 112
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Email
rlgomez@natura.org.co
Fundación Natura is a non-profit and non-governmental organization (NGO) whose mission is to
promote the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable use of natural resources. Since its creation
in 1984 researchers and scientists working for this NGO have been interested in generating spaces for
environmental research, sustainable land use planning and mitigation of carbon emissions. They have
also promoted tools and incentives for land conservation, policymaking, the creation of protected areas
and the integrated management of watersheds.
1
Through the Agreement No. 02 of 2015 , Fundación Natura established an alliance with the landowners
and project owners, in order to co-finance and collaborate with the development of the project design for
carbon markets and eventually with other related activities. The owners and legal representatives of the
first instance agreed that Funación Natura could act as project proponent, as they move towards the
2
establishment of a formal figure that represents them .
1.4
Other Entities Involved in the Project
Project owners
Organization name
Cooperativa Casa Nacional del Profesor-CANAPRO
Role in the project
Project owner and responsible for the administration, implementation of operational
tasks, monitoring and harvesting of the planted areas in the nucleus Canapro
Contact person
Edinson Rafael Castro Alvarado
Title
Forestry Project Manager
Address
Calle 63 # 24-58, Bogotá. Colombia
Telephone
(57+1) 3480564
Email
frodriguez@cooperacioverde.com
Organization name
Plantación Amazonia El Vita S.A.S.
Role in the project
tasks, monitoring and harvesting of the planted areas in the nucleus La Pedregoza
Contact person
Dexter Bernhard Dombro
Title
Address
Carrera 57B # 137-88. Bogotá, Colombia
1
2
Agreement No. 02 of 2015. Fundación Natura and Otrosi Agreement No. 02 of 2015
Commitment letters landowners
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Telephone
(57+1) 7046852
Email
dexter@co2tropicaltrees.com
Organization name
Unión Temporal Agroindustria Horizonte Verde
Role in the project
tasks, monitoring and harvesting of the planted areas in the nucleus Horizonte
Verde
Contact person
Liliana del Carmen Hernández Montes
Title
Address
Telephone
Email
administracion@ahorizonteverde.com
Organization name
Ecoforestal de Colombia
Role in the project
tasks, monitoring and harvesting of the planted areas in the nucleus El Diamante
Contact person
Fabián Echeverri
Title
Address
Telephone
(57) 300-329-6525
Email
fabianecheverrie@gmail.com
Organization name
Reforestadora El Toro S.A.S.
Role in the project
tasks, monitoring and harvesting of the planted areas in the nucleus El Toro
Contact person
Joaquín Saenz Kopp
Title
Address
Calle 59 # 5-30. Bogotá, Colombia
Telephone
(57+1) 2113243
Email
verdellanos@gmail.com
Project developers
Organization name
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South Pole Carbon Asset Management SAS. (South Pole)
6
Role in the project
South Pole elaborates and oversees the development of appropriate project design
and monitoring techniques in line with the guidelines of the VCS and CCBS.
Contact person
Victor David Giraldo T
Title
Address
Calle 10 # 34-11, Oficina 405. Medellín. Colombia
Telephone
(57) 4 352 4428
Email
v.giraldo@southpolecarbon.com
Organization name
Research Center Carbono & Bosques
Role in the project
Carbono & Bosques elaborates and oversees the development of appropriate
project design and monitoring techniques in line with the guidelines of the VCS and
CCBS.
Contact person
Beatriz Zapata
Title
Carbon project designer
Address
Calle 51A # 72-23 Interior 601
Telephone
(574) 230 08 76
Email
bzapata@carbonoybosques.org
1.5
Project Start Date
The Project start date is June 15th, 2011; On this date started the reforestation activities in the nucleus La
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Pedregoza .
1.6
Project Crediting Period
For the current grouped project, the crediting period will be of 30 years and 0 months. The period starts
on June 15, 2011, and ends on June 14, 2041.
1.7
Project Scale and Estimated GHG Emission Reductions or Removals
Project Scale
3
On this date started the reforestation activities in the nucleus La Pedregoza. See support document: Annual
Planting Report, 2011. Finca La Pedregoza.
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Project Scale
Project
Large project
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X
Year
Estimated GHG emission reductions
or removals (tCO2e)
2011
0
2012
29,979.42
2013
96,889.94
2014
173,341.00
2015
281,692.79
2016
397,107.51
2017
513,352.07
2018
553,542.36
2019
600,466.50
2020
742,327.81
2021
678,082.85
2022
688,996.38
2023
729,143.87
2024
796,081.39
2025
851,849.74
2026
936,813.43
2027
966,675.70
2028
901,288.43
2029
917,600.01
2030
997,088.95
2031
879,521.99
2032
877,059.90
2033
920,252.49
2034
1,037,780.28
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Year
Estimated GHG emission reductions
or removals (tCO2e)
2035
1,106,931.58
2036
1,150,372.91
2037
1,118,404.57
2038
1,063,091.78
2039
1,061,404.89
2040
1,102,051.97
2041
972,417.69
Total estimated ERs
972,417.69
Total number of crediting years
30
Average annual ERs
32,413.92
1.8
Description of the Project Activity
1.8.1
Planted species
The objective of the first instance is to establish forest plantations with commercial species. The most
used species for the project are the Acacia mangium, E. tereticornis and native species (Table 1), which
occupy more than 80% of the area intervened by the project. To a lesser extent, other species have been
used, such as E. pellita, A. occidentale, H. brasiliensis and P. caribeae.
Acacia mangium. Nucleus Horizonte Verde
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E. pellita. Nucleus Horizonte Verde
9
P. caribaea. Nucleus Horizonte Verde
Ochroma piramydale
www.verarboles.com
http://floraelverde.catec.upr.edu/
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E. pellita. Nucleus La Pedregoza
Pachira quinata
www.saber.ula.ve
ambientejunin.blogspot.com
10
Dipteryx panamensis
Acosmium nitens
R. Aguilar
www.myreforestation.com
www.tree-nation.com
Figure 1. Used species in the project for reforestation and restauration activities.
Table 1. Native species used in the project for restauration activities.
Ochroma pyramidale
Pseudosamanea guachapele
Calophyllum lucidum
Rheedia madruno
Hymenaea courbaril
Jacaranda copaia
Hura crepitans
Parahancornia oblonga
Pachira quinata
Dipteryx panamensis
Copaifera aromatica
Calophyllum lucidum
Cassia moschata
Samanea saman
Swietenia macrophylla
Clorophora tinctoria
Cedrela odorata
Vochysia obscura
Acosmium nitens
Enterolobium cyclocarpum
Jacaranda obtusifolia
Anacardium occidentale
Anadenanthera peregrina
Ocotea cymbarum
The main characteristics and growth conditions of these species are described below.
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
Acacia mangium
4
The most used specie for reforestation projects is the Acacia mangium . It is an indigenous species from
the northwestern part of Australia, Papua New Guinea and eastern Indonesia, including the Moluccas
islands. In Central America it is known as Mangium or Acacia. It has been introduced in countries like Sri
Lanka, Popular China, Thailand, Malaysia, Nepal, the Philippines, among others. In Central America was
introduced in 1979, for research purposes only and to a higher level only from 1984, in Panama, Costa
Rica and Honduras. It is a fast growing species, which grows well in wet and very humid tropical forest;
especially in the lower areas of flat topography.
This tree reaches 25-30 m in height and up to 90 cm in diameter. It grows well from the sea level to 720
meters above, with temperatures between 12 °C and 34 °C and rainfall between 1,500 and 4,500 mm /
year. It grows fast, prefers fertile soils that present good drainage, grows well in acidic soils, tolerates low
pH greater than 4. It has an apical dominance when grows in open areas.
It is a heliofita specie that regenerates prolifically on abandoned land, or after heavy disturbances such as
fires. It prefers deep alluvial soils, but also grows on soils depleted by the prolonged use in agricultural
production. The wood is beautiful and with fine features, thus this specie has several uses; heavy
constructions, wood crafts and furniture. Its cultivation has been encouraged in Colombia and Venezuela
as a source of forage for livestock.
Although in Brazil this species has an invasive behavior (in the states of Amapa and Roraima in the
Amazon and in the Atlantic Forest and coastal vegetation zones of Bahía, Espiritu Santo and Rio de
5
Janeiro ), in Colombia it has not been considered an invasive species, as it has been widely promoted for
restoration processes and recovery of degraded areas (Castellanos et al. 2010, 2011, Mateus 2013,
Vargas 2013).
Due to the conditions of the department of Vichada, the acacia does not present any problems for
growing in this region as the climatic characteristics, height and precipitation are outstanding for this
species.

Eucalyptus tereticornis
E. tereticornis has the widest latitudinal distribution of any species in the genus. Native of Australia and
Papua New Guinea. It occurs over a wide range of climatic conditions, and principally in open-forest
formation with a number of other eucalypts and on river flats or hill slopes with alluvial or sandy to gravelly
soils. E. tereticornis has been most successful in summer rainfall conditions with a moderate to fairly
severe dry season. It is considerably drought resistant but is susceptible to frost. The species tolerates
occasional waterlogging. In many countries, among the Eucalyptus species, E. tereticornis is considered
relatively fire resistant.
4
Pabón, C & Restrepo, C. 2009. Reforestación: Mecanismo rentable y precursor de Desarrollo para Vichada. EIA.
Disponible en: http://repository.eia.edu.co/bitstream/11190/1593/1/ADMO0566.pdf
5
GISP
2005.
Programa
Mundial
sobre
Especies
Invasoras.
2005.
Disponible
en:
http://www.issg.org/pdf/publications/GISP/Resources/SAmericaInvaded-ES.pdf
v3.2
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Is a tree up to 45 m tall or taller; trunk erect, 1-1.8 m in diameter; crown large, open or fairly dense,
variable; bark smooth, whitish, peeling in irregular thin sheets or large flakes, becoming mottled with
white, grey or bluish patches, often some rough, dark grey bark at base; twigs reddish or yellowish-green.
It easily adapts to poor soils, represented by an early growth and absence of pests and diseases. It grows
on slightly sloping topography. Altitude: 0-800 m, average temperature of 19-29 °C, annual rainfall 9003,000 mm, resists strong winds, prefers sandy, deep, well-drained, fertile, moist, with pH of 5-6 but also
well developed in acid soils. It grows well in sandy and clay soils.
In general, E. tereticornis has proved fairly free of pests and diseases. In many areas termites attack
young plants if insecticide is not used while planting. In India, the most serious disease has been the
6
canker caused by the fungus Corticium salmonicolo .

Eucalyptus pellita
In its natural habitat; Australia and Papua New Guinea; is found in open forest formation with a large
number of other Eucalyptus species, in tall sclerophyll forest and at the margins of rainforests. The tree
grows mainly on gentle to moderately sloping topography, although it is found, to a limited extent, on
steep, well-drained slopes of large ridges and even alongside small streams in the drier and hotter parts
of its occurrence. On bare rock above beaches, it may be reduced to a bushy shrub. It grows quickly in
humid and subhumid, tropical lowland regions and requires uniform to summer rainfall. The species is
frost resistant.
Is a medium-size to large tree, up to 40 m in height and 1 m in diameter at breast height. At its best, it has
a straight trunk to about a half of the tree height and a large, heavily branched crown. The bark is rough
and persistent to the small branches, shortly fibrous, shallowly to coarsely fissured, thick and brown to
7
reddish-brown .
It easily adapts to poor soils, represented by early growth and the absence of pests and diseases. It
grows in slightly inclined topography altitude: 0 to 800 meters, average temperature of 19-29 °C, annual
rainfall of 900 to 3,000 mm. Resists strong winds, prefers sandy, deep, well-drained, fertile, moist, with pH
of 5-6 but also well developed in acid soils. It grows well in sandy and clay soils.
As for pests and diseases, the Coreolopsis fulvocinerea has been reported in Ayapel, Colombia, attacking
the wounds left by pruning. There are no reports inside the project area, about the existence of conditions
that could compromise the project, and that are frequently mentioned in the literature as diseases that
cause significant economic losses.
Among the main uses and wood products are the sawmilling industry, timber for structures (easy for
immunization), fence posts and electrical transmission. It is used as firewood, coal, pulp, paper, plywood
and for the production of fiber and particle boards.
6
World Agroforestry. Eucalyptus tereticornis. Disponible en:
http://www.worldagroforestry.org/treedb/AFTPDFS/Eucalyptus_tereticornis.PDF
7
World Agroforestry. Eucalyptus pellita. Disponible en:
http://www.worldagroforestry.org/treedb/AFTPDFS/Eucalyptus_pellita.PDF
v3.2
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
This specie is a medium-sized tree, spreading, and evergreen, much branched; grows to a height of 12
m. When grown on lateritic, gravelly, coastal sandy areas, it rarely exceeds 6 m and develops a
spreading habit and globose shape with crown diameter to 12 m. Grown inland on loams, it reaches 15 m
and is much branched, with a smaller (4- 6 m) crown diameter. The root system of a mature A.
occidentale, when grown from the seed, consists of a very prominent taproot and a well developed and
extensive network of lateral and sinker roots.
A. occidentale requires high temperatures; frost is deleterious. Distribution of rainfall is more important
than the amount of it. The tree fruits well if rains are not abundant during flowering and if nuts mature in a
dry period; the latter ensures good keeping quality. The tree can adapt to very dry conditions as long as
its extensive root system has access to soil moisture. In drier areas (800-1,000 mm of rainfall), a deep
and well-drained soil without impervious layers is essential.
The ideal weather conditions during the specie´s growing are: altitude: 0-1,000 m, mean annual
temperature: 17-38 deg. C, mean annual rainfall: 500 - 3,500 mm, soil type: prefers deep, fertile, sandy
soils but will grow well on most soils except pure clays or soils that are otherwise impermeable, poorly
8
drained or subject to periodic flooding .

Hevea brasiliensis
Commonly known as the rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensis is a native tree species of Brazil, Bolivia, Peru,
Colombia, Guyana, and Suriname. The rubber tree is found in tropical America from Mexico to Sao
Paulo, in Africa from Mozambique to Madagascar, in southern India, Sri Lanka, and throughout Southeast
Asia, the Philippines, Indonesia, and New Guinea. Commercial rubber plantations are found between 24
degrees north latitude in China to 25 degrees south latitude in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Is a rapid-growing species that can reach 40 m in height and 35 cm in diameter. Its trunk is cylindrical with
a narrow base, a gray-green bark, and irregular branches. Its leaves are compound, trifoliate, and
alternate. They have a dark green upper face, a light green lower face, and marked venation. The form
and composition of the leaves varies between individuals.
Hevea brasiliensis is cultivated from sea level to 1,200 m in a range of temperatures between 20ºC and
30°C, with 25°C being its optimal temperature. If temperatures are below 20 ºC or above 35ºC, growth
and production is noticeably affected. Precipitation should range from 1,800 mm to 2,500 mm and be
well distributed throughout the year and without dry seasons, pronounced, or prolonged heavy
precipitation. Otherwise, tree growth and latex production can be delayed. Relative humidity should
fluctuate between 70% and 90%. An average humidity of 50% can alter production by affecting levels of
defoliation.
Trees should annually receive between 1,500 and 2,500 hours of sunshine. Less than an average of
1,200 hours per year can notably affect the content of dry rubber in the latex. Rubber trees should not be
planted in areas with high winds given that stems break easily and adult plantations can suffer great
losses. The slope of the ground should not be greater than 25%. It is ideal to have flat or slightly
8
World Agroforestry. Anacardium occidentale. Disponible en:
http://www.worldagroforestry.org/treedb/AFTPDFS/Anacardium_occidentale.PDF
v3.2
14
undulating soil that has a depth of 1–1.5 m, a sandy loam and clay loam texture, good capacity for
retaining humidity, good drainage, and acidity (with a pH between 4.1 and 6.0).
In Colombia, all commercial plantations have been established with one or two clones introduced from
Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and Brazil. In the Department of Caquetá (Colombian Amazon), the
promotion and development of crops of rubber (H. brasiliensis) during the past 25 years, has favored the
9
establishment of thousands of hectares in other regions .

Pinus caribaea
It is located on the Atlantic side (Central America) from the sea level on the coastal plains up to 850 m in
the hinterland. It has been planted even out if its range at altitudes up to 1,500 meters. It fits to a variety
of environments, including poor and degraded soils in sandy to clay and acid soils (pH 4-6.5).
Pinus caribaea is a fine tree to 20-30 m tall, often 35 m, with a diameter of 50-80 cm and occasionally up
to 1 m; trunk generally straight and well formed; lower branches large, horizontal and drooping; upper
branches often ascending to form an open, rounded to pyramidal crown; young trees with a dense,
pyramidal crown.
This species grows best in frost-free areas up to about 700 m in more fertile sites with good subsoil
drainage and annual rainfall of 2,000 -3,000 mm. Generally at elevations of 600-800 m it is associated
with P. oocarpa var. hondurensis and P. oocarpa var. ochoterenai. P. caribaea is rated as moderately fire
resistant. It tolerates salt winds and hence may be planted near the coast.
Young plantations usually start bearing female cones when they are 3-4 years old but these do not
produce fertile seed owing to the inadequate supply of pollen at this age, unless older plantations adjoin
the site. Male and female flowers are borne on the same plant. The female cones are the equivalent of
long shoots whereas the male cones are the equivalent of needle bundles (short shoots). There is a
variation in the proportion of male to female cones, with some trees producing almost entirely male cones
and others almost entirely female cones.
In many places where P. caribaea grows, the mat of needles on the ground is considered valuable for the
protection of the soil surface from erosion. In Sri Lanka a massive reforestation programme was
undertaken with plantations of P. caribaea to convert heavily eroded lands on which nothing else could be
grown. It is the only species so far successfully used to clothe barren eroded and denuded lands with a
10
tree cover .
1.8.2
Planted areas
9
Sterling, A & Hernando, C. 2011. New clones of natural rubber for the Colombian Amazone: emphasis in the
resistance
to
the
southamerican
evil
of
leaves
(Microcyclus
ulei).
Disponible
en:
http://sinchi.org.co/images/pdf/dfpublicaciones/2011/Nuevos_clones_cauchoweb.pdf
10
World Agroforestry. Pinus caribaea. Disponible en:
http://www.worldagroforestry.org/treedb/AFTPDFS/Pinus_caribaea.PDF
v3.2
15
Table 2. Current and projected planting areas (ha) by nucleus.
Nucleus
Specie
A. mangium
2011
2012
100.00
101.00
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
207.02
6.02
E. tereticornis
E. pellita
150.00
188.00
38.00
H. brasiliensis
La
Pedregoza A. occidentale
P. caribaea
20.00
50.00
42.00
288.00
308.00
8.03
100.03
P. Oocarpa
Other sp.
14.60
9.23
11.30
-
-
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
El
Diamante
120.00
300.00
150.00
150.00
150.00
1,020.00
150.00
E. tereticornis
-
E. pellita
-
H. brasiliensis
-
A. occidentale
21.00
21.00
P. caribaea
-
P. Oocarpa
-
Other sp.
-
1,041.00
Subtotal
A. mangium
El Toro
13.45
100.15
20.00
20.00
20.00
20.00
20.00
20.00
20.00
20.00
20.00
20.00
-
E. pellita
-
H. brasiliensis
-
A. occidentale
-
P. caribaea
-
P. Oocarpa
-
313.60
Subtotal
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313.60
E. tereticornis
Other sp.
Canapro
1,035.13
1,838.18
Subtotal
A. mangium
Subt
A. mangium
287.00
287.00
155.00
155.00
155.00
155.00
155.00
155.00
16
155.00
155.00
155.00
155.00
2,124.00
Specie
Nucleus
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
E. tereticornis
-
E. pellita
-
H. brasiliensis
48.00
A. occidentale
52.00
137.00
25.00
25.00
25.00
25.00
25.00
25.00
25.00
25.00
25.00
66.50
66.50
-
P. Oocarpa
-
Other sp.
-
A. mangium
E. tereticornis
E. pellita
2,652.50
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
1,786.20
586.20
200.00
-
-
-
-
375.00
400.00
25.00
-
800.00
100.80
-
-
125.00
110.00
335.80
H. brasiliensis
-
A. occidentale
-
P. caribaea
-
-
-
-
-
-
P. Oocarpa
-
-
-
-
-
-
Other sp.
-
2,922.00
Subtotal
TOTAL
v3.2
462.00
P. caribaea
Subtotal
Horizonte
Verde
Subt
1,476.6 1,205.2 1,250.5
150.00
110.00
525.00
550.00
550.00
550.00
400.00
400.00
17
400.00
400.00
400.00
400.00
8,767.28
1.8.3

Silvicultural activities
CANAPRO
Table 3. Technical activities that are being executed in the instance CANAPRO, which are also described
in the document PMFS Canapro, 2014.
Activity
Land
preparation
Description
 Preview of the possible places where it is planned to conduct the seeding of an
annual period, taking into account characteristics of the terrain including the
topography, soil texture, drainage, effective depth, vegetation etc.
 Site preparation (subsoiling and plowing) to remove soil beneath the topsoil.
Mechanized cleaning is performed to eliminate weeds and grass cover; this also
allows the soil tilth and the formation of grooves according to the slope, favoring the
drainage and the runoff of water, which must be perpendicular to the slope.
 Application of one ton of dolomite lime per hectare to the soil. This practice allows
the correction of soil acidity.
 Delineation of the area: due to the short slope of the terrain, the delineation is done
in the form of quadrates of an area of 100 m2. Within these quadrates, parallel lines
are drawn and the holes are marked with a spacing of 3 m.
 Planting holes are done by using dredging shovel to facilitate the opening of the
hole; Due to the soil compaction, a measure of 20x20x40 cm was established, in
order to favor the initial growth of the tree with a deeper hole. In too compacted
lands, this work is complemented by a photon 504 tractor that use a drill to generate
the hole
Sowing
 Subsequent to the distribution of seedlings in the lots, another application of 100
grams of lime is performed hole to hole in order to optimize the neutralization of the
pH of the soil and to ensure good conditions to the seedling. Location of the
seedling on land: the seedling bag is removed and the ground cylinder is placed in
the hole, the hole is covered and the soil is pushed down to secure the fixing of the
seedling.
Fertilization
Application of 100 grams per tree of Mejisulfatos a chemical fertilizer, which is a
compound that contains both, major elements (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium)
and minor elements. This component is applied in the crown around each tree and is
covered with some extra soil from the sides.
Weed control
A clean is performed in the form of a dish with an average diameter of 1.5 m to each
existing tree in order to ensure that during the next fertilization the resources are
efficiently used by the tree.
Pruning
This activity is performed with the objective of remove secondary and tertiary
branches in order to leave a rectilinear and free trunk, or to eliminate spoiled
v3.0
18
Activity
Description
branches that may be affecting the development of higher branches and of the tree
itself. The cuts are done vertically and accurately, ensuring the health of the tree and
its proper healing.

LA PEDREGOZA
Table 4. Technical activities that are being executed in the instance La Pedregoza, which are also
described in the document PMFS La Pedregoza, 2014.
Activity
Description
Land
preparation
Soil preparation includes the removal of weeds, minor vegetation and rocky material in
order to clear the area. At this stage, is very important the identification of the
protection areas, such as areas with primary forest, forest relicts, biological corridors
and water bodies. Generally, weeds are eliminated as a superficial cleaning. Once the
planting area is clean, a groove is done of the land. The groove is performed by using a
chisel that breaks the soil to a depth of 60 cm. Once the sowing area is plowed it is
appropriate to proceed with the delineation of land. The delineation is done according
to the topography of the lot.
Sowing
Once the soil preparation is completed, it is necessary to plant the seedlings, which are
primarily selected considering that their size is no larger than 20 centimeters. This
quality selection reduces the risk in the plantation.
The distance between seedlings may vary depending on the species, however, a
generally distance of 2.8 meters is used for introduced species and 3.5 meters for
native species, always following the guide that marks the location of the planting line. If
they are nursery seedlings, the sowing is done by carefully removing the bag without
crumble the soil and supervising that plants are properly planted in the groove or hole
to a depth of 1 to 2 cm from the soil surface , then, the hole is filled very well around
the seedling, avoiding gaps in the air. On the other hand, if they are seeds, they are
evenly spread on the ground.
Fertilization
All plants should be fertilized at planting, and every year, until they have enough
nutrients in the soil. A forestry engineer will decide when to stop with the fertilizations
according to the soil and foliar analysis results and also depending on the age of the
plant and dry matter production. Fertilization should be executed in winter to allow the
fertilizer to penetrate the soil and reach the roots.
Mejisulfatos were used in some stands (plantations of 2011 and 2012), and then
chemical fertilization was changed to an organic fertilization using natural forestry
practices that include manure fertilizers, composts, manure broths, composting teas
and cut grass. Organic fertilization avoids negative impacts on the environment,
minimizes transportation costs and causes less risk to the health of humans, animals
and wildlife. Additionally, it promotes a better retention of nutrients, with better
maintenance of underground micro fauna and better retention of soil moisture during
the summer. The composition and dosages of fertilizers applied, can be found in the
management plan of La Pedregoza farm (PMFS La Pedregoza 2014).
v3.0
19
Activity
Description
Weed Control
Weed control is carried out manually to each tree. Subsequent to the cleaning, mulch
or pasture (grass) is placed around the tree, to maintain the humidity of the soil and to
protect the microfauna, and prevent soil drought, as it keeps it wet in summer. The
mulch or otherwise serves as pasture fertilization also because it is rich in nitrogen.
For this activity a small tractor of a meter wide is used inside the crops and another
large tractor of two meters wide is used to cut larger areas of grass and weeds. A
portion of the cut grass is left as a hedge and natural fertilizer, and other portion is
collected to be added to the compost piles.
Under any circumstances, herbicides are used in the Pedregoza farm. Natural
silviculture of growth is sufficient to control weeds in crops, as weeds die with the
shadow and also serve as natural food for the soil microfauna. It has also been
observed that the weed growth in crops is not sufficient to justify the use of chemical
herbicides as they generate damages to the microfauna, rivers, morcihales and other
ecosystems due to the infiltration of pollutants through the natural runoff of water.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary for trees oriented to the production of saw logs, because during
the growth, common defects usually occur such as knots or bifurcated trunks. This
practice contributes to the strengthening of the productive stems (formation pruning)
and to the elimination of dry and rotten branches (sanitary pruning) to prevent
diseases. Regenerative prunings are also included. Most pruning’s are done in the
stands of Acacia mangium, Gmelina arborea and some native species, as other
species present natural pruning.
Thinning
Thinning’s provide the first opportunity for wood products such as poles and small
tables or chips, or wrapped biomass (chipped) to be used for the production of pellets;
biomass that does not has a formal market is used in the production of charcoal or
biochar. The plant material that comes from the thinning can be used to make
laminated beams. The projection of crop's thinning and harvestings are presented
below
Table 5. Projection of thinnings and harvestings for La Pedregoza
Eucalyptus pellita,
Activity /
Acacia mangium
Eucalyptus introgresion
Specie
First Thinning
Second
Thinning
harvesting

v3.0
Pinus caribaea
year 4 - 5, Intensity of 35%
year 5, Intensity of 25%
year 6, Intensity 25%
Year 6 - 7, Intensity of 15%
year 8, Intensity of 25%
year 12, Intensity 25%
year 8 -10
year 10 -12
-
EL TORO
20
Table 6. Technical activities that are being executed in the instance El Toro, which are also described in
the document PMFS El Toro, 2014.
Activity
Description
Land preparation
Land preparation is done by using an eccentricity of 0.70 meters wide
and at 3.50 meters of distance between grooves and the rest in natural
savannas
Sowing
Sowing is done manually with a distance of 2.40 meters between trees.
Fertilization
The first fertilization is performed two months after the sowing. In
addition, fertilization is done on the first, second and third year.
Weed control
Mechanical and chemical control with a non-residual herbicide.
Pruning
An initial pruning is performed including the elimination of leaves when
the branches are too young, using a healing disinfectant. The growth
pruning comes after the initial pruning, using about 2/3 of the tree height;
It is also expected that the species present natural pruning.
Control and
Management of pests
and diseases.
The company uses the integrated plan of management of pest and
diseases. The principles of resistant tree species are also used, as well
as the proper use of the species, balanced nutrition (trophobiosis) and
entomological control (beneficial insects).
Harvesting and Thinning
Thinning’s are not projected for this instance. Total harvesting is executed
in year 6
Table 7. Projection of thinnings and harvestings for El Toro
Acacia mangium
Activity / Specie

First Thinning
-
Second Thinning
harvesting
-%
year 6
EL DIAMANTE
Table 8. Technical activities that are being executed in the instance El Diamante, which are also
described in the document PMEF El Diamante, 2014.
Activity
Origin of
plant material
Description
Plant material is produced in a transitional nursery built for this purpose within the
farm.
Acacia mangium seed is purchased from certified companies for the marketing of
seeds, mainly from companies that have the best seed producer trees of Tierra Alta,
Córdoba.
Production of
plant material
The production of plant material is performed in a transitional nursery on a site that is
as representative as possible of the climatic and soil conditions of the project area,
the location of the nursery presents a slope between 0 and 3 percent, in order to favor
the drainage and an agricultural soil depth of 50 cm.
Due to its proximity to the repopulation area, transport and long distances between
v3.0
21
Activity
Description
the nursery and the planting area are avoided. The availability and quality of labor in
the area is good as workers have experience with the planting of trees.
Size of the
nursery
2
The nursery area is of about 1,222 m , with an approximate capacity of 14,000 bags
each. The eras are separated between them at 0, 6 meters, in order to favor the
maintenance executed by the operators in the nursery. Each era is bounded with a
plastic rope at a height of 10 cm from the ground to support the bags, and secured
every meter to facilitate the counting of trees and sampling.
The bags where the seedlings will be produced are tubular bags (bottomless) of 7 cm
in diameter and 12 cm high, with good strength and good root formation.
The nursery has a polisombra (artificial shadow) of 45% (light input of 55%) 2 meters
high about the ground for all eras.
The wind and animals of the surrounding area have a direct impact on seedlings,
making neccesary the closure of the total area of the nursery with a green mesh of
polisombra of 1.60 meters wide, placed at a ground level as it provides consistency
and safety.
The total capacity of the nursery is of 366,630 seedlings, with a contemplated rate of
loss of 10% (dead plants during handling, exit to field, selection intensity and damage
in transport).
Form and
sowing
density
The plantation is executed during the months of June, July and August, coinciding
with the highest amount of rainfall in the region, before the start of the dry season.
Land
preparation
for sowing
Delineation is done by using a polypropylene rope in West to East direction.
The planting density is 1,111 trees per ha (3 x 3 meters) in quadrate. The planting
design is in stands of 10 to 15 hectares in quadrate, with streets of 6-10 meters; for
sowing, low or flooded areas are not included.
Within the site preparation are included activities that are necessary to remove all
obstacles that might affect the work of planting. Stumps, roots, thick branches and
weeds must be removed to clear the field of woody vegetation.
Land preparation is done with machinery, with a pitch of a tractor and chisel to
subsoiling and two steps of a tractor cross with the dredge. Simultaneously with this
operation and taking into account the soil test, 60 kg per hectare of dolomite lime are
applied (50 g / seedling) as a corrective amendment for soil.
Intense sanitary monitoring for the carrier ant is performed by applying insecticides
according to the instructions of the product.
The plantation is surrounded with fire lines composed by tractor tracks and streets of
10 meters in addition to the pipes, especially during the dry season.
Sowing and
re sowing
The selection of the quality of seedlings reduces the risk of the plantation, as there
will be a selection of the seedlings before transplanting them to the field, according to
the size which could not be greater than 20 centimeters.
Planting is done immediately after liming the soil by carefully following the following
steps:
v3.0
22
Activity
Description

Remove the bags before planting, trying that the soil remains intact

Placing the seedling to a depth of 1 to 2 cm from the soil surface.

Fill the hole

Step around the tree, ensuring that there are no air gaps.
Re sowing is carried out if the loss percentage exceeds 10% of the total planted. A
month after the planting, the blocks are followed up according to the order of sowing
in order to find and replace dead plants.
Fertilization
Fertilization takes place twenty (20) days or one month after planting applying a
compound fertilizer (100 gr / tree) and Borax at 48% (6 g / tree). The application,
starts from the performing of a hollow at one side of the tree about 15 cm distant from
this.
Weed control
At least three controls per trees per year are performed, and through the streets of
3.0 m, the mechanized cutting of weeds is performed as often as necessary. This
operation is performed during the years 2, 3 and 4 of the project.
Pruning
Pruning is executed only if necessary and according to the development of trees in
order to always get the best quality of the wood. It is planned to execute this activity
from the second or third year.
Thinning
Deformed trees are felled (crooked, forked and defective to avoid competition for
space and nutrients with the well-developed trees). This operation is performed at a
maximum intensity of 12% of the initial density and contributes to the recycling of
nutrients for the remnants.
Thinning and
harvesting
Thinning at age eight (70%) and total harvesting in year 12.
Table 9. Projection of thinnings and harvestings for El Diamante
Acacia mangium
Activity / Specie

First Thinning
Year 8 (70%)
Second Thinning
harvesting
-%
year 12
HORIZONTE VERDE
Table 10. Technical activities that are being executed in the instance Horizonte Verde, which are also
described in the documents PMEF Horizonte Verde, 2014.
Activity
Description
Origin of plant
v3.0
Certified seeds come from the company Refocosta S.A, which is registered on
23
Activity
Description
material
behalf ICA (Colombian Agriculture Institute).
Sowing and
germination of
seeds and
clones
Before sowing the seeds, they are treated with water according to the instructions
of the supplier company. Regarding to the pregerminative period, germination
occurs 15 days after planting. Germination is expected in a total period of 20 days.
Management
and
development of
seedlings in the
nursery
Subsequent to the germination of plants, a selection of those that could be
transplanted into bags takes place especially considering their root system.
Equally, the transplanting to the bags took into consideration the location of the
roots on the soil inside the bag until the moment where they were placed on the
final place of planting, which was previously selected.
Land
preparation and
delineation
Activities of subsoiling and plowing are executed to provide ventilation to the soil.
The plow is very superficial, considering not to translocate the little existing organic
horizon. Delineation is done manually, with the help of compass, square, level and
ropes, marking with stakes the distances between the lines and rows, which in this
case are of 3x2.5m, allowing 1,349 trees / ha. As an additional line is attributable to
the row number 0, the number is not 1,333 trees / ha. The hole is performed with
spoon shovels considering the enlargement of the holes done with the shovel, as
the plant can easily find the soil and to achieve a better development of the roots.
Sowing
A selection of the best trees is performed before taking the plant material to the
field. For sowing, the bag is removed and the planting occurs by immersing the root
zone to the soil, ensuring that the changeover zone remains at the ground level and
compacting the soil around the tree to prevent air pockets.
Fertilization
In the activities of plowing and ripping, phosphate rock is applied in order to
integrate this element to the soil. At the time of planting, the plants receive a
dosage of 150 g / tree of the 15-15-15 compost and minor elements, adding 250
grams of organic matter per tree. Fertilization activities take place until the third
year of planting.
Weed Control
Four (4) annual cleanings are manually executed after the establishment, in order
to eliminate competition from grasses and weeds that can compete for space and
nutrients with plants.
Formation
pruning
Formation pruning is practiced in case of an infectious attack or any health problem
or even when occurs the presence of malformed branches or bifurcation in the
stems of plants.
Table 11. Projection of thinnings and harvestings for Horizonte Verde
Eucalyptus pellita, E. tereticornis
Activity / Specie
First Thinning
Year 5, Intensity of 30%
Second Thinning
Harvesting
Year 15
v3.0
Acacia mangium
10
24
1.9
Project Location
The Project area for the first instance, corresponds to the properties of La Pedregoza, El Toro, Canapro,
El Diamante and Horizonte Verde, located at the veredas Caño Negro, Aceito, La Esperanza and Campo
Alegre, in the municipality of Puerto Carreño (See Project Boundary Folder).
Table 12. Geodetic coordinates of the central point, within the farms.
Nucleus
Canapro
Farm
Coordinate X
Coordinate Y
Bita
1,040,338.61
1,172,503.33
Caño Negro
1,033,726.78
1,145,425.19
La Esperanza
1,004,503.46
1,150,573.95
Las Maravillas
1,003,557.44
1,154,285.04
El Toro 1
978,189.56
1,171,384.59
978,216.79
1,168,405.35
La Pedregoza
El Toro Sur
La Pedregoza
1,038,893.26
1,163,248.50
El Diamante
El Diamante
992,586.52
1,134,837.61
El Sinaí
970,745.19
1,105,251.76
El Reflejo
968,276.26
1,106,465.08
La Fenicia
965,269.87
1,107,016.73
San José
972,230.04
1,114,629.04
El Silencio
977,677.24
1,116,001.90
Pozo Azul
974,690.02
1,115,035.41
La Agonía
968,596.37
1,118,274.97
La Estaca
969,996.24
1,115,742.06
El Triunfo
983,664.04
1,114,753.83
La Payara
987,784.69
1,149,968.49
La concordia
986,765.04
1,115,441.17
Los Eucaliptos
965,479.28
1,116,924.84
El Pretesto
985,038.06
1,123,535.53
La Diversión
984,102.26
1,120,523.56
El Toro
Nuevo Horizonte
The project area has a total of 30,000 ha. The expansion area of the grouped project corresponds to the
savannas of the eastern plains of Colombia, in the Vichada's department.
1.10 Conditions Prior to Project Initiation
Baseline scenario is the same as the conditions existing prior to the project initiation (see section 2.4):
livestock under conventional conditions of low productivity, little technification, occurrence of diseases
and weak marketing systems. Besides, the dominant food and main source of dietary energy for livestock
v3.0
25
are natural pastures with high level of lignification, therefore widespread slash-and-burn techniques and
1112
prescribed burns are used to encourage the regrowth of these pastures .
1.10.1 Description of the group project location
Physical Characteristics
13
2
Puerto Carreño is the capital of the department of Vichada. It has an area of 12,409 km and is located at
a height of 50 meters above the sea level. It borders by the North and east with the Republic of
Venezuela (confluence of the Meta and Orinoco rivers respectively), by the South with the Tomo River
and by the West with the municipality of La Primavera. Puerto Carreño is located among the coordinates
X: 1,185,745.99 and 1,342,465.99; Y: 704,608.41 and 590,548.41 (UTM coordinates).
According to Holdridge life zones, the project zone corresponds to moist tropical forest (Bh-T in Spanish).
Temperature
Records of temperature provided by different climatic stations, qualify the department as presenting a
warm climate, with maximum temperatures occurring in the months of February and March with ranges
between 25 - 36 ° C and the minimum in July varying between 23 - 31 ° C. The average temperature is of
about 28, 8 °C.
Figure 2. Monthly average temperature (°C) Puerto Carreño. Source: IDEAM 2012, cited by Pacheco et al
2014.
Precipitation
11
Parques Nacionales Naturales de Colombia. 2005. Línea Base para la Planeación del Manejo Parque Nacional
Natural El Tuparro. Disponible en:
http://www.parquesnacionales.gov.co/PNN/portel/libreria/pdf/LneaBasePNNTuparro.pdf
12
Diagnóstico E.O.T. Puerto Carreño, 2010
13
EOT Puerto Carreño. 2010a
v3.0
26
Annual precipitation is of about 2,366 mm, with an average monthly rainfall of 197.18 mm. In winter the
rains are heterogeneous (prolonged rainy periods of low intensity and periods of heavy rain locally called
Chubascos). It has a unimodal rainfall regime, with a dry season from December to April and a wet
season from April to November.


Macro rain Time: From December to March the weather is extremely dry, while from April to
November is highly wet and rainy. The prevailing winds come from the east, and are especially
noticeable during the day as they cause huge clouds of dust in the summers above the bare soils.
Macro Fluvial Time: Due to the south origin, the Orinoco River begins to grow normally before the
Meta River.
The maximum water level occurs in August, both in the Orinoco and Meta rivers, and gets down to the
minimum in March (Diagnóstico E.O.T. Puerto Carreño, 2010).
Figure 3. Precipitación anual (mm) Puerto Carreño. Source: IDEAM 2013, cited by Pacheco et al 2014.
Relative Humidity
Relative humidity shows a tendency toward dryness, with higher rates in the months of June, July and
August; and smaller percentages of moisture in the months of February and March.
v3.0
27
Figure 4. Relative Annual Humidity in Puerto Carreño. Source: IDEAM 2013, cited by Pacheco et al 2014
Solar brightness
Annually, the area receives approximately 2,215 hours, a condition that favors the establishment of fruit
trees and the phenological development of different plant species of the ecosystem. The months with
more available sunlight per year are December to April, with a monthly maximum of 292 hours in January.
Figure 5. Annual solar brightness in Puerto Carreño. Source: IDEAM 2013, cited by Pacheco et al 2014.
Winds
Local winds and light breezes are present. The northeast trade winds contribute to the distribution of
rainfall and to the origination of microclimates. They are presented with greater intensity during the dry
season and can reach average speeds of 3.3 meters per second. Sporadically, during dry periods, strong
winds can occur, causing extensive damage in the few crops present in the area.
v3.0
28
Figure 6. Annual Rose of winds for Puerto Carreño. Source: IDEAM 2013, cited by Pacheco et al 2014
Soils
The soils of the Colombian high plains have a moderate to rapid drainage, with thin loamy textures and
thick loamy textures. Soils are limited by their low fertility. Soils have high aluminum concentrations and
low contents of organic carbon. They are classified as Ferralsols, and regularly are yellow to brown.
The soils are generally located on the banks of the tables, its relief is flat to slightly undulated, with slopes
ranging from 1 to 5%. Soils present laminar hydric erosion, slight to moderate and in some sectors they
present zurales and termite mounds.
The rainy season, influences the loss of the few soluble or interchangeable elements generating high soil
acidity. Soil pH is generally less than 5.0; and during dry periods, the temperatures favor the
polymerization of humic substances giving as a result the hardening of horizons and the cementation
coming from the dehydration of iron compounds.
Generally the soils Vichada's department are classified in the order of Oxisols characterized by the
presence of the Oxic horizon. Soils are sandy and rocky (Guyana Shield) and present hardened levels in
the soil profile or face problems of acidity, low fertility (lowland transition to the Amazon region). The
largest soils correspond to the floodplain. The region present flat reliefs, deep and well drained, and
developed from clay and thin sediments. Soils are developed and present very low fertility and low
contents of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium while present medium contents of
organic carbon and high concentrations of aluminum.
Geomorphology
The geomorphology of the Orinoco region is divided into two contrasting morpho-structural units:
mountain region that corresponds to the eastern flank of the east range and the other, the Orinoqués
domain represented by plains and savannahs. The high plains of the commonly named Llanos Orientales
(eastern llanos) present a combined relief: 30% is occupied by the mountainous structure, and 70% is
made of flat structures which are subdivided into: high plains that do not exceed 150 m and the rich
alluvial plains in forests, diverse crops, livestock and local fauna.
The flat Altillanura (highplains), as a particular landscape, is located at the south of the Meta River and
includes much of the department of Vichada. It is covered by materials accumulated by the winds, leading
v3.0
29
to landscapes formed by thin sand dunes. The relief is gentle with dissectional process. Extensive where
rivers deposit sediments in a quasi-horizontally way. In the landscape of the high plains can be found
small erosional valleys around the gallery forests; Broad and elongated erosional depressions of colluvialkind, can also be found in the region, leading to estuaries.
Because the drainage is imperfect in large areas, flooding events occur during the rainy season, causing
waterlogging of the soil, especially where water has a slow penetration. Each of these environments
determine the vegetation and a greater or lesser development of the common species, especially trees
and shrubs
Soils are geologically formed by sedimentary materials accumulated in marine and coastal environments,
redeposited when emerged the Eastern range, where they have been subjected to processes of
weathering and deeply washing, reducing its mineralogical composition and therefore, impoverishing
soils. The Altillanura (high plains) consists of alluvial Plio Pleistocenic materials, which were affected by
the great fault line that runs and induces the flow of the Meta River and it has drains that go to the east
and south and therefore the Altillanura do not only belongs to the savannas of the Meta-Orinoco region,
but also they integrate the transitional area of the Orinoco and the Amazon.
Hydrography
The municipality of Puerto Carreño has different mainstreams as the Orinoco, Meta, Bita and Tomo
rivers; As well as rivers of second order such as, Juriepe, Dagua, Negro, Avion, Muco, Chiquichaque,
Terecay and Murciélago; and streams of third order that drain the previously mentioned rivers.
The Scheme of territorial organization of Puerto Carreño (2010) describe the following basins:
-
Orinoco’s Basin
The Orinoco basin is geopolitically shared by Venezuela and Colombia, with an area of 1,080,000 km2.
Among the main Colombian tributaries are the Guaviare, Vichada, Tuparro, Volume, Meta and Arauca
rivers, as they provide most of the Orinoco's Flow. The river network and basin surface, as well as the
great length of the Orinoco River (> 2,000 km), allow to distinguish the existence of many different
landscapes, landforms and biotypes along its course. These same characteristics in conjunction with the
average slope (<0.01%) determine a transit time of water of significant biological importance. The
average flow of the Orinoco River is calculated in 36.000m3 / s (1,1X10 12 m3 / year) which places it as
the third in the world, after the Amazon.
-
Meta River
The Meta River rises in the eastern cordillera (range). Its hydrological attribute depends on sudden
changes in rainfall patterns from one period to another; the strong erosion in the mountains and the
limited capacity of the river for water drainage; plus the fact that it serves as a collector of many other
rivers in the plains, generating an underground layer whose level is found in wells and lowlands. This river
gives the Orinoco River an annual average of 4000m3 / s.
It has a navigable length of 730 km between Puerto Lopez and Puerto Carreño, with a fairly straight
course without many meanders and ramifications, unlike other rivers in the department. Its West-East
course forms the border between Casanare and Vichada and Colombia with Venezuela.
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-
Tomo River
The Tomo River originates in the department of Meta. The main tributaries are the Tuparro and Tuparrito
rivers and the Tuparro spout. There are other spouts such as the Urimica, Grande, Guairapali, Caviona,
the Boral and the Negro. The river goes over about 606 km.
-
The Bita River
The river originates from several streams that born in the high plains, by the west of Puerto Carreño. On
its way from west to east, more than 200 km can be identified as navigable, mostly by small boats.
Biodiversity
Fauna
In the Orinoco basin, converge fauna elements of the Andean, Amazonian and Guyanese shield, and
others coming from large areas that function as ecotones (transition zones between Orinoco-Amazon,
Orinoco and Andes). Neotropical savannas lack of specialized and endemic mammalian fauna as they
14
represent a mix of amazon and other wildlife surrounding biomes . Preliminary data for the Orinoco
15
region (without excluding the whole basin) presented by the National Biodiversity Report identified the
16
presence of 101 species, 72 genera, 26 families and 9 orders of mammals .
Mamíferos
Most mammals are located in areas near the gallery forests, they play an important role in tropical
ecosystems, being crucial for the maintenance and regeneration of forests, through processes such as
seed dispersal activities, pollination and frugivory. They also are integral components of the religion,
culture and economy of the region, and they are used as food, pets and decorations by different ethnic
groups.
The next species an be found in the region: Venado sabanero (Odocoileus virginianus), venado colorado
or soche (Mazama americana), venado cenizo (Mazama gouazoubira), puma or león colorado (Felis
concolor), Tigre mariposo or jaguar (Panthera onca), Chucha de Oreja Negra (Didelphis marsupialis),
Cucha roja real (Metachirus nuducaudatos), tunato común (Marmosa murina), oso Hormiguero Palmero
(Myrmecophaga tridactyla), oso melero (Tamandua tetradactyla), oso trueno (Cyclopes didactylus),
perezoso de tres dedos (Bradypus variegatus), perezoso de dos dedos (Choloepus hoffmanni), ocarro
(Pridontes maximus), armadillo hediondo (Cabassous unicinctus), armadillo sabanero (Dasypus
sabanicola), cachicamo (Dasypus novemcictus), murciélago vampiro (Desmodus rotundus), murciélago
(Carollia perspicillata), murciélago (Artibeus planirostris), murciélago (Artibeus fulinginosus), mono
araguato or cotudo (Alouatta seniculus), mono maicero (Cebus apella), mono cariblanco (Cebus
albifrons), viudas or viuditas (Callicebus torquatus), perrito venadero (Speothos venaticus), zorro perruno
(Cerdocyon thous), cusumbo (Nasua nasua), mapache (Procyon cancrivorus), cuchicuchi or perro de
monte (Potos flavus), leoncillo or mico nocturno, (Bassaricyon gabbii), mapuro (Galictis vittata), nutria
(Lutra longicaudis), perro de agua (Pteronura brasiliensis), tigrillo or canaguaro (Felis pardalis), tigrillo
peludo (Felis wiedi), tonina (Inia geoffrensis), manatí (Trichechus manatus), danta (Tapirus terrestris),
14
Ojasti 1991 Defler and Rodriguez 1998
Chaves and Arango 1998
16
Morales et al. 2004
15
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zaino or báquiro (Tayassu tajacu), cerdo de monte, cafuche or chacharo (Tayassu pecari), ardilla
colorada (Sciurus igniventris), ratón arrocero (Oryzomys capito), ratón aterciopelado sabanero (Oecomys
speciosus), rata acuática (Nectomys squamipes), rata negra (Rattus rattus), Ratón doméstico (Mus
domesticus), puercoespin común (Coendou prehensilis), chiguiro or capybara (Hydrochaeris
hydrochaeris), lapa or guagua (Agouti paca), picure or ñeque (Dasyprocta fuliginosa), jabalí (Proechimys
sp.), conejo sabanero (Silvilagus floridanus).
Aves
Birds can indicate the status of ecosystems, since they form part of the development of vegetation as
they act as seed dispersers giving strengthening for the growth dynamics of vegetation in any type of
plant cover (grass, shrubs and forests). In this region, most birds are located inside gallery forests, just
one fifth one fifth are associated with rivers, estuaries and lagoons.
In the Orinoquia region, there are more than 650 bird species, the most widely known are: heron
(Mycteria americana), the gaván (Jaribu mycteria), sparrowhawk (Accipiter collaris), parrot (Aratinga
acuticauda), macaws (Ara macao), the gallito de ciénaga (Jacana jacana), vulture (zamuro) (Coragyps
atratus), the alcaraván (Burhinus bistriatus), the mochuelo (Speootyto cunilaria), pigeons (torcaza) and
parakeets (Odontophorus guranensis).
Reptiles y anfibios
The habitat for reptiles and amphibians are mainly the rivers, streams, estuaries and lagoons and, in
general, all kind of water bodies. The most observed species in the region are frogs (Bufo granulosus,
Hyla crepitans, Hyla rostrata, Pseudis paradoxus), toads (Bufo marinus) morrocoy (Geochelone
carbonaria), iguana (Iguana iguana), lizards (Ameiva ameiva, Tupinambis tequixin: mato, Ameiva
bifrontata, Cnemidophorus lemniscatus, Tropidurus torquatus), snakes (Crotalus durissus: cascabel,
Mastigodryas pleei, Micrurus isozonus, Pseudo neuwiedi, Tantilla semicincta).
Finally, endemics reptiles and amphibians in this region are four frogs (Hyla minuscula, H. Wandae,
Physalaemus enesefae y Pipra parva); the Orinoco alligator (Crocodylus intermedius), one turtle
(Podocnemis vogli); nine lizards (Anolis onca, Bachia bicolor, B. Guianensis, B. Talpa, Gonatodes
Bitatus, Hemidactylus palaichtus, Lepidoblepharis sanctaemartae, Ophryoessoides erythogaster,
Tretioscinactus bifasciatus); and four snakes (Bothrops lansbergii, Crotalus vergrandis, Helicops danieli,
17
H. scalaris) .
Endangered species
The freshwater dolphin (Inia geoffrensis), the West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus) and
the giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis), are threatened aquatic mammals. In mammals, the pressures on
their habitat represent the greatest threat to species like the leopard (Leopardus pardalis) and the Cebus
apella. The “llanero” caiman (Caiman intermedius) is emblematic of the area and one of the most studied
crocodiles in the basin; it is of commercial importance, endemic and in critical need of conservation. The
morrocoy and charapa turtles (Geochelone denticulata and Podocnemis expansa), are also in danger of
extinction; locals consume the eggs or meat of these specie and they are hunted very young to be
18
exported as aquarium pets .
17
18
ICBF. 2014. Plan de Gestión Integral de Residuos Sólidos Regional Vichada.
Governance of Vichada 2008, CORPORINOQUIA, 2004.
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Caiman intermedius (Photo by
Gustavo Romero)
Trichechus manatus manatus
Leopardus pardalis (mongabay.com)
(Photo by Joachim S. Müller)
Figure 7. Some endangered species of the Orinoco region.
Appendix I presents the list of species reported as endangered in the region, according to the UICN red
list of threatened species, version 2012. Endangered species usually habit in natural savannahs, gallery
forest and water ecosystems of the main rivers: Meta and Orinoco. Such covers are present within the
project zone, and therefore such species use the project zone during some portion of their lives.
No critical ecosystem services are going to be negatively affected by the project activities to people who
live in the project zone, as there are not settlements located inside the project zone. Communities located
inside the project area, live far away from the project zone and therefore no significant impacts have been
identified for them.
Flora
The forests of the region are composed mostly of gallery forests
19
along spouts, rivers and streams.
Table 13. Common species of the Perto Carreño’s municipality
Common name
Scientific name
Espadero
Rapanea Sp
Guasimo
Luehea Sp
Guarumo
Cecropia Sp
Cedro
Cedrela Sp
Hobo
Spondias mombin
Punta de lanza
Vismia Sp
Hojiancho
Hyeronima Sp
Hueso
Swartzia Sp
19
Covers that consist of woody vegetation located on the margins of permanent or temporary water courses
(riverbeds, streams and canals) this type of coverage is limited in its scope, as it borders the waterways and natural
drainages. It forms a narrow strip that runs on many occasions as wildlife corridors that serve to communicate
isolated plant communities.
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Common name
Scientific name
Saladillo
Caraipa llanorum.
Tortolito
Didimopanax Sp
Anime
aspidosperma Sp
Guaimaro
Pouteria Sp
Laurel
Nectandra Sp
Palma de araco
Socratea durísima
Palma Cumare
Astrocaryum chambira
Palma mil pesos
Jessenia policarpa
Palma moriche
Mauritia flexuosa
20
Parra-O, C (2006) describes de native plant cover of Puerto Carreño, according to the formed
ecosystems, explained as follows:
a) Flooded Forest
These forests are located on the sides of the Orinoco, Bita and Meta rivers which generate seasonal
flooding’s, letting them submerged during the rainy season. However, there are two types of flooded
forest which differ by their position in the floodplain of rivers. The first one is located in the lower part of
the floodplain and develops near the coast of the rivers, remaining flooded for several months throughout
the year. The dominant species of these forest are Campsiandra amplexicaulis, Simira rubescens,Zygia
cataractae and Symmeria paniculata. The second type of flooded forest is located in the highest part of
the floodplain of rivers and near to the edge of the rocky outcrop where the dominant species are
Eschweilera tenuifolia and Licania heteromorpha and in less proportion Zygia cataractae.
a) Gallery Forest
Corresponds to a uniform strip of forest vegetation with continuous canopy, with a variable width ranging
from a few meters to 500 meters, located on the edge of water bodies and that are characterized by
presenting a dense undergrowth forest with numerous lianas, palms and large trees. Soils are sandy and
the pipes or spouts surrounding these forests are clear and dark. They are divided into flooded forests,
gallery forests and well drained gallery forest.
-
Well drained Gallery Forest: Corresponds to the strip of gallery forest bordering with areas of welldrained savannas. It presents an underwood, more or less dense, with few palms, trees of at
least 25 meters high and 90 cm in diameter, as the following species: Siparuna guianensis,
Astrocaryum acaule, Parinari sp, Andira surinamensis, Erythroxylum cf amazonicum, Garcinia
madruno, Virola cf elongata, Matayba elegans, Heisteria cf acuminata, Olyra latifolia, Ouratea
castaneifolia, Hirtella elongata, Pera arborea, Abuta grandiflora, Socratea exorrhiza, Brosimum
guianense, B. lactescens, Tachigali guianensis, Aspidosperma excelsum, Licania kunthiana,
20 Parra-O, C. 2006. Estudio General de la Vegetación Nativa de Puerto Carreño (Vichada, Colombia). Disponible
en: http://www.scielo.org.co/pdf/cal/v28n2/v28n2a2
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Himatanthus articulatus, Jacaranda copaia, Licania subarachnophylla, Erisma uncinatum, amon
others.
-
Flooded Gallery Forest: It is located in the floodplain of the streams and rivers that remain flooded
in the Orinoco region for more than 6 months. Inside the Pedregosa reserve, the most
representative forest is the Bita gallery forest and the most common species of this ecosystem
are: Ocotea cymbarum, Licania mollis, Licania apetala, Mouriri acutifolia, Campsiandra
implexicaulis, Duroia micrantha, Zygia cf inequalis, Leopoldinia pulchra, Virola surinamensis,
Parahancornia oblonga, Xylopia emarginata, Bactris brongniartii, Astrocaryum jauari, Tachigali
sp, Simaba orinocense, Acosmiun nitens, Buchenavia viridiflora, Tabebuia barbata, Macrolobium
limbatum, Macrolobium multijugum, Vochysia obscura, Miconia aplostachya, Maquira coriacea,
Quiina macrophylla, Copaifera pubiflora, Inga sp, Byrsonima japurensis, Mabea nitida, Licania
apetala, Garcinia madruno, Scleria sp, among others.
b) Savannas
They are characterized by presenting a flat to undulated relief, with sandy loamy soils, with Eolic influence
and can be separated from very well-drained soils and wet soils to slightly flooded.
Around Puerto Carreño are two types of savannas whose physiognomy is mainly determined by the
flooding regime to which they are subjected. Within these two types can be found the following types:
Open Savannas: They are found mainly by the west of the Cerro El Bita (small mountain). The
herbaceous component dominates in these savannas and it has numerous species of grasses, as the
Axonopus anceps, Axonopus fissifolius and Hyparrehnia rufa. The shrub component is scarce and is
represented by Mimosa microcephala that grows isolated between the herbaceous matrixes. The
presence of trees is almost null, showing only some individuals of the American Curatella that grows
scattered into the bush.
Wooded savannah: It borders the gallery forest and due to its topographic position, remains flooded
during the rainy season longer than the open savannas. Therefore, besides the herbaceous component
dominated by grasses, it develops a dense shrub component in the limits of the gallery forest (scattered
in the savanna) dominated by Mimosa microcephala and Tibouchina spruceana. In addition, it presents a
greater quantity of tree species (and larger) than the open savanna, where the common species are
Caraipa llanorum and to a lesser extent, Vochysia venezuelana and Mabea trianae.
c) Dwarf trees
It is a well-drained savanna ecosystem, covered by grasses and dicotyledonous forbs, but with
predominance of tree and shrub species, such as Curatella Americana and Byrsonima crassifolia
d) Morichales and Saladillales
They are almost pure or mixed associations with predominance of Mauritia flexuosa present in moist or
phreatic soils, with organic and acid soils. Morichales are dominated by species such as Cecropia
Metensis, Mauritia flexuosa, Parahancornia oblong Xylopia emarginata, Xylopia plowmanii, Virola
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surinamensis, Socratea exorrhiza, Calophyllum brasiliensis, among others. These morichales are located
at the headwaters of the gallery forests.
Figure 8. Natural vegetation. Mauritia flexuosa (Palma de Moriche).
The saladillal is an association of Caraipa llanorum, mainly with other herbaceous species and some
bushes, which grow on slightly flooded soils in the orinoquia platform. The most important species that
are associated with Saladillales: Eriocaulon humboldtii, Syngonanthus caulescens, Limnosipanea
palustris, Acisanthera uniflora, Byrsonima aff coccolobifolia, Chaunochiton angustifolium, Mandevilla
scabra, Eriosema simplicifolium, Crotalaria sagitalis, Ipomoea schomburgkii, Curtia tenuifolia, Hyptis
conferta, Ocotea sanariapensis, Cuphea odonelli, Rhynchanthera grandiflora, Pterogastra minor,
Tibouchina aspera, Sauvagesia erecta, Andropogon virgatus, Panicum caricoides, Sacciolepis
angustissima, Limnosipanea spruceana, Xyris savannarum, Poteranthera pusilla, among others.
Natural Reserves of the Civil Society (NRCS) in Puerto Careño
The NRSC are intended to contribute to the knowledge, consolidation and positioning of private
conservation initiatives, through processes of sustainable use and management of biodiversity.
The orinoquenses reserves are a quick answer of particular importance to the conservation of regional
natural ecosystems and its biodiversity, besides of being places where traditional and sustainable
productive systems are maintained.
Table 14. Natural Reserves of the Civil Society (NRCS) in Puerto Carreño (2014)
No.
Reserva Natural
Área (ha)
1
Bojonawi
1,293
2
La Ventana
1,293,7
3
Refugio Nimajay
2,012
4
Pitalito
3,202
5
Wakuinali
1,294
6
La Pedregoza
1,293
7
Chaqueva
962
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No.
Reserva Natural
Área (ha)
8
Irosebia
3,817.8
9
Simaruba
1,328
10
Serranías de Casa Blanca
Total
21
Source: Pacheco, M et al, 2014 .
350
16,845.5
Current Land Use
The natural base is composed of a variety of ecosystems that have high environmental sensitivity and are
vulnerable to pressure from activities or projects that alterate their natural conditions, due to the
implementation of agricultural activities, livestock, improper mining practices, the introduction of invasive
species, deforestation and forest fires. At the same time, the exploitation and destruction of ecosystems is
dramatically reducing populations of wild flora and fauna, affecting the quality of life of local communities.
Among the different activities that have caused impacts on the ecosystem are include the following:






Productive economic practices
Deterioration of soils due to extensive crops and their intensification (expansion of the agricultural
frontier)
repeated burnings or fires
Impact of the extensive livestock systems on soil, vegetation and natural fauna
Occupation processes (colonization, installation of communication systems and electrical towers)
Species of flora and fauna are endangered, the major causes are the habitat destruction, the
expansion of the livestock frontier and intense extraction of individuals of wildlife.
The predominant land use corresponds mostly to extensive livestock activities, with poor technological
adaptation. In recent years, the planting of trees has increased, as well as the use of introduced varieties
of grass.
Livestock
As for the cattle beef, a regional birth rate has being calculated in 30%, which results is less than half the
national calculated average; attributable to poverty of minerals in natural grasses. Although the suitable
soils for the development of livestock are few, there is the advantage of mobilization along the Meta River
of high volumes at prices and times lower than the traditional herding system.
Agriculture
A high percentage of agricultural products are for personal consumption, due to determinants such as the
land aptitude, the limited available labor and its engagement in farming production, production costs and
21
Pacheco, M., Peñuela, L., Solano, C., Galán, S (Eds.) 2014.. “Manejo Forestal Sostenible en plantaciones en la
cuenca del rio Bita, Vichada, Colombia” Proyecto: “Fortalecimiento institucional y de política para incrementar la
conservación de la biodiversidad en predios privados en Colombia”. Grupo Colombiano Interinstitucional de
Herramientas de Conservación Privada (G5): Asociación Red Colombiana de Reservas Naturales de la Sociedad
Civil (RESNATUR), Fundación Natura (FN), World Wildlife Fund (WWF), The Nature Conservancy (TNC), y Parques
Nacionales Naturales de Colombia (PNN). Serie: Conservación de la biodiversidad en predios productivos. No. 4.,
214 páginas.
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transportation for large-scale agriculture and the limited technical knowledge regarding new productive
lines and cultural practices required for their development. The low availability of financial resources limits
the possibilities for producers to adopt production techniques that require agricultural inputs.
Forestry sector
Sawmills work "underground", unlicensed for operation and uncontrolled by the government. Sawmills are
located in the floodplain of the Meta River, across the Vichada River and along the margins of the Tomo's
river, exploiting the gallery forests which currently have serious problems of intervention with the potential
loss of forest.
1.10.2 Description of Instance 1 location
Instance 1 comprises the following five nucleus

CANAPRO- Cooerativa Nacional de profesores
The Canapro nucleus consists of two sectors within the area of influence of the Bita's basin, that are
located on the route to Puerto Carreño - Casuarito, to respectively 20 and 80 kilometers away from the
county seat. The first sector is called Bita due to its location at the margin of the Bita River in the area
known as Paso Ganado, and includes three farms, called: La Herradura, Porvenir and La Sonora. The
second sector is called the Caño Negro, for being located in the vereda that possess the same name. It
includes 5 properties called Potra Zaina, Las Brisas, Laberintos, Potra Zaina 2 and Nuevo Horizonte. This
nucleus covers 7,935 ha, which include 7,187 ha eligible for project activities (Figure 9).
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Figure 9. Canapro Nucleus
The following maps present the soil types within the Canapro.
El Bita:
.
- Soils Class VII: Includes soils with associations of ants (HOA 1) Chiquichaque (CHcd2-CHcd2-3),
Eden (EDcd1) Teresitas (TEaby) and New Antioquia (NAcd1). Includes Flat to strongly broken
soils, having one or more of the following limitations: continues floods, fluctuating phreatic water
levels, low moisture retention, reduced effective depth, low fertility and high aluminum content.
- HOa 1: Ant formation: Limiting flooding periods, fluctuating phreatic levels and low fertility. They
have low aptitude for agriculture, except in some areas where subsistence crops can grow. They
are soils suitable for ranching or forestry.
- TEaby:Teresitas Formation: These soils have a well-defined location in the areas closest to the
water streams. It includes deep and well drained soils that suffer from short-term floodings. Sandy
and loam soils, sandy and clay soils, of dark brown to yellowish brown color. Highly acid with low
fertility and low organic matter contents.
Caño Negro:
.
- Soils Class V: They correspond to the Ceiba associations (CEaxa) Temblón (TMabl) Venturosa
(VEay) of dikes and Orillares and community association (COabx) from Eolic origin. These soils
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-
-
are flat and concave that generate waterlogged conditions for long periods. Soils of Medium to
thin -texture with low fertility, acid, poor in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. The Ceiba
Association CEazx soils are concave and with slopes of less than 3%. The Parental material is
composed of alluvial deposits covered by a thin eolic layer. Used for ranching mainly in dry
seasons.
Soils Class VI: These soils correspond to the Guayabal associations (Gua-Gua1) and Abeja
(Abal) from high plains and Chiquichaque of the dissected high plains. Soils are flat and
undulated with slopes ranging from 1 to 12%. In the convex areas with deep soils of medium to
fine textures, good dreined. Chiqichaque Association CHbc1 whose top floors are of truncated
profile, with abundant gravel (gravel) on the surface and sometimes ferric stones. On the slopes
they are deep, of medium texture. They are used for ranching and forestry.
Soils Class VII: Includes soils with Ant associations (HOa 1) Chiquichaque (CHcd2-CHcd2-3),
Eden (EDcd1) Teresitas (TEaby) and Nueva Antioquia (NAcd1). It groups flat to strongly broken
soils, having one or more of the following limitations: frequent floods, fluctuating phreatic levels,
low moisture retention, reduced effective depth, low fertility and high aluminum content. HOa 1Ant formation: Limiting flooding periods, fluctuating phreatic levels and low fertility. They have low
aptitude for agriculture, except in some areas where subsistence crops can grow. They are soils
suitable for ranching or forestry.
Figure 10. Types of soils, Bita and Caño Negro, Canapro
Land uses:
-
-
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FPRI: Arboreal species that can be exploited indirectly by collecting latex (rubbery) or fruit
(Maranon) such as in the Block Bita. At the end of its productive extractive cycle, trees are
harvested to obtain timber products.
CT- sowings of grass, cassava and maize.
40
-
-
ZI- Construction zone, where two camps are located, along with the kitchen, a cellar, the well of
water and the electric and fuel area.
ZI: 3 infrastructure zone with camps, cellars, casinos, plants, etc, whose coordinates are behind.
Figure 11. Land Use 2013. Bita. Canapro
Figure 12. Land Use, 2013. Caño Negro. Canapro
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Fauna
Canapro developed a baseline analysis to identify the species of fauna of the most representative focus
groups.
A total of 126 species of vertebrates have been found (fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals)
belonging to 63 families and 32 orders in different ecosystems. For the forest ecosystem morichal have
been identified 3 amphibian species belonging to 3 families and 1 order, 14 species of reptiles belonging
to 9 families and 3 orders, 46 species of birds belonging to 25 families and 16 orders and 12 species of
mammals belonging to 10 families and 6 orders. For native savannas, 1 species of amphibian have been
found, along with 11 species of reptiles belonging to 9 families and 3 orders, 27 species of birds
corresponding to 13 families and 7 orders and 7 species of mammals belonging to 5 families and 4
orders. In cultivated savannas, no amphibian species were found, but 4 species of reptiles were found
belonging to 4 families and 1 order, 14 bird species in 9 families and 6 orders and 5 species of mammals
belonging to 3 families and 3 orders. This information may be consulted by checking the characterization
report of the document PMFS Canapro.
Flora
A total of 338 species have been found belonging to 83 families of plants of different ecosystems. For the
gallery forest ecosystem, 101 species have been found belonging to 50 families; as for the flooded forest,
121 species and 48 families were identified. For the forest ecosystem morichal, 102 species belonging to
51 families have been identified; for high savanna, 100 species were identified belonging to 32 families
while for the lower savannah only 80 species belonging to 34 families. This information may be consulted
by checking the characterization report of the document PMFS Canapro.

La Pedregoza
The Pedregoza farm is located in the vereda of Caño Negro, a rural area of the municipality of Puerto
Carreño, located approximately 67 km southward west away from the capital along the Casuarito road.
The Pedregoza has an area of 2,652.16 ha, which include 7,187 ha eligible for project activities (Figure
13). It bordes on the north with the Bita river, by the northwest with the Caño Manati, by the south with the
Merecure farm, by the southeast with the Caño Danta, by the East with the Nimajay Nature Reserve and
the Normandy farm.
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Figure 13. La Pedregoza Nucleus. Eligible area: Non forest cover between 2001-2011.
Types of soils
According to the FAO classification (1965), the general study of soils of Vichada (1973) as seen in the
IGAC maps, the property is classified as presenting soils Class VII and V (see description above).
-
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Chiquichaque Asociation (CHed2).
Teresitas Asociación (TEaby).
Ceiba Asociación (CEaz)
43
Figure 14. Types of soils. La Pedregoza
Land Use
The current land use in the area where the forestry project is taking place corresponds to:
- Gallery Forest
- Flooded Fores
- Savanna
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44
Figure 15. Current Land Use, 2013. La Pedregoza
Fauna
Studies performed in the project area have identified a total 207 species of fauna distributed in: 142 birds,
27 mammals, 16 fish, 13 amphibians and 30 reptiles. A detailed list of species can be found in the
attached Management.
Flora
The latest study performed at The Pedregoza gave as a result, the identification of 391 species of plants
of which 66 species are or have some timber potential. In addition 28 of these 66 species are found in
well drained gallery forests, 29 were found in flooded gallery forests, 6 in the morichales and 3 in the
savannas. A detailed list of species can be found in the Management Plan of The Pedregoza.

El Diamante
The farm El Diamante is located at the vereda Campo Alegre, 120 km away from the port towards La
Primavera village. The property is bordered by other farms at the North, East and West, by the south with
the road that goes from Puerto Carreño to the village of La Esmeralda. This nucleus covers a total of
4,215 ha, which include 3,139 ha eligible for project activities (Figure 16).
v3.0
45
Figure 16. El Diamante Nucleus. Eligible area: Non forest cover between 2001-2011.
Types of soils
Soils correspond to the soils classification class V (see description above).
v3.0
46
Figure 17. Types of soils El Diamante
Land Use
Currently the lands of the farm are dedicated to the development of reforestation activities.
Planted Area (2012):
Natural Forest:
Roads:
Native grasses suitable for plantings:
v3.0
400 ha
200 ha
50 ha
1,623.9 ha
47
Figure 18. Land use, 2013. El Diamante

El Toro
Located In in the Puerto Murillo inspection, vereda Aceitico, a flat and dissected area of high plains,
located on the right side of the road that leads from Puerto Carreño to Puerto Murillo. El Toro is
conformed by the farms La Esperanza, Las Maravillas, El Toro 1 and El Toro sur. This nucleus covers a
total of 5,411 ha, which include 4,483 ha eligible for project activities (Figure 19).
v3.0
48
Figure 19. El Toro Nucleus. Eligible area: Non forest cover between 2001-2011.
Types of soils
Soils of flat relief; superficial to deep; poor and imperfectly drained; with floods in rainy seasons; thin to
moderately thick textures; very acidic to acidic reactions (pH 4.5 to 5.5); low exchange capacity; low base
saturation to very low, high aluminum saturation; high content of organic carbon in the topsoil and
erosional zurales. Agricultural soils class VI.
Land Use
The current land use corresponds to natural grasslands, natural pastures and reforestation. Most of the
high plains in the study area are used for ranching, with limited technological adaptation.
The farm presents a type of vegetation typical of well-drained savannas with scattered trees and shrubs
as well as low or wet savannas around the edges of the gallery forest. It also presents large watersheds
with dense and long gallery forests, presenting orinocenses elements at the edges, and some Amazonian
elements in the center.
Flora
v3.0
49
A total of 394 species were found in the property, belonging to 92 families of plants of different
ecosystems. For the gallery forest ecosystem (BG), 140 species were found belonging to 59 families; for
the flooded forest (BI), 129 species and 51 families; for the morichal (MO), 125 species belonging to 58
families; for high savanna (SA), 108 species belonging to 33 families and for the lower savannah (SB), 78
species belonging to 29 families. This information can be consulted at the characterization report of the
Management Plan.
Fauna
For this pilot unit were found a total of 156 species of vertebrates (fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and
mammals) belonging to 71 families and 34 orders of different ecosystems. For the forest ecosystem /
Morichal, the following species were identified: 4 amphibian species belonging to 4 families and 1 order,
13 species of reptiles belonging to 7 families and 3 orders, 63 species of birds belonging to 27 families
and 17 orders and 19 species of mammals belonging to 14 families and 7 orders; for native savannas
were identified 1 species of amphibious, 8 species of reptiles belonging to 6 families and 2 orders, 40
species of birds corresponding to 15 families and 8 orders, 10 species of mammals belonging to 7
families and 5 orders ; in cultivated savannas no amphibian species were found, but 4 species of reptiles
were found belonging to 4 families and 1 order, 22 bird species in 11 families and 7 orders and 4 mammal
species in 3 families and 3 orders. This information can be found at the characterization report of the
Management Plan.

Horizonte Verde
This nucleus is conformed by the farms El Sinaí, El Reflejo, La Fenicia, San José, El Silencio, Pozo Azul,
La Agonía, La Estaca, El Triunfo, La Payara, La Concordia, La Diversión and Los Eucaliptos. Nuevo
Horizonte covers a total of 15,606 ha, which include 14,396 ha eligible for project activities (Figure 20).
v3.0
50
Figure 20. Nuevo Horizonte Nucleus. Eligible area: Non forest cover between 2001-2011.
1.11 Compliance with Laws, Statutes and Other Regulatory Frameworks

Regulatory frameworks
Colombia is a party of the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) and an
active member of the ITTO (International Tropical Timber Organization). Colombia has also signed and
adopted the following conventions and agreements:
v3.0
-
Agreement for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage. Paris, 1972.
-
Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species: wild fauna and flora. Washington,
1973.
-
Convention on Biological Diversity. Rio de Janeiro, 1992.
-
Colombia is active in the UNFCCC REDD+ negotiations where it supports market-based
mechanisms and has been a vocal proponent of the idea that REDD+ should accommodate a
stepped subnational approach, not only to Reference Levels and Monitoring Report and
Verification (MRV) but also in terms of eligibility for phase 3 of REDD+ (results-based payments).
51
This interest in subnational processes is reflected by the fact that Colombia is a member of the
advisory committee of the Jurisdictional and Nested Requirements (JNR) working group of the
Voluntary Carbon Standard (VCS) (VCS 2013). Colombia has ratified the UNFCCC (1995) and
the Kyoto Protocol (2005) and has submitted two National Communications to the UNFCCC (in
2001 and 2010) (UNFCCC 2013). Colombia is a member of the World Bank Forest Carbon
Partnership Facility (FCPF) and became a UN-REDD+ partner country in 201322. Colombia has
an established Designated National Authority under the CDM and has at has more than one
23
registered CDM Afforestation/Reforestation project .
Nacional Legislation
- Act 139 of 1994 through which creates the forestry incentive certificate (Certificado de Incentivo Forestal
- CIF) among others.
- Regulatory Decree 1824 of 1994 through which Act 139 of 1994 is regulated
- Regulatory Decree 900 of 1997 through which CIF for conservation regulated.
- National development forest plan (Plan Nacional de Desarrollo Forestal, 2000).
- Resolution No. 182 of 2008 of MARD, by which are fixed the procedures and requirements for the
registration of agroforestry systems or forest crops for commercial purposes, and by which is adopted the
format for mobilization.
- Resolution 240 of 2008, by which the resolution 182 of 2008 is amended.
- Act 1377 of 2010 that regulates the activity for commercial reforestation
- Regulatory Decree No. 2803 of 2010, by which is regulated the Ac 1377 of 2010 about registration of
forest crops and agroforestry systems for commercial purposes, protective-productive plantations and the
mobilization of primary processing products, among others.
- Resolution 058 of 2011, through which a delegation is created and formats are adopted for the
registration and updating of the registration certificate, for the mobilization of wood and for the instructions
for filling out the products from forestry crops, agroforestry and productive-protective plantations.
- Resolution No. 000319 of 2011, by which are set the national average values of total net costs of
establishing and maintaining per hectare of planted forest, as well as the maximum amount to be
recognized in respect to the CIF ,and the incentive per tree for 2012.
Departmental legislation
- Resolution 200.41-11.1130 of June 22, 2011. This resolution defines the regional criteria for the
development of forestry, agricultural and agro-industrial projects within the jurisdiction of
CORPORINOQUIA. It also defines the environmental management measures (Medidas de Manejo
Ambiental MMA) for the development of projects in the region.
- Resolution No. 500.41-13.1571 from November 6, 2013, which makes some changes to the resolution
No.200.41-11.1130 which did not consider the regulation of projects under 5000 hectares, that execute
22
23
https://www.minambiente.gov.co/index.php/ambientes-y-desarrollos-sostenibles/cambio-climatico
https://cdm.unfccc.int/Projects/MapApp/index.html?state=Registered
v3.0
52
irrigation and drainage activities and that due to its ecosystemic importance, required to be regulated;
subject to the regulations contained in resolution 1130 of June 22, 2011.
Municipal legislation
- Land management scheme (Esquema de Ordenamiento Territorial EOT, 2010) of the Municipality of
Puerto Carreño.
All instances comply with the legislation previously described as they promote reforestation in areas
suitable for this purpose, and also promote the soil preparation practices and proper handling of the land,
contribute to the mitigation of climate change by reducing GHG emissions, generate sustainable
development through their activities and generate social, climatic and environmental co-benefits.
1.12 Ownership and Other Programs
1.12.1 Right of Use
There are not ongoing or unresolved disputes or conflicts regarding land. The proof of title documentation
ca be found on the attached document information (see Proof of title folder).
1.12.2 Emissions Trading Programs and Other Binding Limits
The project does not reduces GHG emissions from activities included in an emissions trading program or
any other mechanism, therefore, reductions and removals generated by this project will not be used for
compliance under any other program or mechanism.
1.12.3 Other Forms of Environmental Credit
The project has no intention to generate any other form of credits related to reductions or removals under
the VCS program.
1.12.4 Participation under Other GHG Programs
The project has not sought or received any other GHG-related environmental credit.
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53
1.12.5 Projects Rejected by Other GHG Programs
The project has not been rejected by any other GHG program.
1.13 Additional Information Relevant to the Project
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility criteria:






Covers of degraded savannahs.
Operational capacity of the operator
Demonstrate proper environmental practices consistent with the silvicultural requirements of the
species planted
Demonstrate that the project promotes gender equity and that do not incur in any kind
discrimination
Unrestricted species and arrangements
Establishment of baseline conditions of the project in order to identify and quantify the social and
biodiversity benefits of the implemented activities.
It is expected that the expansion of the project will occur during the monitoring and verification of the
previously validated instances. Meaning that at the time of the first project's monitoring, it may be possible
to validate other instances, that comply with the eligibility, additionality and baseline conditions.
In addition, all areas to be incorporated into the grouped project must meet the technical land eligibility
criteria for carbon forest projects:




No evidence of forest in the last 10 years.
Greater than one has continuous areas. Forest
Not fall into the category of wetlands
Systems to implement in the future that meet the definition of forest parameters (minimum
coverage cups 30%, minimum height of 5 m and minimum area 1 hectare in the case of
Colombia).
Leakage Management
NA
Commercially Sensitive Information
No sensitive information has been generated and/or excluded from the public version of the project.
Further Information
No further information may have bearing the eligibility of the project.
v3.0
54
2
APPLICATION OF METHODOLOGY
2.1
Title and Reference of Methodology
This is an AFOLU A/R project that aims to reforest degraded lands, which are expected to remain
degraded or to continue degrade in the absence of the project. The project is a grouped project. Title of
24
the methodology: AR-ACM003. Afforestation and reforestation of lands except wetlands. Version 2.0 .
25
The following documents are indispensable for application of this methodology :
(a) Clean development mechanism project standards;
(b) A/R methodological tools:
2.2

“Tool for the demonstration and assessment of additionality in VCS Agriculture, Forestry and
Other Land Use (AFOLU) project activities. Version 3.0, adapted from the CDM “Tool for the
Demonstration and Assessment of Additionality in A/R CDM Project Activities” (Version 02);

“Estimation of carbon stocks and change in carbon stocks of trees and shrubs in A/R CDM
project activities”;

“Estimation of carbon stocks and change in carbon stocks in dead wood and litter in A/R CDM
project activities”;

“Tool for estimation of change in soil organic carbon stocks due to the implementation of A/R
CDM project activities”;

“Estimation of non-CO2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions resulting from burning of biomass
attributable to an A/R CDM project activity”;

“Estimation of the increase in GHG emissions attributable to displacement of pre-project
agricultural activities in A/R CDM project activity”
Applicability of Methodology
Applicability conditions of the Methodology
Table 15. Applicability conditions regarding to the methodology applied.
Applicability condition
a. The land subject to the project activity
does not fall in wetland category
b. Soil disturbance attributable to the
Compliance
Through the analysis of land eligibility the covers
environmentally fragile such us forests, lagoons, flood
plains, wetlands and water bodies were excluded from
project boundary (see PMFS). Besides, these covers are
protected by the owners and the physical conditions of
these ecosystems make difficult the establishment of
plantations. Only pastures areas are subject to project
activities.
The project activity does not take place on organic soils.
24
https://cdm.unfccc.int/filestorage/T/H/N/THNRJC15IW4K89UBE6DFZYX23OVP0Q/EB75_repan30_ARACM0003_ver02.0.pdf?t=QzF8bzJkMjcxfDBntTE1ZT21TqjUl0xbpP68
25
These documents are available online at:
https://cdm.unfccc.int/methodologies/DB/C9QS5G3CS8FW04MYYXDFOQDPXWM4OE
v3.0
55
Compliance
project activity does not cover more
than 10 per cent of area in each of the
following types of land, when these
lands are included within the project
boundary:


Land containing organic soils;
Land which, in the baseline, is
subjected to land-use and
management
practices
and
receives
inputs
listed
in
appendices 1 and 2 to the
methodology AR-ACM003.
The soils of the Colombian high plains have a moderate
to rapid drainage, low fertility, high aluminum
concentrations and low contents of organic carbon
(Diagnóstico E.O.T. Puerto Carreño 2010). According to
the soils study performed for the project area, the soils
are loam – sandy, sandy-clay-loam, they have a low
organic material content, and likewise contain low
concentrations of Ca, Mg, K, Na (PMES El Diamante).
In the absence of the project activity, the baseline is
expected to remain as unmanaged grasslands (without
receiving inputs such as listed in appendices 1 and 2 to
the methodology AR-ACM003). Such grasslands under
tropical conditions have less carbon compared to
plantations and forest cover. Therefore, it is expected for
soil organic carbon to increase less in the absence of the
project activity relative to the baseline.
Applicability conditions of the tools
Table 16. Applicability conditions regarding to the methodological tools applied.
Tool
Compliance
Tool for the
demonstration and
assessment of
additionality in VCS
Agriculture, Forestry and
Other Land Use (AFOLU)
project activities. Version
3.0
a.
AFOLU activities the same or
similar to the proposed project
activity on the land within the
proposed
project
boundary
performed with or without being
registered as the VCS AFOLU
project shall not lead to violation of
any applicable law even if the law is
not enforced.
b.
The use of this tool to
determine additionality requires the
baseline methodology to provide for
a stepwise approach justifying the
determination of the most plausible
baseline
scenario.
Project
proponent(s) proposing new baseline
methodologies
shall
ensure
consistency
between
the
determination of a baseline scenario
and the determination of additionality
of a project activity.
This tool has no internal applicability
a.
Forestation of the land
will not lead to violation of any
applicable law (see section 2.5).
b.
NA
Estimation
v3.0
of
carbon
-
56
Tool
stocks and change in
carbon stocks of trees
and shrubs in A/R CDM
project activities
(ARAM-tool-14-v4.2)
Estimation
of
carbon
stocks and change in
carbon stocks in dead
wood and litter in A/R
CDM project activities
(ARAM-tool-12-v3.1)
Tool for estimation of
change in soil organic
carbon stocks due to the
implementation of A/R
CDM project activities
(ARAM-tool-16-v1.1.0)
conditions
This tool has no internal applicability
conditions
This tool is applicable when the areas
of land, the baseline scenario, and the
project activity meet the following
conditions:
(a) The areas of land to which this tool
is applied:
(i) Do not fall into wetland category; or
(ii) Do not contain organic soils as
defined in .Annex A: glossary. of the
IPCC GPG LULUCF 2003;
(iii) Are not subject to any of the land
management practices and application
of inputs as listed in the Tables 1 and 2
of the tool.
(b) The A/R CDM project activity
meets the following conditions:
(i) Litter remains on site and is not
removed in the A/R CDM project
activity; and
(ii) Soil disturbance attributable to the
A/R CDM project activity, if any, is:
• In accordance with appropriate soil
conservation practices, e.g. follows the
land contours;
• Limited to soil disturbance for site
preparation before planting and such
disturbance is not repeated in less
than twenty years
v3.0
Compliance
With reference to point (a), the
areas of land project do not fall
into wetland category (see
above,
Applicability
of
Methodology).
With reference to point (b), the
litter will remain on site and will
not be removed in any site.
Besides the soil disturbance is
done by following appropriate
soil conservation practices and it
is only for site preparation
before planting. Those practices
include:
 Improve the physical and
microbiological soil conditions,
through the implementation of
environmentally friendly and
natural practices, such as
applying natural fertilizers and
mycorrhizae.
 Allow the surface of the
exposed soil to keep its natural
cover in order to reduce the
incidence of direct sunlight,
reducing the evaporation of
water. This allows the thermal
amplitude variability to be lower,
favoring the plantations and the
activity of soil microorganisms.
 Follow the harvesting plan of
each species, responding to the
needs of forest products.
57
Tool
Compliance
 The harvesting plan involves
immediate replanting to maintain
the
soil
cover
and
the
sequestration of carbon. Roots,
branches and other parts that
are not useful during the harvest
will be converted into chips or
rolled
pieces
and
then
reintegrated to the soil to
maintain the contents of organic
material.
Finally, the estimation of change
in SOC will be accounted for the
stand models with the species
H. brasiliensis, P. caribaea and
native species, due to these
species have a rotation period
longer than 20 years.
Estimation of non-CO2
greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions resulting from
burning
of
biomass
attributable to an A/R
CDM project activity
(ARAM-tool-08-v4.0.0)
Estimation of the increase
in
GHG
emissions
attributable
to
displacement
of
preproject
agricultural
activities in A/R CDM
project activity
(ARAM-tool-15-v2.0)
2.3
v3.0
The tool is applicable to all occurrence
of fire within the project boundary.
Non-CO2 GHG emissions resulting
from any occurrence of fire within the
Project boundary shall be accounted
for each incidence of fire which affects
an area greater than the minimum
threshold area reported by the host
Party for the purpose of defining forest,
provided that the accumulated area
affected by such fires in a given year is
≥5% of the project area
This tool is not applicable if the
displacement of agricultural activities is
expected to cause, directly or
indirectly, any drainage of wetlands or
peat lands.
Non-CO2
GHG
emissions
resulting from any occurrence of
fire within the Project boundary
will be accounted, provided that
the accumulated area affected
by such fires in a given year is
≥5% of the project area.
The implementation of project
activities
do
not
cause
displacement of agricultural
activities.
Project Boundary
58
The relevant GHG sources, sinks and reservoirs for the project and baseline scenarios are presenting
below.
Table 17. Selection and justification of carbon pools
Baseline
Source
Above
and below
ground
biomass
Dead
wood,
Litter and
Soil
Organic
Carbon
Project
Above
and below
ground
biomass
Dead
wood,
Litter and
Soil
Organic
Carbon
Burning of
woody
biomass
Gas
Included?
Justification/Explanation
Above and below ground carbon stock in the baseline is
presented in the isolated trees and grasses. The pre-project
trees are neither harvested, nor cleared, nor removed. These do
not suffer mortality because of competition from trees planted in
the project, or damage because of implementation of the project
activity and they are not inventoried along with the project trees
in monitoring of carbon stocks throughout the crediting period of
the project activity. Therefore, carbon stock in the baseline can
be accounted as zero.
This is not a requirement of the methodology
It is expected that carbon stock in these pools will not decrease
due to the implementation of the project activity
CO2
No
CH4
N2O
No
No
CO2
No
CH4
No
N2O
No
Carbon stock in above ground biomass is the major carbon pool
subjected to project activity. Carbon stock in below ground
biomass is expected to increase due to the implementation of
the project activity.
Carbon stock in these pools may increase due to
implementation of the project activity
CO2
Yes
CH4
N2O
No
No
CO2
Yes
CH4
No
N2O
No
CO2
Yes
CH4
Yes
N2O
Yes
Emission of non-CO2 GHGs resulting from the burning of woody
biomass due to fire (GHGFF,t) is allowed under this methodology.
Regarding to dead wood and litter in baseline carbon pools, it is expected that whose will not show a
permanent net increase. Moreover, since carbon stock in SOC is unlikely to increase in the baseline, the
change in carbon stock in SOC may be conservatively assumed to be zero.
v3.0
59
Historically cattle grazing have been the main land use in the Project area and selected as the baseline
scenario. According to this and in agreement with IPCC Good Practice Guidance for Land Use, Land Use
Change and Forestry (2003) the net GHG removals by sinks in the baseline equals zero.
Emission of non-CO2 GHGs resulting from the loss of aboveground tree biomass due to fire (in the event
that occur) is considered and calculated using the above ground biomass in trees of relevant strata in last
verification and a combustion factor.
The physical locations where reforestation activities take place are presented in Figure 21
Figure 21. Project boundary
2.4
Baseline Scenario
The natural ecosystem in which the municipality of Puerto Carreño is located, has been dramatically
intervened without any restrictions by the action of man, threatening the ecological balance. In an effort to
ensure their survival (self-consumption), both, settlers and Indigenous peoples, have been using small
plots "conucos" resulting from logging, an action that predisposes soil loss due to its highly eco systemic
fragility.
There is no doubt that the treatment that has been given to the natural vegetation and land use for
agricultural purposes has generated fundamental changes in the physiognomy of different plant
associations, affecting the fauna component (Municipio de Puerto Carreño 2012). The most
representative ecosystems in the project area are:

v3.0
Flooded Forest
60




Gallery Forest
Savannas
Dwarf trees
Morichales and Saladillales
The land within the project boundary is degraded grassland for all cases of the grouped instances, as
they all occur in the same department and municipality (see Sect 1.10.2). Such grasslands have
historically been subject to burning activities that took place with the objective to reduce tree covers and
2627
expand grasslands in order to develop extensive cattle ranching activities
. However, all instances
conserve remnants of gallery forest and natural areas as shown in the following aerial photograph (Figure
22). This landscape corresponds to the land prior to the project start date, for the case La Pedregoza
farm.
28
Figure 22. Aerial photograph of the Pedregoza farm, in the municipality of Puerto Carreño .
It is evident in the last image, that within the project boundary (shaped with yellow dots), only degraded
areas existed, but also some patches of natural forest bordering the main water streams. However, the
dominant cover are the grasslands.
26
Parques Nacionales Naturales de Colombia. 2005. Línea Base para la Planeación del Manejo Parque Nacional
Natural El Tuparro. Disponible en:
http://www.parquesnacionales.gov.co/PNN/portel/libreria/pdf/LneaBasePNNTuparro.pdf
27
Diagnóstico E.O.T. Puerto Carreño, 2010
28
Photo taken by the project owner prior starting the project activities.
v3.0
61
29
Figure 23. Photograph of the farm Toro 1 taken before the project start date .
On the other hand, the instance of Reforestadora El Toro, took the last photo, prior to the project start
date, in order to evidence the lack of natural forest and the presence of degraded and extensive
grasslands. Few isolated trees could be found in the project area, but none of them were classified as
endangered.
2.5
Additionality
Considering the “Tool for the demonstration and assessment of additionality in VCS agriculture, forestry
30
and other land use (AFOLU) project activities Version 3.0 ” the next steps were developed:
STEP 1.
STEP 2.
STEP 3.
STEP 4.
Identification of alternative scenarios;
Investment analysis, or
Barrier analysis;
Common practice analysis.
Step 1: Identification of alternative land use scenarios to the proposed VCS AFOLU project
activity
Sub-Step 1a: Identify credible alternative land use scenarios to the proposed VCS AFOLU project
activity
The identified alternative land uses in absence of the VCS forestry proposal are:

29
30
Cattle farming
Photo taken by the Project coordinator Luis Miguel Navarro in July 15th of 2012.
http://www.v-c-s.org/sites/v-c-s.org/files/VT0001%20VCS%20AFOLU%20Additionality%20Tool%20v3.0.pdf
v3.0
62
Extensive cattle farming is the ancestral most widespread form of land use in the entire Orinoco
31 32
33
region , , and the department of Vichada has more than 138,000 heads of cattle , with an average of
34
0,3 head of cattle per ha .
The beef cattle’s farming has been a historical adaptation to the communities’ culture and to the
conditions of regional ecosystems. Cattle’s farming is done by 90% on land with that kind of vocation,
while cultivated areas occupy 32% of the land with agricultural potential. In 2008, 9.75 million hectares
held a stock of 5,727,131 cattle heads, in the region equivalent to 21.3% of the national total (26,877,824
35
head) . About the production value and its value-added component, it is estimated that cattle farming
represents 3.6% of the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP), a significant percentage for an individual
activity and especially for a rural activity in the country. This activity also represents 27% of the GDP in
36
the agricultural sector and 64% of the livestock sector at the national level .
The firsts instances are located in the municipality of Puerto Carreño, close to the Bita’s river. Among the
main economic activities present along the Bita’s basin (like the rest of the municipality), are the extensive
37
cattle ranching and the agriculture , constituting the second largest source of employment followed by
38
the state jobs .

Forest plantations (without being registered as a carbon project)
Colombia has a huge potential to develop commercial reforestation programs (around 17 million of
39
hectares suitable for forestry plantations establishment distributed in different regions of the country ).
This country benefits from excellent climatic, geographic and topographic conditions for tree growth, and
has the potential for forest plantations and also possesses the necessary geostrategic conditions to
potentiate foreign trade, especially with the increase of treaties for free trade signed during the last 10
40
years .
41
For over 30 years, there have been trials of forest plantations in the high plains in the Orinoco region ,
but until now only very few, mainly non-native species have been promoted in the country such as
Eucalyptus pellita, E. tereticornis, Pinus caribea, Pinus oocarpa, and Anacardium occidentale.
Corporinoquia, Universidad de los Andes, The National Corporation for Forestry Research and
Development of Colombia (CONIF), the Colombian Corporation for Agricultural Research (CORPOICA),
31
Pacheco et al., 2014. Manejo Forestal Sostenible en plantaciones en la cuenca del rio Bita, Vichada, Colombia.
Andrade et al. 2009. La mejor Orinoquia que podemos construir.
33
Gobernación del Vichada 2011. Plan vial Departamental Vichada 2011-2019Plan vial Departamental Vichada
2011-2019.
34
CONPES 3797, 2014. Política para el Desarrollo Integral de la Orinoquia: Altillanura - Fase I.
35
Universidad Nacional de Colombia. 2013. Caracterización Región Orinoquía.
36
Cuenca et al. 2008. El sector de ganadería bovina en Colombia. Aplicación de modelos de series de tiempo al
inventario ganadero.
37
38
Municipio de Puerto Carreño. 2012 . Plan de Desarrollo Puerto Carreño 2012-2015.
39
MICT, 2009. Invierta en Colombia. Trabajo, compromiso, ingenio.
40
Departamento Nacional de Planeación, 2015. COLOMBIA: Potencial de Reforestación Comercial.
41
MADR, IICA. 2005. La cadena forestal y madera en Colombia una mirada global de su estructura y dinámica 19912005.
32
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the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), and the Gaviotas Research Center have carried
42
out research on the silviculture of this species .
The increase of the forestry activity has also been present in the municipality of Puerto Carreño in recent
years, with the establishment of introduced tree species such as the Acacia, Eucalyptus and Pine,
43
registering 3,247 ha planted in 2012 . On the other hand, according al Ministerio de Agricultura, forest
plantations composed by only foreign species, are being supported by national regulations that attempt to
finance forestry projects through the forestry incentive certificate (CIF). In 2012, the municipality of Puerto
Carreño counted with 49 CIF registering, covering an area of 9,179 hectares all covered by introduced
tree species, including Pinus caribea, Acacia mangium, Tectona grandis, Gmelina arborea, and
44
Eucalyptus pellita .
Outcome of Sub-step 1a:


Cattle farming
Sub-step 1b: Consistency of credible land use scenarios with enforced mandatory applicable laws
and regulations
All the alternative land use scenarios outcome of the sub-step 1a are legal and enforced by mandatory
applicable laws and regulations in Colombia and Orinoco’s region:

Cattle farming
Plan de Desarrollo, Departamento del Vichada 2012 – 2015. Field Program development
engine; Subprogram: Competitive Livestock Development. This line of departmental work
seeks to promote and implement the Vichada livestock development through the
improvement of production and reproduction rates of livestock.
Livestock Development Programme 2006-2019, the government's objective is to achieve
by 2019 a herd of 48 million cattle heads in 28 million hectares suitable for livestock in
45
the country, that is, a capacity of 1.27 head/ha .

Forest plantations (without being registered as a carbon project):
Law 139 from 1994, which creates the forestry incentive certificate CIF
National Plan of forestry development (2000) which states the importance of the inclusion
of non-native species due to their ability to generate revenues in the short term.
Law 1377 from 2010 that regulates forestry activities in the country
Resolution number 200.41-11.1130 from 2011, which defines the criteria for the
development of forestry projects in the jurisdiction of CORPORINOQUIA, which is the
recognized environmental authority of the region where the project is taking place.
42
Andrade et al. 2009. La mejor Orinoquia que podemos construir.
Municipio de Puerto Carreño, 2012. Plan de Desarrollo Puerto Carreño 2012-2015.
44
45
FEDEGAN, 2006. Plan Estratégico de la Ganadería 2019.
43
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The Diagnosis of the potential of commercial reforestation, sets a goal to increase the
commercial forest plantations, increasing the currently 364,000 hectares to 596,000
hectares. This sector is linked to two of the five locomotives promoted by the Santos
government: the innovation engine, considered as one of the boosting green markets,
46
and agricultural locomotive .
Outcome of Sub-step 1b:


Cattle farming
Step 2: Investment analysis
The investment analysis was not applied. Follow to step 3.
Step 3: Barrier analysis
Sub-step 3a: Identify barriers that would prevent the implementation of the type of proposed
project activity
Investment barrier
17 million of hectares are identified in Colombia with potential to establish commercial forest plantation,
47
however only 253,066 hectares (1.5%) have been planted . WWF, 2015 concluded that 80% of wood
and wood products are derived from the exploitation of natural forests, given that commercial
48
reforestation is neither economically attractive nor consolidated as a profitable activity .
The very low level of economic activity in the commercial forestry sector is attributed to several factors,
49
among them: low rates of return, the high number of intermediaries , long production cycle, long periods
between cash flow disbursements, high concentration of costs in the first years of production, long wait
50,51
for economic returns and difficulties in obtaining bank credits for these types of activities
.
46
DNP 2015. COLOMBIA: Potencial de Reforestación Comercial.
MICT, 2009. Invierta en Colombia. Trabajo, compromiso, ingenio.
48
WWF, 2015. Informe: causas de la ilegalidad de la madera en Colombia un estudio sobre los flujos del comercio
de la madera, los actores y los impactos de la tala ilegal.
49
WWF, 2014. Datos básicos y elementos de contexto sobre el sector Forestal en Colombia.
50
Aldana, C. 2004. Sector forestal Colombiano; fuente de vida, trabajo y bienestar. Serie de documentación no. 50.
Corporación nacional de Investigación y Fomento Forestal (CONIF), Bogotá.
51
CONIF y FAO, 2004. Análisis del Mercado Crediticio para el Sector Forestal Colombiano.
47
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52
53
There are no commercial bank lines of credit for long-term investments such as reforestation projects .
Banks perceive the investment risk for this type of project as very high due to market limitations, the lack
54
of cash flow, and the long wait for a return on the investment . There are multilateral banking credit
sources, but processing is quite complex.
In comparison, ample lines of credit and financing sources exist for coffee and cattle farming (Banco
Agrario) because of lower perceived risks, proven experience, and a steady cash flow. Cattle farming
require a minimal investment (basically the purchase of cattle). This investment comes from the income
earned with the sale of adult cattle. Additionally, this activity requires a very limited labor force, which is
supplied by regional inhabitants who have worked for many years in the ranching sector. Given that this is
an extensive activity, the region’s ecological conditions permit the supply of grass required for production.
Lastly, this activity requires little infrastructure given that the management system consists of herding
55
cattle (to handling centers) across pastures that feed them until they reach a marketable weight . There
are also tax exemptions oriented to promote the agricultural sector, including the article 31 of the law 812
of 2013 about the forestry incentive and the lay 788 of 2002 about tax exemptions.
About 90% of commercial reforestations are supported by incentives and tax benefits given by the
government. These incentives are not enough to stimulate the reforestation adequately. For example, the
government created a risk capital in the Fund for Agricultural Financing- Finagro (with more than 30,000
56
million COP) to invest directly in the commercial forestry sector, however only 514 million COP were
57
used for forestry projects (0.99%) .
The Certificado de Incentivo Forestal (CIF) has been created to support A/R activities. According to the
Sectorial Forest Monitoring made in 2011 by Banco Agrario of Colombia, in 2008 the total resources
58
received by forestry sector trough government amounted to 51,281 Million COP . The biggest resources
were used trough the CIF (35,000 million COP). It corresponds to 67.57% of resources available.
Nevertheless, this money is not constant and high transactions costs of obtaining the incentive make it
difficult to use (some projects have waited for more than three years for approval). The policies and
procedures related to effectively obtaining this incentive are confusing and constantly changing.
Further, the level of the incentive is relatively low in terms of the positive externalities generated by
reforestation and the high opportunity cost associated with other uses of the land. Second, government
59
deficits often abort the supply of the incentive, even when projects have been approved to receive it .
There is no appropriate information to identify the effectiveness of incentives and it is not possible to
determine the real impacts over investors. If a project receives the CIF, it must decline the right to get
60
more incentives or tax exemptions that law gives for forestry sector .
52
CONIF y FAO, 2004 conclude that in Colombia we have no lines of credit that can be called forestry credit lines,
with the exception of two very limited lines from the Banco Agrario (a state Bank) which specifically limit activities to
“plantation and maintenance” and “harvest of trees” but are not focused to reforestation activities.
53
Aldana, C. 2004.: Sector forestal Colombiano; fuente de vida, trabajo y bienestar. Serie de documentación no. 50.
Corporación nacional de Investigación y Fomento Forestal (CONIF), Bogotá.
54
FAO, 2006. Tendencias y perspectivas del sector forestal en América Latina Documento de Trabajo. Informe
Nacional Colombia. Available at: http://www.fao.org/docrep/009/a0470s/a0470s00.htm
55
de la Hoz, J.V. 2009. Geografía Económica de la Orinoquia. Documento de trabajo sobre economía regional.
56
Currently about 183,000 USD
57
Marín, 2010. Financiación forestal, estímulos y exenciones.
58
Currently about 18,000 USD
59
60
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In general, most of the government monetary resources mentioned before are mainly oriented to the
setting of forestry species that the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MADR) promote as
more suitable for Colombian regions. In the case of Vichada department the MADR only promotes to
plant Eucalyptus pellita and Pinus caribea var Houndurensis as these are the only species that have
access to the forestry incentive (Pacheco et al. 2014).
VCus might generate the possibility to alleviate the investment barrier as the decisive barrier for this A/R
VCS project activity by generating access to international capital due to early stage payments for VCUs.
Infrastructure barrier (routes of transportation)
In general, the departments of the Orinoco region have remained isolated from the rest of the country due
to a lack of access by land routes. Infrastructure is thus one of the factors that have disadvantaged the
development of the country’s forestry potential. On one hand, there is a tremendous lack of highways and
railways in areas with forest resources, and on the other hand the nearby rivers are not, or not sufficiently
navigable or they do not connect towards centers of consumption. Transportation costs represent 34% of
61
the value of forest products in the market .
A large percentage of forestry products in the Colombian market is transported by roads, which is a
negative factor given its high costs. According to the calculations of CORMAGDALENA, the cost of
transportation by waterway is nine times lower than roads. The poor transportation infrastructure
constitutes a costly constraint to the project activity because it hinders and prevents displacement of
personnel, increases the costs of all silvicultural practices and timber harvesting, and increases the travel
time of all access routes.
According to the observed on field, transportation is very difficult especially during rainy seasons as the
current roads, have been created by the cars themselves and they tend to flood and collapse in winter.
Only full-equipped cars can move on the roads of the area. As exposed in Table 18, only 10.44 of roads
have been paved and 386 kilometers are dirt packed road (unpaved road) within the department.
Table 18. Kilometers of roads in the Department of Vichada
Classification of Roadway
Paved road
Dirt packed
road
Dirt road
Total
Primary way
9.3
60.95
15.70
85.95
Secondary way
1.14
298.32
1,263.21
1,562.67
Terciary way
27.40
1,007.17
1,034.57
10.44
386.67
2,286.08
2,683.19
TOTAL
Source: Secretaria de planeación y desarrollo Territorial del Vichada, tomado de Gobernación del
Vichada 2011.
According to the zoning study for forest plantations with commercial purposes in Colombia (UPRA, 2015),
despite that the departments of Vichada and Meta have large surfaces for commercial forestry activities,
the aptitude for this activity is low (dominant aptitude, according to the stablished classification). This
61
Refocosta, 2007. Comercialización de Madera en Colombia y sus oportunidades.
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67
qualification is attributed to the lack of road infrastructure and logistics in forestry, as well as soil
62
limitations and ecosystemic restrictions, issues that affect the development of competitive markets .
The project owner has to invest in infrastructure or in the maintenance of the existent roads to reach the
plantations area and transport any equipment, materials, technology and tools needed for the work.
These adverse conditions represent an important barrier that must be overcome by the technical team to
guarantee the competitiveness in the national and international markets.
Social barriers
Lack of skilled labor and properly trained labor force
The few communities that inhabit the project area do not have experience in reforestation. Their
economic activity is based primarily subsistence farming and subsistence fishing. There is no local supply
of labor with experience in forestry, so training is more costly and skilled labor must be paid a higher
wage to move them from other regions of the country to this remote region, mostly from regions such as
Cordoba, Meta, Antioquia, and Boyacá. The population density in the department of Vichada is very low
2
(1.8 inhabitants per km ) and therefore insufficient to supply the labor requirements of the project activity.
The project owner has to recognize all these obstacles and has to overcome these technical barriers. Part
of the capacity work could be financed by the income of the carbon credits.
Forestry plantations in the region of Puerto Carreño, commonly lack of financial and technical planning as
they have not clarity in relation to the markets, species, forestry development, sustainable use of soils,
and more important, they did not have clarity about their objectives of production, among others. Which
means that in most cases, activities are being coordinated by people without professional or technical
background in forestry in addition to the lack of technical assistance from the local authority
CORPORINOQUIA. Around 80% of the projects being executed in the municipality, don’t have knowledge
or experience in areas related to ecosystem services and they don’t count with formal procedures related
to industrial safety, waste management or labor regulations (Pacheco et al., 2014).
Sub-step 3b. Show that the identified barriers would not prevent the implementation of at least
one of the alternative land use scenarios (except the proposed project activity):
Forest plantations with or without native species, without carbon revenues face all the identified barriers.
Extensive cattle farming is the land use alternative that does not face any of the identified barriers. For
example, if there are not investors even private or public, cattle ranching becomes the most popular
activities, as it requires in most cases, only money to obtain the animals. Therefore, extensive cattle
farming is the baseline scenario (Table 19).
The grouped project with carbon revenues will alleviate the identified barriers.
Table 19. Summary of barriers faced for alternative use scenarios
Project alternative
Barrier faced
62
Unidad de planificación de tierras rurales, adecuación de tierras y usos agropecuarios, UPRA, 2015. Zonificación
para plantaciones forestales con fines comerciales – Colombia.
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Project alternative
Barrier faced
Cattle farming
No barriers faced
Forest plantations (without being registered as
a carbon project)
Investment barrier, Infrastructure barrier (routes of
transportation), Social barriers
Step 4: Common practice analysis
Among the forestry projects currently executed in the municipality of Puerto Carreño, 16 from 17 projects,
use around three different species, all introduced, resulting in 52% of the total planted. The other half, use
between 4 and 6 introduced species and only few cases register the use of native species, but none of
63
the initiatives attempt to participate in the sale of carbon credits . According to the same source, it is
clear enough that private companies and even the government institutions are encouraging the growth of
the forestry sector with introduced species that affect the genetic biodiversity.
Locally, it is noted that forestry development around the Bita’s river in the municipality of Puerto Carreño,
has become popular in the recent years, as investors are aware about the economic benefits of forest
plantations. However, most of the planted area, has been developed without following technical
procedures and methodologies avoiding the full development of this sector. Unplanned harvesting, poor
growth of species, lack of interest about the conservation of natural resources are among the main
characteristic of these areas (Pacheco et al., 2014).
The proposed project activity aims to change the current land use to reforestation, and plant about 8,000
ha in the remote region of the Orinoco, where the dominant economic and cultural activity has been and
continues to be extensive cattle ranching. Financial revenues from carbon sequestration will help
investors to offset the risks of investing in the area and the high costs of accessing distant markets for the
future sale of timber. The sale of certificates of emission reduction is part of the main sources of
additional income to the project.
In addition, the project seeks to promote the technical development of forestry plantations, by using
methods and procedures that allow the well development of the planted area, the inclusion of native
species in order to contribute to the sustainable use of the environment and of the landscape and the
constant flow of revenues. Therefore, the current initiative will alleviate the common characteristics of the
plantations explained before, in order to improve the forestry sector in the area.
2.6
Methodology Deviations
Not applicable
3
QUANTIFICATION OF GHG EMISSION REDUCTIONS AND REMOVALS
3.1
63
Baseline Emissions
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According to the A/R Large-scale Consolidated Methodology, Afforestation and reforestation of lands
except wetlands, Version 02.0, the baseline estimation is given as follows:
Δ𝐶𝐵𝑆𝐿,=Δ𝐶𝑇𝑅𝐸𝐸_𝐵𝑆𝐿,+Δ𝐶𝑆𝐻𝑅𝑈𝐵_𝐵𝑆𝐿,+Δ𝐶𝐷𝑊_𝐵𝑆𝐿,+Δ𝐶𝐿𝐼_𝐵𝑆𝐿,
Where:
Δ𝐶𝐵𝑆𝐿,=
Δ𝐶𝑇𝑅𝐸𝐸_𝐵𝑆𝐿,=
Δ𝐶𝑆𝐻𝑅𝑈𝐵_𝐵𝑆𝐿,=
Δ𝐶𝐷𝑊_𝐵𝑆𝐿,=
Δ𝐶𝐿𝐼_𝐵𝑆𝐿,=
Baseline net GHG removals by sinks in year 𝑡; t CO2e
Change in carbon stock in baseline tree biomass within the project boundary in year
𝑡, as estimated in the tool “Estimation of carbon stocks and change in carbon stocks
of trees and shrubs in A/R CDM project activities”; t CO2e
Change in carbon stock in baseline shrub biomass within the project boundary in
year 𝑡, as estimated in the tool “Estimation of carbon stocks and change in carbon
stocks of trees and shrubs in A/R CDM project activities”; t CO2e
Change in carbon stock in baseline dead wood biomass within the project boundary,
in year 𝑡, as estimated in the tool “Estimation of carbon stocks and change in carbon
stocks in dead wood and litter in A/R CDM project activities”; t CO2e
Change in carbon stock in baseline litter biomass within the project boundary, in year
𝑡, as estimated in the tool “Estimation of carbon stocks and change in carbon stocks
in dead wood and litter in A/R CDM project activities”; t CO2e
Δ𝐶𝑇𝑅𝐸𝐸_𝐵𝑆𝐿 can be accounted as zero due to all of the following conditions are met:
(a) The pre-project trees are neither harvested, nor cleared, nor removed throughout the crediting period
of the project activity;
(b) The pre-project trees do not suffer mortality because of competition from trees planted in the project,
or damage because of implementation of the project activity, at any time during the crediting period of the
project activity;
(c) The pre-project trees are not inventoried along with the project trees in monitoring of carbon stocks but
their continued existence, consistent with the baseline scenario, is monitored throughout the crediting
period of the project activity.
Δ𝐶𝑆𝐻𝑅𝑈𝐵_𝐵𝑆𝐿, conservatively is assumed to be zero in the baseline scenario, due to changes in carbon
stock of above- and below-ground biomass of non-tree vegetation of the degraded land in baseline
scenario, is not possible.
3.2
Project Emissions
Increase in non-CO2 GHG emissions within the project boundary as a result of the implementation of the
A/R VCS project activity, in year t, as estimated in the tool “Estimation of non-CO2 GHG emissions
resulting from burning of biomass attributable to an A/R CDM project activity”; t CO2-e. Considering
equation 1 of this tool:
GHGE,t = GHGSPF,t + GHGFMF,t + GHGFF,t
Where:
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70
GHGE,t =
Emission of non-CO2 GHGs resulting from burning of biomass and forest fires within the
project boundary in year t; t CO2-e
GHGSPF,t = Emission of non-CO2 GHGs resulting from use of fire in site preparation in year t; t CO2e
GHGFMF,t = Emission of non-CO2 GHGs resulting from use of fire to clear the land of harvest residue
prior to replanting of the land or other forest management, in year t; t CO2-e
GHGFF,t = Emission of non-CO2 GHGs resulting from fire in year t; t CO 2-e
t=
1, 2, 3, … years counted from the start of the A/R project activity
Slash-and-burn is a common practice in the baseline, and fire has been used in the area at least once
during the period of ten years preceding the start of the project activity and the cleaning of the land of
harvest residue prior to replanting does not include use of fire. Considering these conditions, GHGFMF,t =
0.
Emission of non-CO2 GHGs resulting from the loss of aboveground tree biomass due to fire is calculated
using the above ground biomass in trees of relevant strata in last verification and a combustion factor.
Then, ex ante estimations of GHGFF,t are considered as zero.
3.3
Leakage
According to methodology AR-ACM0003, version 2.0, the leakage that could occur as a result of the
project shall be estimated as follows:
LKt = LKAGRIC,t
Where:
LKt =
LKAGRIC,t =
GHG emissions due to leakage, in year t; t CO2-e
Leakage due to the displacement of agricultural activities in year t, as estimated in the
tool “Estimation of the increase in GHG emissions attributable to displacement of preproject agricultural activities in A/R CDM project activity”; t CO 2-e
At the time of the project’s implementation, the properties were not being used for cattle or it was not
significant. The few animals in the project boundary were displaced to existing grazing lands in the region,
subject to the same conditions as baseline. Leakage emission attributable to the displacement of grazing
activities is considered insignificant and hence accounted as zero.
3.4
Net GHG Emission Reductions and Removals
Actual net GHG removals by sinks were calculated as follows:
Where:
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71
Actual net GHG removals by sinks, in year t; t CO 2- e
Change in the carbon stocks in project, occurring in the selected carbon pools, in year t; t
CO2-e
Emission of non-CO2 GHGs resulting from burning of biomass and forest fires within the
project boundary in year t; t CO2-e
And,
= Change in carbon stock in tree biomass in project in year t, as estimated in the tool
“Estimation of carbon stocks and change in carbon stocks of trees and shrubs in A/R
CDM project activities”; t CO2-e.
= Change in carbon stock in shrub biomass in project in year t, as estimated in the tool
“Estimation of carbon stocks and change in carbon stocks of trees and shrubs in A/R
= Change in carbon stock in dead wood in project in year t, as estimated in the tool
“Estimation of carbon stocks and change in carbon stocks in dead wood and litter in A/R
= Change in carbon stock in litter in project in year t, as estimated in the tool “Estimation
of carbon stocks and change in carbon stocks in dead wood and litter in A/R CDM
project activities”; t CO2-e.
= Change in carbon stock in SOC in project in year t, in areas of land meeting the
applicability conditions of the tool “Tool for estimation of change in soil organic carbon
stocks due to the implementation of A/R CDM project activities”, as estimated in the
same tool; t CO2-e.
For the introduce species, estimation of
was made by modelling the stand development,
using the information regarding the growth of the species in Colombia (Table 20). In the case of the
eucalyptus and pines a von Bertalanffy model was parameterized; for H. brasiliensis the model was
adjusted by a non linear regression; and A. mangium was used the equations provided for Torres y Del
Valle (2007).
Table 20. Used equations for modelling tree stand growth. V: volume in plantations (m3/ha); Gb: basal
area; IS: site index; C= carbon content in total biomass (tC/ha).
Specie
Models
Acacia mangium
V= a*Gb^b;
a: 2.7593; b: 1.4871
Gb= IS*(1-exp(-0.175*t))/(1-exp(-
64
Sources, location
Torres y Del Valle 2007
Cordoba (Colombia)
64
Torres D. y J.I Del Valle. 2007. Growth and yield modelling of Acacia mangium in Colombia.
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Specie
Models
Sources, location
2.36t0))
E. tereticornis
Mathematical approach
3
V = A* (1-exp(-b* t)) ;
A: 142; b: 0.2913
Data from Vega y González 2003
Villanueva, Casanare (Colombia)
Hevea
brasiliensis
Regression model
3
C = A* (1-exp(-b* t)) ;
A: 118.59; b: 0.2212; R2: 94%
Data from ITTO et al. (2004) , Nieves &
66
67
Buitrago (2005) , González (2006) , Jurado
68
& Pérez (2007)
Doncello-Caquetá, Putumayo-Mocoa y
Opón-Santander
Pinus caribaea
Mathematical approach
3
V = A* (1-exp(-b* t)) ;
A: 225.7; b: 0.2042
Data from Vega y González 2003
Villanueva, Casanare (Colombia)
Eucalyptus
pellita
65
The volume values (m3/ha), were converted to aboveground biomass (tBa/ha) using the next parameters:
Table 21. Wood density (D) and Biomass Expansion Factor related to stock biomass data (BEF 2) used to
convert volume values to aboveground biomass.
D
BEF2
Specie
Value
Source
Value
Source
69
Acacia mangium
0.45
Orwa et al. 2009
Eucalyptus tereticornis
0.53
Giraldo et al. 2014
Eucalyptus pellita
0.53
Giraldo et al. 2014
Pinus caribaea
0.55
Trujillo 2011
70
2
IPCC 2003, Annex
3A.1.10
1.2
65
Organización Internacional de Maderas Tropicales –OIMT, Ministerio de Ambiente, Vivienda y Desarrollo
Territorial, CIPAV y Econometria S.A., 2004. Utilización industrial de la madera del caucho en Colombia.
Presentación del estudio Abril 1 de 2004
66
Nieves, H., C. Buitrago, J. Moreno y J. Burgos. 2005. Evaluación de los niveles de remoción de CO2 efectuada por
plantaciones de caucho Hevea brasiliensis Müll. Arg. en Colombia
67
González, A. 2006. Remoción de CO2 y secuestro de carbono en las plantaciones de caucho Hevea brasiliensis
en el proyecto forestal Cararé - Opón. Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas. Facultad del Medio Ambiente
y Recursos Naturales. Proyecto Curricular de Ingeniería Forestal
68
Jurado, A.M. & Pérez, E. 2007. Cuantificación de carbono almacenado en la biomasa aérea en caucho Hevea
brasiliensis Muell. Arg. en el municipio de Mocoa, departamento de Putumayo.
69
Agroforestry Database 4.0 (Orwa et al.2009)
70
Giraldo Charria D. L., Nieto Rodríguez V. M., Sarmiento M., Borralho N. (2014) Estimación indirecta de la densidad
de la madera mediante el uso de pilodyn en la selección de clones de Eucalyptus pellita F. Muell. Colombia Forestal,
17(2), 181-192. Villanueva, Casanare.
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For the other species, the stand growth was estimated using the annual above ground net increment in
volume and biomass in plantations (IMAVol and IMAB).
Table 22. IMAVol: annual above ground net increment in volume in plantations by species (m3/ha/yr); D:
Wood density.
Specie
Source
IMAVol
D
5.93
0.42
Cordero, J. & Boshier, D.H. (eds) 2003
71
Cedrela odorata
11
0.48
Trujillo 2007
72
Dipteryx panamensis
5.3
0.72
9.2
0.35
Gmelina arborea
11.9
0.42
17
0.20
4.302
0.38
Quijada et al. 1998 ; Orton Catie
Samanea saman
10
0.42
10
0.40
Calophyllum lucidum
Ochroma pyramidale
Pachira quinata
IPCC 2003, Annex 3A.1.7; Rojas et al 2004
73
74
IPCC 2003, Annex 3A.1.7; Trujillo 2007
75
IMAB = IMAVol * D * BEF1; where BEF1 is the Biomass Expansion Factor related to increment biomass
data
BEF1 =1.3 (IPCC 2003, Annex 3A.1.10)
Table 23. IMAB: annual above ground net increment in aboveground biomass in plantations by species
(m3/ha/yr).
Specie
IMAB
Source
Calophyllum lucidum
4.98
Cedrela odorata
10.56
Dipteryx panamensis
7.63
where
6.44
BEF1 = 1.3 (IPCC 2003, Annex 3A.1.10)
Gmelina arborea
9.99
Calculated through equation
IMAB = IMAVol * D * BEF1
IMAVol and D from Table 22
71
Cordero, J. & Boshier, D.H. (eds) 2003, Árboles de Centroamérica: un Manual para Extensionistas
http://elsemillero.net/nuevo/semillas/listado_especies.php?id=28
73
Rojas, Freddy; D. Arias; R. Moya; A. Meza; O. Murillo y M. Arguedas (2004) “Manual para productores de Melina
Gmelina arbórea en Costa Rica”. Cartago.
74
Marcelino Quijada, Vicente Garay y Lino Valera. 1998. Resultados de un ensayo de progenies de
Saqui-saqui (bombacopsis quinata (jacq.) Dugand) a los 15 años de edad, establecido en la unidad experimental,
reserva forestal Caparo, Barinas – Venezuela.
75
http://elsemillero.net/nuevo/semillas/listado_especies.php?id=22
72
v3.0
74
Specie
Source
IMAB
Ochroma pyramidale
6.80
Pachira quinata
3.27
Samanea saman
8.40
8.00
Eucalyptus introgresion
6.4
IPCC Annex 3A.1.6; Moist with Long Dry Season
3.2
IPCC Annex 3A.1.6; Moist with Long Dry Season
Acosmiun nitems
Anadenanthera peregrina
Chlorophora tinctoria
Copaifera aromatica
Hura crepitans
Hymenaea courbaril
Jacaranda obustifolia
Ocotea symbarum
Pseudosamanea guachapele
Simarouba amara
average weighted IMAB
4.91
76
Segura et al 2006 ,
3.17
log10(BA) = -0,834 + 2,223 (log10D)
1
Max DBH 15-25 cm; FAO 1982
1
Biomass equation for agroforest species, recommended by Yepes et al. IDEAM 2011
77
Finally, the IMAB for the species listed in Table 22 and Table 23 (except A. occidentale) was calculated as
the average weighted based on the planted area.
For all cases (except for H. brasiliensis), following equations were applied to obtain the total biomass
(including below ground biomass),:
Rj = exp[-1.085+0.9256*ln(b)]/b
76
Segura, M., Kanninen, M. & Suárez, D. 2006. Allometric models for estimating aboveground biomass of shade
trees and coffee bushes grown together. Agroforest Syst 68: 143-150.
77
Yepes A.P., Navarrete D.A., Duque A.J., Phillips J.F., Cabrera K.R., Álvarez, E., García, M.C., Ordoñez, M.F.
2011. Protocolo para la estimación nacional y subnacional de biomasa - carbono en Colombia. Instituto de
Hidrología, Meteorología, y Estudios Ambientales-IDEAM-. Bogotá D.C., Colombia. 162 p.
v3.0
75
bTREE = b * (1+Rj)
-1
b:
Aboveground tree biomass per hectare in year t (t.d.m.ha )
Rj:
Root - shoot ratio for the trees, dimensionless. This equation was used in accordance with Cairns
78
et al. 1997 , suggested by the A/R Methodological tool: “Estimation of carbon stocks and change in
carbon stocks of trees and shrubs in A/R CDM project activities Version 04.2”
-1
bTREE: Total tree biomass per hectare in year t (t.d.m. ha )
Carbon stock in project trees biomass (tCO2e) was calculated assuming the tree planting plan presented
in Table 2, and using the following equation:
CTREE_PROJ,t = bTREE * Ai * CF * 44/12
CTREE_PROJ,t :
bTREE:
Ai:
CF:
Carbon stock in project trees biomass; tCO2e
-1
Total tree biomass per hectare in year t (t.d.m. ha )
Area of strata i
79
Carbon fraction of tree biomass; t C (t.d.m.). A default value of 0.47 t C (t.d.m.) is used .
Change in carbon stock in tree biomass in project in year t, was estimated as:
= Change in carbon stock in trees within the project boundary in year t; tCO2e
= Carbon stock in trees at time t2; tCO2e
= Carbon stock in trees at time t1; tCO2e
= Time elapsed between two successive estimations (T= t2 – t1); yr
Ex post estimation of change in carbon stock in trees in the project will be estimated considering the
availability of economic resources to develop a new allometric equation using the plots data information
(Dbh and height). Then will be demonstrated if this equation is appropriate for the purpose of estimation
of tree biomass by applying the tool “Demonstrating appropriateness of allometric equations for
estimation of aboveground tree biomass in A/R CDM project activities”. Otherwise, a Biomass expansion
factor technique will be used. It may even be necessary to evaluate the possibility of restratifying the
project boundary, according to the development of the stand models, it would enable the union of several
strata in order to optimize the costs and improving the outcomes in forest inventories.
Soil organic Carbon
78
Cairns, M.A., Brown, S., Helmer, E.H. & Baumgardner, G.A. 1997. Root biomass allocation in the world’s upland
forest. Oecologia 111: 1 – 11
79
According to A/R Methodological tool: Estimation of carbon stocks and change in carbon stocks of trees and
shrubs in A/R CDM project activities Version 04.2.
v3.0
76
Estimations of soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks will be accounted for the stand models with the species
H. brasiliensis, P. caribaea and native species, due to these species have a rotation period longer than 20
years.
Estimations were done in accordance to the “Tool for the estimation of change in soil organic carbon
stocks due to the implementation of A/R CDM project activity”. As suggested by the guidance, it is
assumed that the implementation of the project activity increases the SOC content of the lands from the
pre-project level to the level that is equal to the steady-state SOC content under native vegetation. The
increase in SOC content in the project scenario takes place at a constant rate over a period of 20 years
from the year of planting.
The areas of land to which the tool is applied do not fall into wetland category, do not contain organic
soils and are not subject to any of the land management practices and application of inputs listed in
Tables 1 and 2 of the tool.
The initial SOC stock at the start of the Project is estimated as follows:
Where,
= SOC stock at the beginning of the A/R project activity in stratum i of the areas of land; tC
-1
ha
=Reference SOC stock corresponding to the reference condition in native lands (i.e. nondegraded, unimproved lands under native vegetation – normally forest) by climate region
-1
and soil type applicable to stratum i of the areas of land; tC ha
= Relative stock change factor for baseline land-use in stratum i of the areas of land;
dimensionless
= Relative stock change factor for baseline management regime in stratum i of the areas of
land; dimensionless
= Relative stock change factor for baseline input regime (e.g. crop residue returns, manure)
in stratum i of the areas of land; dimensionless
The values of
de la referencia.
are presented in Table 24 and ¡Error! No se encuentra el origen
Table 24. Parameters used for the estimation of the soil organic carbon (SOC)
Parameter
v3.0
Symbol
Value
Source (SOC estimation tool,
V01.1.0)
77
Parameter
Symbol
Value
Reference SOC (tC/ha)
SOCREF,i
47
Land use factor
fLU ,i
1
Management factor
f MG,i
0.7
Input factor
fIN,i
1.0
SOC at the beginning of
the project activity
SOCinitial,i
32.9
Source (SOC estimation tool,
V01.1.0)
Table 3 of the tool; Tropical moist,
80
Soils with low activity clay (LAC)
Table 6 of the tool; All permanent
grassland
Table 6 of the tool; Lands are
identified as degraded lands.
Table 6 of the tool; Grasslands
without input of fertilizers
Calculated,
with
Eq.
above
described
Then, the rate of change in SOC stock in project scenario until the steady state is reached is estimated as
follows
= SOC stock at the beginning of the A/R project activity in stratum i of the areas of land;
-1
tC ha
=Reference SOC stock corresponding to the reference condition in native lands (i.e. nondegraded, unimproved lands under native vegetation normally forest) by climate region
-1
and soil type applicable to stratum i of the areas of land; tC ha
= Loss of SOC caused by soil disturbance attribuible to the A/R project in stratum i of the
-1
areas of land; tC ha
In the case of the soil disturbance attributable to project activity and for which the total area disturbed,
over and above the area is less than 10% of the area of the stratum. Then the carbon loss is assumed as
zero. The resultant value applying the equation above, is dSOCt,i = 0.71
The change in SOC stock for all the strata of the areas of land, in year t, is calculated as indicated in
equation 8 of the tool.
80
Soils with low activity clay (LAC) minerals are highly weathered soils, dominated by 1:1 clay minerals and
amorphous iron and aluminium oxides (in WRB classification includes Acrisols, Lixisols, Nitisols, Ferralsols, Durisols;
in USDA classification includes Ultisols, Oxisols, acidic Alfisols).
v3.0
78
= Change in SOC stock in areas of land meeting the applicability conditions of the tool, in
year t; tCO2e
= The area of stratum i of the areas of land; ha
Dead Wood and Litter
Estimations were done in accordance with the tool “Estimation of carbon stocks and change in carbon
stocks in dead wood and litter in A/R CDM project activities”. Values of the conservative default-factors
expressing carbon stock in litter and dead wood as a percentage of carbon stock in tree biomass was
selected according to the guidance provided in the methodological tool.
Conservative default-factor based method for estimation of carbon stock in dead Wood (CDW)
Project proponent will not make sampling based measurements for estimation of C stock in dead wood
for all strata to which this default method is applied, the carbon stock in dead wood was estimated as is
indicated in equation 9 of the tool:
= Carbon stock in dead wood in stratum i at a given point of time in year t; tCO2e
= Carbon stock in tree biomass in stratum i at a given point of time in year t; tCO2e
= Conservative default factor expressing carbon stock in dead wood as a percentage of carbon
stock in tree biomass; percentage
Value of the conservative default factor expressing carbon stock in dead wood as a percentage of carbon
stock in tree biomass (DFDW) was selected according to the guidance provided in the relevant table in
Section III of the tool.
The rate of change of dead wood biomass over a period was calculated assuming a linear change.
Therefore, the rate of change in carbon stock in dead wood over a period was calculated as is indicated
in equation 10 of the tool. Then, change in carbon stock in dead wood within the project boundary in year
is given by equation 11 of the tool.
Conservative default-factor based method for estimation of carbon stock in litter (CLI)
For all strata to which this default method is applied, the carbon stock in litter will be estimated as is
indicated in equation 15 of the tool.
Value of the conservative default factor expressing carbon stock in litter as a percentage of carbon stock
in tree biomass (DF) has been selected according to the guidance provided in the tool.
v3.0
79
The rate of change of litter biomass over a period was calculated assuming a linear change. Therefore,
the rate of change in carbon stock in litter over a period of time is calculated as is indicated in equation 16
of the tool. Then, change in carbon stock in litter within the project boundary in year is given by equation
16 of the tool.
Table 25 and summarize the conservative default factors expressing carbon stock in dead wood and
litter.
Table 25. Conservative default factor expressing carbon stock in dead wood and litter
Parameter
DFDW
DFLI
Description
Value (%)
Conservative default factor expressing
carbon stock in dead wood as a DW
percentage of carbon stock in tree biomass
Default factor for the relationship between
carbon stock in litter and carbon stock in
living trees
Comments
Biome: tropical
Elevation: <2000m
Precipitation: >1600 mmyr-1
Biome: tropical
Elevation: <2000m
Precipitation: >1600 mmyr-1
6
1
Total estimated net GHG emission reductions are presented in Table 26.
Table 26. Estimated net GHG emission reductions.
Yr
Estimated project
emissions or
removals (tCO2e)
Estimated baseline
emissions or
removals (tCO2e)
Estimated leakage
emissions (tCO2e)
Estimated net GHG
emission reductions
or removals (tCO2e)
1
-
-
-
29,979.42
2
-
-
-
96,889.94
3
-
-
-
173,341.00
4
-
-
-
281,692.79
5
-
-
-
397,107.51
6
-
-
-
513,352.07
7
-
-
-
553,542.36
8
-
-
-
600,466.50
9
-
-
-
742,327.81
10
-
-
-
678,082.85
11
-
-
-
688,996.38
12
-
-
-
729,143.87
13
-
-
-
796,081.39
14
-
-
-
851,849.74
15
-
-
-
936,813.43
16
-
-
-
966,675.70
17
-
-
-
901,288.43
18
-
-
-
917,600.01
v3.0
80
Yr
Estimated project
emissions or
removals (tCO2e)
Estimated baseline
emissions or
removals (tCO2e)
Estimated leakage
emissions (tCO2e)
Estimated net GHG
emission reductions
or removals (tCO2e)
19
-
-
-
997,088.95
20
-
-
-
879,521.99
21
-
-
-
877,059.90
22
-
-
-
920,252.49
23
-
-
-
1,037,780.28
24
-
-
-
1,106,931.58
25
-
-
-
1,150,372.91
26
-
-
-
1,118,404.57
27
-
-
-
1,063,091.78
28
-
-
-
1,061,404.89
29
-
-
-
1,102,051.97
30
-
-
-
972,417.69
Total
0
0
0
972,417.69
4
4.1
MONITORING
Data and Parameters Available at Validation
Data Unit / Parameter:
Carbon Fraction (CF)
Data unit:
tC/t d.m.
Description:
CF is used to convert biomass to carbon
Source of data:
Tool: Estimation of carbon stocks and change in carbon stocks
of trees and shrubs in A/R CDM project activities Version 04.2
Value applied:
0.47
Justification of choice of data or
description of measurement
methods and procedures applied
The project meets the applicability conditions laid down in the
Tool: Estimation of carbon stocks and change in carbon stocks
of trees and shrubs in A/R CDM project activities Version 04.2
Purpose of the data:
Calculation of project emissions
Any comment:
-
CO2-e
Data unit:
tCO2/tC
Description:
The factor is applied to convert the tree carbon sequestered to
tree CO2-e sequestered.
v3.0
81
Source of data:
IPCC default value.
Value applied:
3.667 (44/12)
Value suggested by the IPCC
Any comment:
-
fN,i
Data unit:
Dimensionless
Description:
Relative stock change factor for baseline input regime (e.g. crop
residue returns, manure) in stratum i of the areas of land
Source of data:
Tables 6 of “Tool for estimation of change in soil organic carbon
stocks due to the implementation of A/R CDM Project” activities
Value applied:
1
Tool for estimation of change in soil organic carbon stocks due
to the implementation of A/R CDM Project
Any comment:
-
fMG,i
Data unit:
Dimensionless
Description:
Relative stock change factor for baseline management regime in
stratum i of the areas of land; dimensionless
Source of data:
Table 6 of “Tool for estimation of change in soil organic carbon
stocks due to the implementation of A/R CDM Project” activities.
Value applied:
7
Any comment:
-
SOCREF
Data unit:
t C ha-1
v3.0
82
Description:
Reference SOC stock corresponding to the reference condition
in native lands (i.e. non-degraded, unimproved lands under
native vegetation, normally forest) by climate region and soil
type applicable to stratum i of the areas of land
Source of data:
Table 3 of “Tool for estimation of change in soil organic carbon
stocks due to the implementation of A/R CDM Project” activities.
Value applied:
47
Any comment:
-
fLU,i
Data unit:
Dimensionless
Description:
Relative stock change factor for baseline land use in stratum i of
the areas of land
Source of data:
Tables 6 of “Tool for estimation of change in soil organic carbon
stocks due to the implementation of A/R CDM Project” activities
Value applied:
1
Any comment:
-
DFDW
Data unit:
%
Description:
Conservative default factor expressing carbon stock in dead
wood as a DW percentage of carbon stock in tree biomass
Source of data:
“Tool for estimation of change in soil organic carbon stocks due
to the implementation of A/R CDM Project” activities
Value applied:
6
Any comment:
-
v3.0
83
DFLI
Data unit:
%
Description:
Default factor for the relationship between carbon stock in litter
and carbon stock in living trees
Source of data:
“Tool for estimation of change in soil organic carbon stocks due
to the implementation of A/R CDM Project” activities
Value applied:
1
Any comment:
-
Basic wood density
Description:
The species specific basic wood densities (D; t d.m./m³) were
retrieved from the literature to convert the commercial tree
volume into tree biomass. For species where no specific basic
wood density could be identified the weighted average of all
species-specific densities has been applied.
Source of data:
v3.0
Specie
Source
A. mangium
Orwa et al. 2009
E. tereticornis
Giraldo et al. 2014
E. pellita
Giraldo et al. 2014
P. caribaea
Trujillo 2011
C. lucidum
Cordero & Boshier (eds) 2003
C. odorata
Trujillo 2007
D. panamensis
E. cyclocarpum
G. arborea
Rojas et al 2004
O. pyramidale
84
P. quinata
Orton Catie sf
S. saman
S. macrophylla
Trujillo 2007
Value applied:
Specie
D Value
A. mangium
0.45
E. tereticornis
0.53
E. pellita
0.53
P. caribaea
0.55
C. lucidum
0.42
C. odorata
0.48
D. panamensis
0.72
E. cyclocarpum
0.35
G. arborea
0.42
O. pyramidale
0.2
P. quinata
0.38
S. saman
0.42
S. macrophylla
0.4
methods and procedures applied:
There is no local data information available on wood density for
these species. The values have been suggested, for tropical
areas.
Purpose of Data
Any comment:
-
Biomass Expansion Factor (BEF2)
Data unit:
Dimensionless
Description:
The above-ground tree biomass is calculated using the BEF2
Source of data:
GPG LULUCF 2003 , Annex 3A.1.10
Value applied:
81
1.2 for pines (P. caribaea)
2 for broadleaf species
Since species-specific parameters for the project sites and the
region were not available at the time of validation, the project
81
IPCC (2003), GPG for LULUCF. Edited by Penman, J., Gytarsky, M., Hiraishi, T., Krug, T., Kruger, D., Pipatti, R.,
Buendia, L., Miwa, K., Ngara, T., Tanabe, K. and Wagner, F. and retrieved from http://www.ipccnggip.iges.or.jp/public/gpglulucf/gpglulucf_contents.html
v3.0
85
participants use for all tree species a default value from the
GPG LULUCF 2003. The lowest range values (1.2 and 2) are
used for pines and broadleaf species to maintain a conservative
approach, for tropical climatic zone.
Data is used for project emission calculation
Any comment:
-
Biomass Expansion Factor (BEF1)
Data unit:
Dimensionless
Description:
The above-ground tree biomass is calculated using the BEF1
Source of data:
GPG LULUCF 2003, Annex 3A.1.10
Value applied:
1.3
participants use for all tree species a default value from the
GPG LULUCF 2003. The lowest range values (1.3) was used to
maintain a conservative approach, for tropical climatic zone.
Any comment:
-
Root-Shoot-Ratio (R)
Data unit:
Dimensionless
Description:
The below-ground tree biomass is calculated using the RootShoot-Ratio
Source of data:
This equation was used in accordance with Cairns et al. 1997 ,
suggested by the A/R Methodological tool: “Estimation of carbon
stocks and change in carbon stocks of trees and shrubs in A/R
CDM project activities Version 04.2”
Value applied:
Rj = exp[-1.085+0.9256*ln(b)]/b; b:Abovegrond tree biomass per
-1
hectare in year t (t.d.m. ha )
participants use for all tree species the equation suggested by
the ARAM Tool 14, Version 4.2
Any comment:
-
82
82
Cairns, M.A., Brown, S., Helmer, E.H. & Baumgardner, G.A. 1997. Root biomass allocation in the world’s upland
forest. Oecologia 111: 1 – 11
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86
4.2
Data and Parameters Monitored
Data / Parameter
A
Data unit
ha
Description
Project Area
Source of data
Monitoring of strata and stand boundaries is done using a
Geographical Information System (GIS) which allows for
integrating data from different sources (including GPS
coordinates and Remote Sensing data)
Description of measurement
methods and procedures to be
applied
Field measurement: the area shall be delineated either on the
ground using GPS or from georeferenced remote sensing data
Frequency of monitoring/recording
Each time a verification is conducted
Value applied:
30,000
Monitoring equipment
GPS coordinates and Remote Sensing data
QA/QC procedures to be applied
Quality control/quality assurance (QA/QC) procedures
prescribed under national forest inventory are applied. In the
absence of these, QA/QC procedures from published
handbooks, or from the IPCC GPG LULUCF 2003, are applied
Purpose of data
Calculation method
measured
Comments
-
Data / Parameter
Ai
Data unit
ha
Description
Area of stratum i
Source of data
v3.0
87
applied
Value applied:
See Table 2
GPS coordinates and Remote Sensing data
Purpose of data
Calculation method
measured
Comments
The stratification for ex post estimations is based on the actual
implementation of the project planting/management plan. It may
even be necessary to evaluate the possibility of restratifying the
project boundary, according to the development of the stand
models, it would enable the union of several strata in order to
optimize the costs and improving the outcomes in forest
inventories.
Data / Parameter
ABURN,i,t
Data unit
ha
Description
Area burnt in stratum i in year t
Source of data
applied
Whenever a fire has occurred
Value applied:
Ex-post
GPS or georeferenced remote sensing data
v3.0
88
-
Purpose of data
Calculation method
Used in Eq. 7, ARAM-tool-08-v4.0.0
Comments
-
Data / Parameter
Ap,i
Data unit
ha
Description
Area of sample p in stratum i
Source of data
Field measurement
applied
Standard operating procedures (SOPs) prescribed under
national forest inventory are applied. In the absence of these,
SOPs from published handbooks, or from the IPCC GPG
LULUCF 2003, are applied
Value applied:
Ex-post
Tape measure and GPS
Purpose of data
Calculation method
-
Comments
Sample plot location is registered with a GPS and marked on
the project map.
Data / Parameter
DBH
Data unit
cm
Description
Diameter at Breast Height of the trees
Source of data
Field measurements in sample plots
v3.0
89
applied
Typically measured 1.3 m above-ground. Measure all the trees
above some minimum DBH in the permanent sample plots that
result in the project activity.
Value applied:
Ex-post
Tape measure
Persons involving in the field measurement work should be fully
trained in the field data collection.
Field measurements shall be checked by a qualified person to
correct any errors in techniques.
Purpose of data
Calculation method
-
Comments
Section 4.3. (Tree DBH measurement) provide the detailed
procedures to be applied.
Data / Parameter
H
Data unit
m
Description
Height of tree
Source of data
Field measurements in sample plots
applied
Measure all the trees height in the permanent sample plots that
result in the project activity.
Value applied:
Ex-post
Hypsometer
Persons involving in the field measurement work should be fully
trained in the field data collection.
Field measurements shall be checked by a qualified person to
correct any errors in techniques.
Purpose of data
Calculation method
-
v3.0
90
Comments
Section 4.3. (Tree height measurement) provide the detailed
procedures to be applied.
Data / Parameter
VTREE, j,p,i,t
Data unit
m
Description
Stem volume of trees of species j in sample plot p of stratum i at
a point of time in year t calculated using a volume table or
volume equation
Source of data
Field measurements of tree parameters (such as DBH, H, etc.)
measured in sample plot p of stratum i at a given point of time in
year t
applied
3
A volume table or volume equation is a table or an equation that
predicts tree stem volume based on one or more measurements
of a tree.
Where the volume table or volume equation predicts under-bark
volume (i.e. wood volume, rather than gross stem volume),
suitable correction should be applied to estimate the over-bark
volume.
Value applied:
Ex post
-
Purpose of data
Calculation method
-
Comments
This is used to calculate change in tree biomass in the project
scenario, in ex-post
Data / Parameter
F(D, H)
Data unit
t d.m.
v3.0
91
Description
Function relating measured tree dimensions (x1, x2, x3, …) to
above-ground tree biomass
For ex ante estimation the allometric equation applicable to a
tree species is a theoretical model derived secondary
information.
Source of data
For expost estimation the tools ‘Demonstrating appropriateness
of allometric equations for estimation of aboveground tree
biomass in A/R CDM project activities’ or ‘Demonstrating
appropriateness of volume equations for estimation of
aboveground tree biomass in A/R CDM project activities’ should
be applied to prove the appropriateness of the equation for both
ex-ante and ex-post use.
applied
-
Value applied:
-
-
AR-AM-tool-17-v1, AR-AM-tool-18-v1.0.1
Purpose of data
Calculation method
-
Comments
This is used to calculate change in tree biomass in the project
scenario, in ex-post
Data / Parameter
T
Data unit
year
Description
Time period elapsed between two successive estimations of
carbon stock in trees and shrubs
Source of data
Verification records
applied
-
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Value applied:
-
-
AR-AM-tool-17-v1, AR-AM-tool-18-v1.0.1
Purpose of data
Calculation method
T= t2-t1
Comments
If the two successive estimations of carbon stock in trees are
carried out at different points of time in year t2 and t1, (e.g. in
the month of April in year t1 and in the month of September in
year t2), then a fractional value is assigned to T.
4.3
Monitoring Plan
4.3.1
Verification of changes in carbon stocks in the pools selected
This monitoring plan provides guidance on monitoring and standard operational procedures for the A/R
project activity. this monitoring plan fulfils the requirement that the project activity should have credible
and accurate monitoring procedures in place to enable the evaluation of project performance and
verification of the net anthropogenic GHG emission removals. It sets out monitoring procedures that
follow the provisions outlined in the project document and the approved monitoring methodology ARACM0003.
It is considered the establishment of permanent sample plots for monitoring. Plots will allow monitoring
changes in carbon content of aboveground and belowground biomass, in different periods. Monitoring will
assess biomass evolution in rodals/stands or layers enclosed by the project and those that have been
subjected to various silvicultural activities (i.e. soil preparation, fertilization, thinning, harvesting,
enrichment). All parcels shall be properly numbered, geo-referenced, and located within a coverage/layer
map present in the Project scope.
Collecting reliable measurements is an important part of quality assurance (QA). Standard procedures
should be followed to collect reliable data to ensure credibility in the estimation of the baseline, project
emissions, leakage, and GHG removals.
During the monitoring process, the senior personnel overseeing the project activity shall verify the data
collected by the field personnel. The project entity shall implement procedures that will ensure
independent verification. Particular attention shall be pay to monitoring and measurement errors. This
issue will be addressed through mandatory data checks and training of field personnel.

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Data storage
93
The project entity shall make necessary arrangements for data entry on the registry forms. The forms
shall be both in paper and electronic formats to ensure that the information is stored in multiple ways.
Further, the entity shall ensure the transfer of data to the spreadsheet database as outlined in the
monitoring methodology at required intervals. The data shall be archived using acceptable standards and
stored in compliance with the instructions of the project information management system. The electronic
data shall be stored securely at multiple locations using backup procedures. All GHG related information
is collected and aggregated.

Information (data) management system
The project information management links the operations of the field data collection and spreadsheet
database. Further, it outlines responsibilities of staff involved in collecting field data and organization of
the spreadsheet database. The supervisory staff overseeing the field data and spreadsheet database
must check and certify the data. If any changes occurred in the data collected and processed during the
month, the supervisory staff has to provide necessary clarifications.

Monitoring periods and frequency
The monitoring periods and frequency will be conducted according to verification intervals, which are
expected to be every five years. However, it will depend on the consultation and cooperation among the
project instances.

Monitoring and operational procedures
The project participants use Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs). All measured and experimental
data shall be documented and archived. Operational procedures under this monitoring plan are defined
as those that enable measuring and estimating net carbon stock changes associated with the plantations
under the project activity, as well as general monitoring of forestry operations. The project participants
shall keep records of all activities, like changes in the actual planted areas, site preparation and forest
management.
Prior to the start of the inventory, all equipment used during the fieldwork shall be checked and calibrated.
The project will manage the sampling uncertainties evaluating and trying to reduce the type of errors. To
ensure accurate monitoring data, it is necessary to check that the equipment operates correctly before
starting data collection. In order to do that, next procedures will be followed:
The tapes will be visually inspected to ensure that they do not have any spots or stains from
oxidation. The lines are checked to make sure that they are straight and that the numbers do not
interfere with reading measurements. If any anomaly is observed, the tape is removed from use.
To check the precision of the hypsometers, distances are measured and noted. The technical
team will determine if the instrument is suitable or not, based on the check. If the instrument is not
suitable, it is replaced. The instrument should be maintained in the same horizontal position and
supported on a flat surface. It is held in this position and pointed at the object. The angle that
appears upon pointing at the predetermined point should be zero (0).
To check the precision of the GPS, a fixed point of known position (landmark) is taken. The
technical team will determine if the new point values are equal or the variation in the data is
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insignificant (less than four meters), then the data collected by the GPS are reliable. Otherwise,
the GPS must to be calibrated according to the manual.

Measurement and estimation of carbon content changes
Only aboveground and belowground biomass of trees established in the project will be monitored.
Therefore, only monitor individual growth of each tree in the plots. This value shall be estimated from the
increase in the determined stem in each monitoring. The changes of carbon content in other components
of the biomass (branches and leaves) and aboveground (roots) of trees of each plot will be estimated by
the Method of Biomass Expansion Factors (Biomass Expansion Factor Method-BEF).
The carbon content in dead wood, litter and soil attributable to project activities, will not be monitored.
These ones will be estimated by using default values and suggested methods in the tools Estimation of
carbon stocks and change in carbon stocks in dead wood and litter in A/R CDM project activities and Tool
for estimation of change in soil organic carbon stocks due to the implementation of A/R CDM project
activities.

Stratification
The strata defined will be monitored in a database that lists species, area, plot, date of planting, etc. This
database will be stored both in physical and digital format. This database will be additionally supported by
the respective cartography. An annual update of the project areas is suggested, due to the gradual
process of intervention, as this allows a permanent control and monitoring of the areas per stratum.
The areas will be periodically monitored in accordance with the criteria established for the monitoring of
project boundaries, seeking to identify changes in the parameters of the initially established areas, and
promoting the unification of strata considered as dissimilar in the ex ante phase. According to changes in
the accumulation of carbon in each monitoring period, a new stratification that would group stands with
similar accumulations and other aspects in common. If a pre-sampling is conducted before the first
monitoring, the results will allow a re-stratification to be made, according to the following parameters:
-

Age
Silviculture management
Carbon capture
Cost-effectiveness of the monitoring process
Disturbances (plagues, fire, pathologies, etc.)
Others
Plot size
Permanent sample plots (PSPs) will be used for sampling over time to measure and monitor changes of
the relevant carbon stocks. Permanent plots will be installed prior to the first verification. The sample plots
are used to take measurements such as tree height (H), diameter at breast height (DBH) and species
type. For all trees, the DBH measurement will be taken at a height of 1.3 m. This is good practice in
inventory and assures that the same point is measured continuously. The field forms for every PSP shall
be recorded and kept in the PSP file.
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95
2
2
The project will use circular shaped PSP of 250 m (radius of 8.9 m) or 500 m if thinning have occurred,
83
as it is recommended by Yepes et al. IDEAM 2011 for forest plantations, since these are easy to
establish and re-measure within the terrain of the project boundary.

Number of sample plots
The sample size (number of sample plots to be established and measured) can be estimated as follows:
2
  I
s 
t   I
n       Wi  si  Ci    Wi  i 
Ci 
 E   i 1
  i 1
Where:
N
tα
Ni
N
si
E
Ci
I
Wi
Sample size (number of sample plots required for monitoring)
t value for a significance level of α (0.05) or confidence level of 95%
Number of sample units for stratum i, calculated by dividing the area of stratum i
by the area of each plot
Total number of sample units of all stratum levels, N = ∑Ni
Standard deviation of stratum i
Allowable error (±10% of the mean)
Cost to select a plot of the stratum i
Stratum i (total number of strata I)
Ni/N
The number of plots will be allocated among the strata as per the equation below:
si
Ci
ni  n  I
s
Wi  i

Ci
i 1
Wi 
Where:
ni
Ci
N
si
I
Wi
Number of sample units (permanent sample plots) per stratum, that are
allocated proportion to Wh* si/√Ci
Cost to select a plot of the stratum i
Stratum i (total n
umber of strata I)
Ni/N
When no information on costs is available or the costs may be assumed as constant for all strata, then:
83
Yepes A.P., Navarrete D.A., Duque A.J., Phillips J.F., Cabrera K.R., Álvarez, E., García, M.C., Ordoñez, M.F.
2011. Protocolo para la estimación nacional y subnacional de biomasa - carbono en Colombia. Instituto de
Hidrología, Meteorología, y Estudios Ambientales-IDEAM-. Bogotá D.C., Colombia. 162 p.
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2
 I

 N i  si 
 i 1

n
2
I

E
 N     N i  si 2
t  i 1

where:
N
tα
Ni
N
si
E
I
The number of plots will be allocated among the strata as per the equation below:
I
ni 
where:
ni
Ni
si
N
E
tα
I
4.3.2
N
i 1
2
i
 si
I

E
 N     N i  si 2
t 
i 1

 N i  si
Number of sample units (permanent sample plots) per stratum, that are
allocated proportion to Wh* si/√Ci
Standard operating procedure SOP:
SOP Establishment of Plots will be used to establish all plots. The plots will be systematically located with
a random start in each stratum to avoid subjective choice of plot locations (plot centers, plot reference
points, movement of plot centers to more “convenient” positions). The plot locations will be identified with
the help of a GPS device in the field. For each plot the geographic position (GPS coordinate),
administrative location and compartment series number will be recorded and archived. The PSPs will be
established before the first monitoring takes place and measured for each monitoring event. In the case
of special circumstances (e.g., forest fires, uneven growth) additional PSPs may be laid out.
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
Data Collection
Each pool will be measured following the methodology procedures and IPCC Good Practice Guidance for
LULUCF (2003). Carbon stocks in above and below ground biomass of trees are estimated by applying
the BEF method. Stem volume, will be calculated applying a manual of procedures developed for local
conditions, based on DBH and height measurement in each plot. Stem volume of trees is converted to
above-ground and below-ground tree biomass using basic wood density (D), biomass expansion factor
(BEF) and root-to-shoot ratio (R), Default carbon fraction (CF) value will be used in order to estimate the
carbon stock.
Deadwood, litter and soil carbon will be calculated according to the tools Estimation of carbon stocks and
change in carbon stocks in dead wood and litter in A/R CDM project activities and Tool for estimation of
change in soil organic carbon stocks due to the implementation of A/R CDM project activities; the
conservative default approach might be selected.
Forest and tree inventory data is exclusively collected within the limits of the project boundary. Data is
collected through observations and measurements within a sample plot.

Fieldwork
This part includes a description of the Standard Operation Procedures to prepare and carry out fieldwork
activities. The fieldwork, together with guidance on the data collection techniques, is described step by
step for a sample plot.
Overview of data collection process
Data are collected by the field crews for plots in different strata. The main information sources for the
inventory area:



Desktop-based planning;
Field measurements and observations.
Interviews with local people, owners or land users, the key external reporting, as foresters
responsible for the area in which lies the sampling area.
The data collection procedures are divided into three phases:



The first phase is the field crew formation;
The second phase is the preparation of the fieldwork (bibliographic research, contacts with locals,
preparation of the field forms, preparation of the maps and access itinerary, material preparation)
The third phase is the actual field work: field measurements and observations (access the first
plot, plot marking, variable measurements, access to the next plot).
Fieldwork organization



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Setting up field crews;
Conducting training for field crews;
Organizing and planning fieldwork, in particular mobilization and preparation of necessary
resources and equipment, such as vehicles, and allocation of plots by field crews;
98






Monitoring and backstopping fieldwork, including technical and logistic support to field crews, in
order to ensure data quality and homogeneity among field crews;
Controlling and validating field forms;
Controlling data and evaluating its quality;
Compiling databases; and
Reporting and disseminating results.
Field crews will be responsible for collection of data in the field.
Field crew composition
A forest inventory field crew, taking into account the amount of information to be collected and the tasks
of each individual, is composed by at least two members. Additional people may be included to improve
performance of the field crews when conditions require greater resources.
It is intended that some of the field crews are hired locally and act as guides in the field. One of the crew
members must be experienced in tree species identification.
The responsibilities of each crew member must be clearly defined and their tasks are as follows:
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
The crew leader is responsible for organizing all the phases of the fieldwork, from the preparation
to the data collection. He/she has the responsibility of contacting and maintaining good
relationships with local stakeholders and has a good overview of the progress achieved in the
fieldwork. He/she will specifically:

Prepare the fieldwork by carrying out bibliographic research, preparing field forms and maps;

Plan the work for the crew;

Contact local stakeholders (e.g. authorities) to introduce the survey objectives and the work plan,
and request their assistance if needed;

Administer the location of plots;

Take care of logistics of the crew by organizing and obtaining information on accommodation
facilities, recruiting local workers, organizing access to the strata;

Ensure that field forms are properly filled in and that collected data are reliable;

Organize meetings after fieldwork in order to sum up daily activities; and

Organize the fieldworks safety.

The assistant of the crew leader will:

Help the crew leader to carry out his/her task;

Take necessary measurements and observations;

Make sure that the equipment of the crew is always complete and operational; and

Supervise and orient workers.

The workers are assigned the following tasks, according to their skills and knowledge of local
species and practices:

Help to measure distances;

Open ways to facilitate access and visibility to technicians;

Provide the common/local name of forest species;

Inform about access to the strata;
99

Provide information about the forest uses and management; and

Carry the equipment.

Training of the crews on the survey methodology is undertaken at the beginning of the fieldwork
in theoretical and practical sessions where techniques of different forest and tree measurements
are explained and practiced.
Preparation of the fieldwork
Bibliographic research
In forest inventories, auxiliary information is necessary to prepare the field survey. Existing reports on
forest inventory have to be studied to enable the crew members to understand and to build better
knowledge on the local realities.
Contacts
Each field crew, through its leader, starts its work by contacting local stakeholders to introduce the field
crew and its programme of work in the area. Authorities may provide information about access conditions
to the site. Field crews may also inform the local people about the project.
Preparation of the field forms
The technical unit of the project will prepare and print, for each crew, the necessary field forms to cover
the strata assigned to it. One field form per plot is needed. The form is described in the following section.
Some information will be filled-in before going out to the field: sections for identification of the strata and
plots (header of each page), general information related to strata location, coordinates of the plot.
The crew leader must ensure that enough forms are available to carry out the planned field data
collection.
Preparation of maps
Maps covering the study area will be prepared to help the orientation in the field. These may be enlarged
and reproduced, if necessary.
The strata limits and plot locations will be delineated on topographic maps and, if available, on aerial
photographs/satellite images. The plots in the strata are to be indicated, together with their respective
coordinates, in decimal degrees (latitude and longitude) traceable in GPS. The point coordinates of the
plots are entered into the GPS receiver.
The plot order for data collection will vary according to conditions of accessibility. It is determined during
the preparation phase. The plots will have unique IDs following: # (=Stratum number) + # (=Plot number).
Field equipment per crew
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
The equipment needed to carry out the inventory is composed of:

Compass (360°);

GPS receiver (Geographic Positioning System) and extra batteries;
100

2 self-rolling measuring tapes 10-30 m (metric);

2 diameter tapes or calliper (metric);

Tree height and land slope measuring equipment: an Haga and aluminum rods

50m measuring tape or wire rope of 50 meters, marked every 5 meters

Wooden stakes (50 cm long) for plot marking;

Waterproof bags to protect measurement instruments and forms;

Yellow paint;

Brushes;

Mobile phone (discretionary);

Digital camera;

Waterproof boots and outfits;

Machetes;

Emergency kit;

Topographic maps;

Supporting board to take notes;

Data collections forms;

Field manual;

Permanent markers and pens;

Flora and species list (common and scientific names);
Data collection in the field
Introduction of the project to the local people
The crew must establish contacts with local people and on arrival to the site, meet with contacted persons
and others such as village representatives and people living closest to the strata area. It will be necessary
to contact the local population before visiting the area in order to inform them about the visit and request
information about current conditions (e.g. accessibility due to weather conditions or conflicts).
The crew must briefly introduce and explain the aim of the visit and study. The aim of the forest inventory
must also be clearly introduced to avoid misunderstandings or raise false expectations. Cooperation and
support from local people are essential to carry out the fieldwork.
Access to plot
The plots will be located with the help of the topographic maps (and aerial photographs/satellite images, if
available), where the plots have been delineated. Some reference points that facilitate the orientation in
the field will also be identified on the maps. A local guide will be useful to access the plots more easily.
Orientation in the field will be assured with the help of a GPS where the central points of each plot have
been registered as waypoints. To get to a well defined point, an average position is taken with the GPS
when its reading indicates that the point is within a few meters (>10m). Then, the compass and
measuring tape might be used for the last few meters instead of the GPS.The order of the plots for data
collection, decided during the preparatory phase, should be followed and the plot code and orientation
must be respected.
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While accessing the first plot, the form must be filled in. The coordinates of the departure location on foot
towards the first plot must be read on GPS (or on the map, if the GPS does not capture a signal). The
coordinates of each reference point are read on the GPS and reference photography will be taken. Then,
the photograph codes will be reported in the form.
Establishment of permanent plot
When arriving to the point of the plot, a permanent marker (a wooden stake and marked on the bottom
with yellow paint the plot number). The marker must be placed exactly on the position of the point of the
plot. In cases where obstacles obstruct such exact location (due to tree, rock, river, etc.) the permanent
marker will be placed as close as possible to the starting point of the plot. Marker location data must be
collected together with a starting point description of the plot in order to enable relocation in the future.
The coordinates of plot marker position are determined, with the help of GPS, as average position. An ID
will be assigned to name each one of the points identified by the GPS. The distance and direction
(compass bearing in degrees, 360°) of the plot’s starting point, measured from the marker location, must
be measured in case that these two positions do not coincide; these indications are recorded in the form
under observations. Markers will be positioned at the central point of all plots.
Data collection in the plot
The data collection starts at the plot starting point and continues in predefined direction. From the plot
centre the northern bearing will be identified (0°) and then trees will be measured in clockwise direction.
Variables are collected in the plot where large trees are measured (Dbh ≥10 cm, or also ≤10 cm and ≥ 2.5
cm if the plantation is ≤5 years old). These data must be recorded in the form (one for each plot).
Tree measurements
All trees over 10 cm (also ≤10 cm and ≥ 2.5 cm if the plantation is ≤5 years old) of DBH are measured,
and these data is recorded in a field form. Trees located at the border of the plot will be considered as
being inside the plot if at least half of the stem diameter is inside at breast height. Data collected include
the species identification (common and scientific name), height and diameter. Tree diameter and height
measurement methods are crucial for the accurate reporting of data.
Tree (DBH) measurement
Tree diameter is measured over bark, at 1.3 m breast height above ground with the exception of
particular cases mentioned below (see Figures below). Measurement may be carried out with the help of
a diameter tape (tape whose diameter unit is in centimetres) or with the use of a calliper. In order to avoid
overestimation of the volume and to compensate measurement errors, diameter is measured in cm and
adjusted in a decreasing sense (example: 16.8 cm become 16 cm).
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Figure 24. Position for diameter measurement at breast height in flat terrain
84
Some preventive measures must be taken into account:
Measurement instruments are kept in a position that perpendicularly cuts the tree axe at 1.3 m.
Figure 25 Dbh measurement position for a tree on steep terrain
If the diametric tape is used, make sure it is not twisted and is well stretched around the tree in a
perpendicular position to the stem. Nothing must prevent a direct contract between the tape and the bark
of the tree to be measured.
On inclined terrain, DBH tree measurement at 1.3 m is taken from an uphill position.
Figure 26 Dbh measurement position for a tree on steep terrain
Fork tree: several cases exist, according to the point where the fork divides the stem.
If the fork begins (the point where the core is divided) below 1.3 m height, each stem having the diameter
required (≥10 cm in the whole plot, ≤10cm and ≥ 2.5 cm for plantations ≤5 years old) will be considered
as a tree and will be measured. Diameter measurement of each stem will be taken at 1.3m height. If the
fork begins between 0.3 and 1.3 m, each stem will be considered as separate tree and will be measured.
The diameter measurement will be taken at 1 meter above the fork origin.
If the fork begins at 1.3 m or a little higher, the tree will be counted as a single tree. The diameter
measurement is thus carried out below the fork intersection point, just below the bugle that could
influence the Dbh.
84
Notes: After Dallmeier 1992, one single dotted line indicates the place for Dbh measurements. If there are two lines
on the stem because of a defective tree, the appropriate place to do the measurement is thus indicated.
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Figure 27 Measurement points at fork trees
Trees with irregular stem at 1.3 m: trees with bulges, wound, hollows and branches, etc. at breast height,
are to be measured just above the irregular point, there where the irregular shape does not affect the
stem (see Figure).
Figure 28 DBH measurement position for a tree with branch enlargement at 1.3 m and for other trees
Inclined trees: diameter measurement is done at 1.3 m. The stem height is measured where the steam
base and the ground meet forming an angle (see Figure).
Figure 29 DBH measurement position for an inclined tree. The scale to measure the CBH or DBH is 1 cm.
Tree height measurement. It is done in several stages:
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
To avoid measurement errors the tree distance (at 15, 20, 30 or 40 metres) when taking the
measurement must be equivalent to the tree height.

Observation of the tree crown.

Observation of the tree base.

Addition or subtraction of the two observation results according to the case:

Addition if the operator is standing uphill (see Figure) in relation to the tree;

Subtraction if the operator is standing downhill (see Figure) in relation to the tree.

Slope correction.
104
Figure 30 Tree height calculation
85
Tree height measurement may be carried out by means of several instruments such as a Haga.

Observation angles: in order to measure the height of a tree, the operator tries two observation
angles. The first one at the top level and a second one at the base of the tree.

Determining the height: after each sighting, the operator reads the measure indicated on the
scale which corresponds to the landmark chosen in the rod and then adds the results of the two
measurements. The result of this addition corresponds to the height of the tree.

For the new model, the operator will read the measurements after the second sighting because
each pendulum allows the determining of a separate measurement.
On inclined terrain:
85
You may find out the height of a tree (12 m for a, b, c, and 11.7 m for d):
a) By adding the results above and under the horizontal measurement
b) By subtracting from the total, the distance between the base of the tree and the horizontal line
c) By adding to the height the instrument from the ground, the distance measured above the horizontal line
d)
By adding the instrument measurement from the ground to the distance measured from the crown of the tree
up to a point located just below on the horizontal (use the telescopic rod), the height is Ho. If D is the
distance from the base of the tree to the point located below the horizontal of the top of the tree then the tree
height H is calculated by applying the formula: H = √(H²+D²) = √(11.7²+5²)
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105

The operator carries out the same operations indicated above, with the exception of the height
calculation. If the operator is standing uphill, the results of the two measurements are added. If
the operator is standing downhill, the sighting will be directed to the base of the tree and the
result will be subtracted from the one directed at the top of the tree.

Apply a slope coefficient to the height result.

Carry out the observation of a tree point located at the same height where the operators’ eye is
positioned in relation to the ground.

Check the angle’s measurement in the appropriate scale.

Then check the table located on one side of the instrument, on top of which a coefficient table is
placed that helps in making the necessary corrections.

Apply such coefficient following the formula: h’ = h – hk; in which h’ is the real height, h is the
measured height and k the correction coefficient.
Height measurement with a Haga: It is an instrument used for measuring heights, which is the solution of
triangles known angle, a distance and their respective calibration.
With this device, the observer must be at a chosen distance Di and take two angles α1 and α2, which are
replaced by the corresponding H and calibration:
H1= Di tan α1
H2= Di tan α2
The scale to measure the height is in meters.
Then two measurements are needed, one above and one below zero to be added. When both readings
are above or below zero are subtracted from the heights. This happens when the observer is outside of
the line L equivalent to OH in Fig. Moreover, when not working with horizontal distances is necessary to
86
apply to pending corrections
Figure 31 Items for measuring heights with trigonometric principles on flat and sloping.
86
Source: StatisticalComponentsmeasuringDasometryandforestry. 2003,
LemaAlvaroTapiasMs.Sc.ForestEngineerPrfesorDasometryand inventories(Universidad Nacional deColombia, Sede
Medellín)
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End of data collection work in the plot and access to the next plot: Once the work in the first plot is
completed, the time is recorded in the form and the crew need to access the second plot. If the forest
cover allows it, it is possible to directly access the plot with the help of the GPS. Otherwise, it may be
assured by using the compass. If the starting point of the next plot to be reached is not accessible on a
straight line, the obstacle must be bypassed using auxiliary methods that allow finding the next plot.
4.3.3
Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC)
The implementing organization will be responsible for the centralized documentation of all project
planning and implementation. QA/QC procedures will be implemented and the use of these procedures
monitored to ensure that net anthropogenic GHG removals by sinks are measured and monitored
precisely, credibly, verifiably, and transparently.
The project will follow the IPCC GPG of using two types of procedures in order to ensure that the
878889
inventory estimates and their contributing data are of high quality
: Quality assurance (QA) and
Quality control (QC). Since a QA/QC plan is fundamental to create credibility, one will be developed that
outlines QA/QC activities with a scheduled time frame from preparation to final reporting. The plan will
describe specific QC procedures in addition to special QA review procedures. The QA/QC plan is an
internal document to organize, plan, and implement QA/QC activities and will be represented here only in
9091
a reduced form. Here, some abstract of QA/QC plan features :
a) Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) that will be established for all procedures such as GIS
analysis; field measurements; data entry; data documentation, and data storage.
b) Training courses will be held for all relevant personnel on all data collection and analysis
procedures.
c) Steps will be taken to control for errors in the sampling and data analysis to develop a credible
plan for measuring and monitoring carbon stock change in the project context. The same
procedures shall be used during the project life to ensure continuity.
Field data collection
d) The personnel involved in the measurement of carbon pools will be fully trained in field data
collection and analysis. SOPs will be developed for each step of the field measurements and
followed so that measurements are comparable over time. If different interpretations of the SOPs
exist among the field teams, they will be jointly revised to ensure clearer guidance. This
procedure will be repeated during the field data collection.
e) To verify that plots have been installed and the measurements taken correctly:
A minimum of 10% of randomly selected plots will be re-measured by a supervisor with a team
not involved in the initial measurement sampling.
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IPCC GPG for LULUCF; Chapter 5.5 Quality assurance and quality control
IPCC GPG and Uncertainty management in National GHG Inventories; Ch. 8 QA and QC
89
IPCC GPG for LULUCF; Chapter 3.2 Forest land
90
IPCC GPG for LULUCF; Chapter 5.5 Quality assurance and quality control
91
IPCC GPG and Uncertainty management in National GHG Inventories; Ch. 8 QA and QC
88
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f)
The re-measurement data will be compared with the original measurement data. Any errors found
will be corrected and recorded. The level of errors recorded will be calculated and reported using
this equation:
Error (%) 
Estimate1  Estimate2100
Estimate2
g) The proper entry of data into the data analyses spreadsheets is required to produce reliable
carbon estimates. All data sheets will include a “Data recorded by” field. Communication between
all personnel involved in measuring and analyzing data will be used to resolve any apparent
anomalies before final analysis of the monitoring data can be completed. If there are any
problems with the monitoring plot data that cannot be resolved, the plot will not be used in the
analysis. Expert judgment and comparison with independent data will be used to ensure data
results are in line with expectations. Additionally, field data will be reviewed by a senior member
of the monitoring team further ensuring that the data and analysis are realistic.
h) Due to the long length of the project and the speed at which technology changes data archiving
will be an essential component. Data will be archived in several forms and copies of all data will
be provided to each project participant.
i)
Original copies of the field measurement (data sheets and electronic files) and laboratory data will
be stored in a secure location.
j)
Copies will be stored in a dedicated and safe place (preferably offsite) of all data analysis and
models, the final estimate of the amount of carbon sequestered, any GIS products, and the
measuring and monitoring reports.
k) Electronic copies of all data and reports will be updated periodically and converted to any new
format required by future software or hardware. A project participant involved in the field
measurements will be assigned to implement this updating.
l)
The data collected shall be archived for a period of at least two years after the end of the last
crediting period of the project activity.
Table 27. Verification and checklist considered to guarantee the quality of the information gathered and
its management.
QC activity
Check that assumptions and criteria
for the selection of activity Data,
emission factors and other
estimation parameters are
documented.
Check for transcription errors in data
input and reference.
Procedures

Cross-check descriptions of activity data, emission factors and other
estimation parameters with information on source and sink categories
and ensure that these are properly recorded and archived.

Confirm that bibliographical data references are properly cited in the
internal documentation.
Cross-check a sample of input data from each source category (either
measurements or parameters used in calculations) for transcription
errors.
Reproduce a representative sample of emission or removal
calculations.
Selectively mimic complex model calculations with abbreviated
calculations to judge relative accuracy.


Check that emissions and removals
are calculated correctly.
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108
QC activity
Check that parameter and units are
correctly recorded and that
appropriate conversion factors are
used.
Procedures






Check the integrity of database files.



Check for consistency in data
between categories.

Check that the movement of
inventory data among processing
steps is correct


Check that uncertainties in
emissions and removals are
estimated or calculated correctly.



Undertake review of internal
documentation



Check time series consistency.


Undertake completeness checks


Compare estimates to previous
estimates.
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Check that units are properly labeled in calculation sheets.
Check that units are correctly carried through from beginning to end of
calculations.
Check that conversion factors are correct.
Check that temporal and spatial adjustment factors are used correctly.
Confirm that the appropriate data processing steps are correctly
represented in the database.
Confirm that data relationships are correctly represented in the
database.
Ensure that data fields are properly labeled and have the correct design
specifications.
Ensure that adequate documentation of database and model structure
and operation are archived.
Identify parameters (e.g., activity data, and constants) that are common
to multiple categories of sources and sinks, and confirm that there is
consistency in the values used for these parameters in the emissions
calculations.
Check that emission and removal data are correctly aggregated from
lower reporting levels to higher reporting levels when preparing
summaries.
Check that emission and removal data are correctly transcribed
between different intermediate products.
Check that qualifications of individuals providing expert judgment for
uncertainty estimates are appropriate.
Check that qualifications, assumptions and expert judgments are
recorded. Check that calculated uncertainties are complete and
calculated correctly.
If necessary, duplicate error calculations on a small sample of the
probability distributions used by Monte Carlo analyses.
Check that there is detailed internal documentation to support the
estimates and enable reproduction of the emission and removal and
uncertainty estimates.
Check that inventory data, supporting data, and inventory records are
archived and stored to facilitate detailed review.
Check integrity of any data archiving arrangements of outside
organizations involved in inventory preparation.
Check for temporal consistency in time series input data for each
category of sources and sinks.
Check for consistency in the algorithm/method used for calculations
throughout the time series.
Confirm that estimates are reported for all categories of sources and
sinks and for all years.
Check that known data gaps that may result in incomplete emissions
estimates are documented and treated in a conservative way.
For each category, current inventory estimates should be compared to
previous estimates, if available. If there are significant changes or
departures from expected trends, re-check estimates and explain the
difference.
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4.3.4
Operational and management structure
The project owners in each instance implement the proposed A/R project activity utilizing the locally
available and experienced staff. The activities are implemented under the supervision of the technical
team. The technical team organizes technical training and consultation, and is responsible for the
organization and coordination of measuring and monitoring the actual GHG removals by sinks.
Under the proposed A/R project activity each project proponent will provide technical instruction on
reforestation and forest management. They will conduct the specific supervision of the implementation of
the proposed A/R project activity, collect specific activity data at routine basis, be responsible for
measuring and monitoring of the actual GHG removals by sinks, establish an expert team when
necessary (e.g., to address any technical issues), conduct checks, and verify the accuracy of measured
and monitored data.
The operational structure and responsibilities for each project owner is divided into three basic
departments:
Figure 32.Operational Structure
The project proponent is committed to act responsibly, to guarantee the quality of the silvicultural
activities performed in the field, and also that the environment, industrial safety and occupational health,
are in line to the development of all the processes, products and projects. The skills required by the staff
in order to work in the project, are as follows:
Specialized staff
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This staff is composed by professionals that perform specific technical and administrative tasks and that
usually have experience in this type of projects. This group of people is hired by the project owners and
many of them belong to the permanent team of workers. The group consists of forestry and agricultural
engineers, accountants, business managers, among others.
Qualified staff
Corresponds to the staff who have acquired training and experience in forestry projects through their
ongoing work on these projects, and that have specialized in a specific task. The positions held by these
personnel are: wholesalers, tractor drivers, mechanics, cooks, and others.
No-qualified staff
Workers engaged to unskilled activities do not require special skills or training to perform their duties. The
company will prioritize the inhabitants of the community and other communities in the area where the
project is developed.
4.3.5
Uncertainty assessment
The project follows the methods from IPCC GPG for LULUCF, GPG 2003, and the modalities and
procedures for A/R project activities to estimate baseline net GHG removal by sinks, leakage, actual net
GHG removal by sinks, and net anthropogenic removal by sinks. In the context of this methodology, the
major sources of uncertainties related to changes in carbon stock in the living biomass pool include:
natural factors such as fire and pest outbreaks; stand variables such as variation in the yield tables,
allometric equation, biomass expansion factor (BEF), wood density, carbon fraction; and the errors
contributed by the measurement. Estimates of uncertainty will be developed for all land-use categories
involved in the inventory part of the monitoring.
4.3.6
Other elements of monitoring plan
The baseline will be the continuation of economic activities that take place today; which are due to
historical use of the soil, and is unlikely they will have a change. Additionally, it is considered that the
changes in the removal of carbon in the baseline scenario are equal to zero.
However, if in the course of the project is decided to renew the Accreditation Period of this, it must
necessary an upgrade of the baseline to determine whether the baseline approach used is still valid or if
the conditions have changed due to changes in regulations and sector policies, technical factors,
environmental or market.
4.3.7
Verification of project emissions emissions
The project will quantify and monitor the Non-CO2 GHG emissions resulting from an occurrence of fire
(forest fire) within the project boundary, whose accumulated area affected by such fires in a year is ≥5%
of the project area. These events will be monitored and the affected area will be recorded.
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Emission of non-CO2 GHGs resulting from the loss of aboveground tree biomass due fire will be
calculated in each verification period, by using the above ground biomass in trees of relevant strata
calculated in the previous verification and the default values for the combustion factor, the emission
factors and the global warming potential.
5
5.1
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Environmental impact assessment
The project is developed as a system of well-managed commercial plantations, which seeks to minimize
the impact of plantations on natural ecosystems and promote the maintenance of the different ecosystem
services in the high plains, using criteria of environmental sustainability. The intervention areas and the
zoning process, is based on the precautionary principle, therefore, it intends to leave some potential
planting area as natural ecosystem, including savannahs. This promotes the permanence of habitat for
wildlife and a part of the structure and functionality of the landscape of the high plains, which can be
crucial to maintain the provision of ecosystem services (Pacheco et al 2014). These features decrease
the ecosystem fragility, increase the quantity and quality of the natural habitat, reduce the impact of
fragmentation and change in landscape composition and its consequences on biodiversity.
The forest cover generated by the plantations, increase the connectivity of natural ecosystems, which
favors the protection of gallery forests, wetlands and morichales. Additionally, the recovery of ecological
niches for endemic, vulnerable or threatened species is favored.
According to the previously exposed, besides the productive systems, the project is also considered an
92
activity of landscape restoration that incorporates objectives of conservation of biodiversity and
generates the following impacts:
Table 28. Expected impacts on biodiversity
Impact
Effect
Actual/ Predict
Direct/ Indirect
Increase of forest cover
Positive
Actual
Direct
Connectivity of strategic ecosystems
Positive
Predicted
Direct
Recovery of ecological niches.
Positive
Predicted
Indirect
Conservation of water sources
Positive
Predicted
Direct
Landscape restoration
Positive
Predicted
Indirect
Recovery of fauna habitats
Positive
Predicted
Indirect
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OIMT and UICN (2009) recognize well-managed commercial plantations as a restored forest landscapes, as well
as the benefits of those. IUCN, 2010. Gestión Forestal Sostenible, biodiversidad y medios de vida. Disponible en:
https://www.cbd.int/development/doc/cbd-guide-des-bonnes-pratiques-forests-web-es.pdf
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Impact
Effect
Actual/ Predict
Direct/ Indirect
Increase of native plant covers.
Positive
Predicted
Direct
Increase of biodiversity: fauna and flora
Positive
Predicted
Indirect
Carbon sequestration
Positive
Actual
Direct
Control of erosion
Positive
Predicted
Direct
Loss of biodiversity due to the disturbance
of natural ecosystems
Negative
Predicted
Direct
Disturbance of the natural balance of
nutrients in the soil, changes of pH,
salinization, and pollution of water bodies
due to the excessive or inappropriate use of
agrochemicals
Negative
Predicted
Direct
Disturbance of Wildlife due to the excessive
or inappropriate use of herbicides
Negative
Predicted
Direct
The measures needed and taken to avoid negative impacts on biodiversity are described in detail in the
documents related to the sustainable forest management plan (PMFS) of each nucleus.
Impacts on soil, fauna, flora and water bodies due to the excessive or inappropriate use of
agrochemicals

Set the optimum composition and concentrations of nutrients required and the type of materials
used for its production.

Train the staff in charge of handling the product

Administer the product during the appropriate seasons to maximize their efficiency and avoid the
imbalance of nutrients in the soil.

During the process of fertilization and composting, is produced a degree of non-reusable waste
(plastics and others. The person in charge should clearly identify this type of material, to proceed
with the proper method of storage and disposal.

Washing and maintenance of machinery, tools and containers used for the handling of products,
is forbidden in areas close to natural drainage or water sources.

Improvement of the physical and microbiological soil conditions by implementing a natural
silviculture strategy that includes applying natural fertilizers and mycorrhizae (Farm La
Pedregoza).

Application of the principle of organic farming and weed control through the use of bio-degradable
herbicides, plant protection with less impact and biological control for pests (Farm El Toro).
Control of erosion
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Segmentation of large lots into separate blocks by ridges permanently constructed according to
the slope, reducing erosional processes caused by rainwater.

Establishment of live barriers or dams in strategic locations.
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
Improve the physical, chemical and microbiological soil conditions, through the management of
soil compaction by using a deep vibratory chisel for plowing prior to planting. Proper management
using drainages to reduce the velocity of the runoff.

Allow the surface of the exposed soil to keep its natural cover in order to reduce the incidence of
direct sunlight, reducing the evaporation of water. This allows the thermal amplitude variability to
be lower, favoring the plantations and the activity of soil microorganisms.
Loss of biodiversity due to the disturbance of natural ecosystems (savannahs)


5.2
Leave some potential planting area as natural ecosystem, including savannahs. This promotes
the permanence of habitat for wildlife and a part of the structure and functionality of the landscape
of the high plains, which can be crucial to maintain the provision of ecosystem services
Keep a band of 100 meters as buffer zones and transition area between the plantations and the
forest, in order to allow successional forest dynamics is developed, in addition to minimizing the
human intervention on it.
Species used for reforestation activities
The most used species for the project are the Acacia mangium, E. tereticornis and native species. These
species occupy more than 80% of the area intervened by the project. To a lesser extent, other species
have been used, such as E. pellita, A. occidentale, H. brasiliensis and P. caribeae.
With the exception of the caribbean pine (species that represents less than 3% of the project area), none
of the species used has been reported as invasive, according to databases and available sources
93
94
95
(GISIN , GISP 2005 , Baptiste et al. 2010 ).
Although Baptiste et al. 2010, reports the P. caribaea as of high risk of invasion, this specie has been
96
97
widely recommended for the establishment of plantations in Vichada (CONIF 1998 , Trujillo 2011 ). In
98
99
addition, several studies (Fernando et al. 2012 , Cortes-Perez et al. 2005 ) have reported successful
cases of the specie in Casanare and Vichada for both ecosystem restoration and commercial forest
plantations. These researches serve to prove that the caribbean pine plantations favor the development
of a diverse underwood of native species, which varies according to the gradient of the silvicultural
management and the age of the plantation. Fernando et al. 2012, state that no evidence was recorded
about the regeneration of P. caribaea in the ecosystems surrounding the plantations (ie natural forest and
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GISIN: Global Information Species Information Network
http://www.gisin.org/DH.php?WC=/WS/GISIN/GISINDirectory/home_new.html&WebSiteID=4
94
GISP: Global Invasive Species Programme, GISP 2005.
http://www.issg.org/pdf/publications/gisp/resources/samericainvaded-es.pdf
95
Baptiste M.P., Castaño N., Cárdenas D., Gutiérrez F. P., Gil D.L. y Lasso C.A. (eds). 2010. Análisis de riesgo y
propuesta de categorización de especies introducidas para Colombia. Instituto de Investigación de Recursos
Biológicos Alexander von Humboldt. Bogotá, D. C., Colombia. 200 p.
96
CONIF 1998. Guía para plantaciones forestales comerciales ORINOQUIA.
97
Trujillo 2011. Pino Caribe: El Multipropósito Fuerte de su Género. Revista M&M.
98
Fernández et al 2012. Biodiversidad Vegetal Asociada a Plantaciones Forestales de Pinus caribaea Morelet y
Eucalyptus pellita F. Muell Establecidas en Villanueva, Casanare, Colombia
99
Cortés-Pérez, F., H. Dueñas y H. Cardozo. 2005. Cambios en la vegetación de sabana ocasionados por la
plantación de Pinus caribaea en Vichada-Colombia. Revista de la Academia Colombiana de Ciencias 29(110): 69-84.
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savanna), which so far has shown a low potential for invasion and dominance, compared to the
succession in unattended sites.
Finally, the evidences prove that the presence and diversity of vegetation in plantations is a sign that
wildlife is not absent within the planted area, where the main dispersal agents are wind, followed by fruiteating birds and omnivorous animals. This indicates that the resources provided by the plantations are
being used for structural connectivity and shelter (Fernando et al. 2012).
In order to monitor the environmental impacts, a monitoring plan is described in the project description
document develop for the Clime Community and Biodiversity Standard (CCBS).
6
STAKEHOLDER COMMENTS
Summarize relevant outcomes from any stakeholder consultations and mechanisms for on-going
communication.
6.1
Stakeholders identification
Stakeholders were identified with the help of the landowners who were responsible for summoning the
workers and their families, and other people present on neighboring farms. However, the population living
close to the properties is limited since most of the settlements are concentrated in the urban area of the
municipality of Puerto Carreño. In addition, the environmental and governmental entities and
organizations that have a potential interest in the project were also identified.
Community
Workers of the farms
Table 29. Stakeholders: community
Rights
To develop in a laboral
environment that assures the
minimal conditions of welfare.
Opine, review, report and
suggest improvements in their
working environment.
To be subject of training on
topics related to the project
activities.
Interests
The livelihood of the actors and
their families depend directly on
the project activities
Protect the community's interests
about the development of
projects that impact directly or
indirectly the environmental,
economic or social conditions of
the area of influence.
Pertinence
Direct participation in the project
activities.
Direct and indirect receivers of
impacts of the project on climate,
biodiversity and communities.
To emit opinions concerning the
direct or indirect project impacts
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Rights
Interests
Pertinence
on the community interests.
Communitary groups
Group of indigenous
Table 30. Stakeholders: communitary groups
Rights
Interests
To Develop in an environment that
assures the minimal conditions of welfare.
To have equal rights to participate and
run for employment opportunities in their
environment.
Pertinence
The livelihood of the actors
and their families depend
directly on the project
activities.
Direct participation in the
project activities
Other actors
Project owners
Table 31. Stakeholders: Project owners
Rights
To coordinate all the aspects
related to the project’s
implementation
Interests
Successfully conclude all project
activities and proposals and to
fully comply with the objectives
set in terms of the climate
components, biodiversity and
communities
Pertinence
Direct participation in the project
Majoral office of the municipality of Puerto Carreño
Table 32. Stakeholders: Majoral office of the municipality of Puerto Carreño
Rights
Regulation of land use in the
project area.
Interests
Ensure compliance with current
regulations regarding land use.
Pertinence
local authority in charge of the
plannification of the territory
where the project is taking place
CORPORINOQUIA
Table 33. Stakeholders: Environmental authority
Rights
Interests
To Regulate the interventions on
associated ecosystems and
make sure about the compliance
of the environmental regulations
related to the development of
Ensure the sustainable
development of their jurisdiction
starting from the verification of
compliance with existing
environmental regulations for the
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Pertinence
Local environmental authority
116
projects.
different interventions on
ecosystems and associated
resources.
Table 34. Stakeholders: Project owners; Majoral office of the municipality of Puerto Carreño;
100
101
CORPORINOQUIA ; AGAF ; Parques Nacionales Naturales (PNN); Fundación Omacha; Fundación
Orinoquia Bio Diversa; Fundación Etnollano.
Rights
Interests
Pertinence
Contribute with knowledge and
experience in order to improve
the implementation of the various
project activities
Contribute from the generation of
knowledge to the economic,
social and environmental
development of the region.
Institutions with presence in the
project area that have
implemented projects consistent
with the regional needs.
6.2
Consultation
Stakeholder consultation were carried out in Puerto Carreño, in order to explain the main goals and
expected impacts of the project as well as obtain community perceptions and key aspects in improving
the design of the project.
The invitation to these events was conducted electronically and addressed to various governmental and
nongovernmental organizations such as Corporinoquia, AGAF, Parques Nacionales Naturales de
Colombia and others like Fundación Omacha, Fundación Orinoquía Diversa and Fundación Etnollano.
Furthermore, the invitation was printed and posted in the bulletin boards of the municipal office of Puerto
Carreño. In Addition, coordinators of each nucleus reported and provided technical assistance to the
meetings (see Stakeholder consultation folder).
To facilitate the participation of all stakeholders, three meetings were organized: one for the urban area,
where attendants represented mainly the stakeholders of the project zone; and two in the rural areas,
where the attendants were the neighbors of the properties and the workers of each farm (see Registro de
Asistencia file).
100
101
Regional autonomous corporation and environmental authority in the Orinoco Region.
Asociación Gremial Agroforestal Vichadense.
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a
b
c
Figure 33. Local consultations. one for the urban area (a), where attendants represented mainly the
stakeholders of the project zone; and two in the rural areas (b and c), where the attendants were
the neighbors of the properties and the workers of each farm.
During the local consultation the aspects of climate change and carbon markets were addressed by
providing information and general concepts in simple language that could be understood by all
participants. Furthermore, the presentation of the project included the description of the instances
considered for the first validation, as well as the strengths of each one, and general aspects such as the
area, planted species, forest conservation, among others.
The documentation and information regarding the project was made available to the community through
the following mechanisms:
 At the beginning of each meeting, participants received a summary sheet of the project for them
to understand the project (Figure 34).
 During the meetings aspects related to forest carbon projects, specific project activities and
participants were explained (see Stakeholder Consultation Report).
 There were question and answer sessions after the talks. The questions of the participants were
resolved and all observations were heard and taken into consideration (Stakeholder Consultation
Report).
 The information provided, included contacts (phone number and email) of the people in charge of
the project documentation (project developers), in order to give the attendants, the possibility to
permanently communicate their concerns or comments.
 At the end of the local consultation, attendees were informed about the process to follow up on
questions, concerns and / or comments raised at the workshops; which consist in incorporate the
relevant comments to the design of the project development.
 Once the project document is ready, it will be published on the website of the CCB for public
comments.
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Figure 34. Stakeholder consultation.
In addition to the topics mentioned above, during the local consultation were analyzed the possible
impacts that the project might have on individual or collective actors in terms of economic, social and
biodiversity aspects. This analysis was performed through the use questions, comments and opinions
regarding to the exposed topics. The result of the evaluation, assigned to each impact a rating of positive,
negative or neutral according to the effect on the quality of life of each participant (see Stakeholder
Consultation Report).
Figure 35. Impact assessment exercise during the local consultation
Finally, participants were invited and allowed to present their comments anonymously, in order to feel free
when expressing their disagreements. So far, the design and implementation project have not been
modified, as the comments received do not affect the design of the project (see Registro de Percepciones
file).
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Figure 36. Community perception exercise regarding the project.
6.3
Mechanisms for on-going communication
The plan to maintain continuous communication with communities includes a communication channel that
addresses possible suggestions and complaints, training activities, dissemination of monitoring reports
achievements, etc. The main strategies are:



The constant monitoring guarantees the participation of communities and the reassessment of
goals and objectives during the development of the project.
Plans for the dissemination of information (design document, monitoring reports, etc.). The
publication of the results, allows the stakeholders to remain updated about the project status, in
order to ensure that their participation is effective when required.
Plans for conflict resolution and training sessions, facilitate and promote the understanding and
participation of employees.
For being in constant contact with the community and workers, field technicians are the first responsible
for responding to requests from the community. According to the internal procedures of each company (in
each nucleus), the technician must climb the observation to the area of human resources and must
address the affected to a discussion room, in order to handle the complaint.
On the other hand, managers of each nucleus, maintain constant contact with the institutions and project
leaders, in order to verify that externally, the project operations are not negatively impacting the
surrounding communities.
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All these measures have been and will continue to be implemented without gender discrimination and
respecting the cultural customs of the stakeholders.
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APPENDIX I: Threatened species
According to the UICN red list of threatened species, version 2012, the following species are catalogued
102
as DD (Data deficient), LC (Least concern) , NT (Near threatened), VU (Vulnerable), EN (Endangered),
103
or CR (Critically endangered) (Catalogue of life) depending of their current status of threat.
Table 35. Endangered fauna species in the Orinoco region
Scientific name
Common name
Category
Fish
Osteoglossum ferreirai
Arauana Azul, Arawana
LC
Colossoma macropomum
Cachama Negra, Cherna, Gamitana
LF
Brachyplatystoma juruense
Apuy, Manta Negra, Camisa Rayada
VU
Brachyplatystoma filamentosum
Valentón, Plumita, Lechero, Pirahiba
EN
Brachyplatystoma flavicans
Dorado, Plateado
EN
Brachyplatystoma vaillantii
Blancopobre, Pirabutón, Capaz
EN
Paulicea luetkeni
Saliboro, Bagre Sapo, Peje Negro
EN
Pseudoplatystoma tigrinum
Pintadillo Tigre, Bagre, Capararí
EN
Mammals
Aotus brumbacki
VU
Aotus vociferans
LC
Ateles belzebuth
EN
Callicebus torquatus
LC
Cebus apella
LC
Saimiri sciureus
LC
Cacajao melanocephalus
LC
Lagothrix lagothricha
Choyo
VU
Alouatta seniculus
Araguato
LC
Cebus apella
Maicero
LC
Cerdocyon thous
Zorra
LC
Eira Barbara
Ulamá
LC
Inia geoffrensis
Delfín Rosado
DD
Leopardus pardalis
Leopardo
LC
Leopardus wiedii
Tigrillo peludo
NT
Lontra longicaudis
Nutria neotropical
DD
Myrmecophaga tridactyla
Oso hormiguero, oso palmero
VU
Odocoileus virinianus
Venado sabanero
LF
Panthera onca
Tigre
NT
102 When a taxon has been evaluated against the criteria and does not qualify for Critically Endangered, endangered
or vulnerable or any other category
103 The species catalogued as LF, are those who have not been yet reported by the UICN but appear on the
Catalogue of life (indexing the world’s known species)
v3.0
122
Scientific name
Common name
Category
Pecari Tajacu
Zaino
LC
Priodontes maximus
Armadillo gigante
VU
Pteronura brasiliensis
Perro de agua
EN
Puma concolor
Puma
LC
Saimiri sciureus
Mico
LC
Tapirus terrestres
Danta común
VU
Tayassu pecari
Cajuche
NT
Reptiles
Ameiva ameiva
Lobato cardenillo
LF
Amphisbaena alba
Tatacoa
LC
Boa constrictor
Boa
LF
Bothrops asper
Mapaná
LF
Caiman crocodilus crocodilus
Cachirre
LF
Chelonoidis carbonaria
Morrocoy
LF
Chelonoidis denticulata
Tortuga morrocoy
VU
Chironius carinatus
Voladora
LF
Cnemidophorus lemniscatus
Lobo
LF
Crocodylus intermedius
Caimán del Orinoco, llanero
CR
Crotalus durissus
Cascabel
LC
Eunectes murinus
Guio
LF
Gonatodes albogularis
Toteca
LF
Iguana iguana
Iguana
LF
Leptodeira annulata
Falsa Mapaná
LF
Mabuya mabouya
LF
Mastigodryas pleei
Guardacaminos
LF
Paleosuchus palpebrosus
Babilla
LC
Podocnemis expansa
Galápaga
LR
Podocnemis unifilis V
Galápaga
VU
Tupinambis teguixin
Lobo pollero
LC
Birds
Amazona amazónica
Lora
LC
Amazona ochrocephala
Lora Cabeciamarilla
LC
Ammodramus humeralis
Correcaminos Sabanero
LC
Anas cyanoptera
Pava negra
LC
Anthracothorax nigricollis
Colibri
LC
Ara macao
Guacamaya Macao
LC
Ara militaris
Guacamaya verde
VU
Ara severus
Guacamaya Cariseca
LC
Aratinga pertinax
Perico Carisucio
LC
Ardea alba
Garza Blanca
LF
v3.0
123
Scientific name
Common name
Category
Arremonops conirostris
Pinzón conirrostro
LC
Arundinicola leucocephala
Monjita pantanera
LC
Athene cunicularia
Murruco , Guarracuco
LC
Basileuterus cinereicollis
Arañero pechigris
NT
Botaurus pinnatus
Avetoro
LC
Brachygalba goeringi
LC
Burhinus bistriatus
Guerere – Gurre
LC
Buteo albicaudatus
Gavilan
LC
Buteo magnirostris
Gavilán azul
LC
Buteogallus meridionalis
Aguila mona
LC
Butorides striata
Chicuaco
LC
Cacicus cela
Arrendajo
LC
Cacicus uropygialis
Arrendajo escarlata
LC
Caprimulgus cayennensis
Guardacaminos
LC
Caracara cheriway
Carraco
LC
Cathartes aura
Guala
LC
Cathartes burrovianus
Laura
LC
Chlorostilbon poortmanni
Esmeralda rabicorta
LC
Circus buffoni
Aguilucho Negro
LC
Coereba flaveola
Mielero Común
LC
Colaptes punctigula
Carpintero
LC
Colinus cristatus
Perdiz
LC
Columbina squamata
Torcaza
LF
Columbina talpacoti
Tierrera
LC
Coragyps atratus
Samuro
LC
Crax daubentoni
Pavón moquiamarillo
NT
Crotophaga ani
Jirijuelo
LC
Cyanocorax violaceus
Pollo de monte
LC
Dacnis cayana
Dacnis azul
LC
Dendrocygna viduata
Careto
LC
Dryocopus lineatus
Carpintero real
LC
Egretta caerulea
Garza Azul
LC
Elaenia flavogaster
Elaenia copetona
LC
Falco deiroleucus
Halcón Colorado
NT
Falco femoralis
Halcon
LC
Falco sparverius
Halcon, Cernícalo
LC
Forpus conspicillatus
Periquito
LC
Gymnomystax mexicanus
Toche
LC
Harpia harpyja
Águila moñuda
NT
Herpetotheres cachinnans
Guacabó
LC
v3.0
124
Scientific name
Common name
Hypnelus ruficollis
Category
LC
Jabiru mycteria
Gaban
LC
Manacus manacus
Pica piedra
LC
Megaceryle torquata
Matraquero, Martin pescador
LC
Milvago chimachima
Chiriguare
LC
Mimus gilvus
Parablata
LC
Mitu tomentosum
Paujil
NT
Momotus subrufescens
Barranquero
LF
Morphnus guianensis
Águila arpía
NT
Myiozetetes cayanensis
Siriri
LC
Neochen jubata
Pato carretero
NT
Nycticorax nycticorax
Chicuaco
LC
Nyctidromus albicollis
Bujio
LC
Orthopsittaca manilata
Catarnica
LC
Oryzoborus angolensis
Arrocero
LC
Patagioenas cayennensis
Torcaza
LC
Pauxi pauxi
Paujil Copete de Piedra
EN
Penelope jacquacu
Pava
LC
Piaya cayana
Pisca, pascuita
LC
Pilherodius pileatus
Garza
LC
Pipra erythrocephala
LC
Pitangus lictor
Caballicero
LC
Pitangus sulphuratus
Cristofue
LC
Polystictus pectoralis
Tachurí barbado
NT
Progne chalybea
Golondrina
LC
Pyrocephalus rubinus
Pechirrojo
LC
Quiscalus lugubris
Mirla
LC
Ramphastos tucanus
Piapoco, Tucán
LC
Ramphocelus carbo
Come queso
LC
Sarcoramphus papa
Raisamuro
LC
Sicalis flaveola
Canario
LC
Sporophila minuta
Espiguero
LC
Sturnella magna
Chirlobirlo
LC
Sturnella militaris
Soldadito
LC
Syrigma sibilatrix
Campanilla, Chunguita
LC
Tachycineta albiventer
Golondrina
LC
Tangara cayana
Tangara triguera
LC
Theristicus caudatus
Tautaco
LC
Thraupis episcopus
Azulejo
LC
Thraupis palmarum
Azulejo
LC
v3.0
125
Scientific name
Common name
Category
Tigrisoma lineatum
Vaco Colorado
LC
Todirostrum cinereum
Espatulilla
LC
Trogon viridis
Trogon
LC
Tyrannus melancholicus
Caballicero
LC
Tyrannus savana (Ma)
Tijereta
LC
Tyrannus tyrannus
Siriri
LC
Vanellus chilensis
Alcaraván
LC
Veniliornis passerinus
Carpintero
LC
Xiphorhynchus obsoletus
Trepa troncos
LC
Zenaida auriculata
Paloma
LC
Amphibians
Rhinella granulosus
Sapito verrugoso
LC
Rhinella marina
Sapo
LC
Hypsiboas boans
Rana
LC
Hypsiboas crepitans
Rana
LC
Hypsiboas punctatus
Rana
LC
Pseudis paradoxa
Rana
LC
Trachycephalus venulosus
Rana
LC
Leptodactylus fuscus
Saltona
LC
104
105
106
107
Source: Mojica et al. (2002) , Renjifo et al. (2002) , Corporinoquía (2004) , Romero et al (2009 ),
Rodríguez et al (2006).
104
Mojica, J. I., C. Castellanos, J. S. Usma y R. Álvarez (eds.). 2002. Libro rojo de peces dulceacuícolas de
Colombia. Serie Libros Rojos de Especies Amenazadas de Colombia. Instituto de Ciencias Naturales - Universidad
Nacional de Colombia y Ministerio del Medio Ambiente. Bogotá, Colombia.
105
Rengifo, L. M., A. M. Franco-Maya, J. D. Amaya-Espinel, G. H. Kattan y B. López-Lanús (eds.). 2002. Libro rojo
de aves de Colombia. Serie Libros Rojos de Especies Amenazadas de Colombia. Instituto de Investigación de
Recursos Biológicos Alexander von Humboldt y Ministerio del Medio Ambiente. Bogotá, Colombia.
106
Corporación Autónoma Regional de la Orinoquía (CORPORINOQUIA). 2004. Plan de Acción 2004-2006. Yopal,
Colombia.
107
Romero M.H., Maldonado-Ocampo J.A., Bogotá- Gregory J.D., Usma J.S., Umaña-Villaveces A.M., Murillo J.I.,
Restrepo-Calle S., Álvarez M., Palacios-Lozano M.T., Valbuena M.S., Mejía S.L. Aldana-Domínguez J. y Payán E.
2009. Informe sobre el estado de la biodiversidad en Colombia 2007- 2008: piedemonte orinoquense, sabanas y
bosques asociados al norte del río Guaviare. Instituto de Investigación de Recursos Biológicos Alexander von
Humboldt. Bogotá D.C., Colombia. 151 p.
v3.0
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