Brasília, May 25, 2024 – On International Biodiversity Day, the Floresta+ Amazônia Project announced a new public call for Payment for Environmental Services (PES) targeting agrarian reform rural settlers in key Amazonian municipalities to combat deforestation.
The call invites settlers of agrarian reform rural settlements of the National Institute of Colonization and Agrarian Reform (Incra) to apply for the Conservation Modality of the Floresta+ Amazônia Project. The primary goal is to reduce deforestation in municipalities participating in the Union with Municipalities Program.
"We are creating economic incentives for conserving native vegetation and strengthening financial instruments like REDD+ and PES," stated Minister Marina Silva. "The Floresta+ Amazônia Project, funded by the Green Climate Fund and executed by UNDP in partnership with MMA, focuses on small rural properties committed to conservation."
UNDP Brazil Resident Representative Cláudio Providas emphasized UNDP's dedication to socio-environmental development in the Amazon. "Brazil's vast tropical forests are crucial to sustainable development.
This new PES call reaffirms UNDP's commitment to fighting deforestation and ensuring equitable distribution of climate financing benefits," Providas said. "It is essential to financially recognize those contributing to biodiversity conservation, water supply, and soil conservation," added Providas.
The Secretary for Deforestation Control and Environmental and Territorial Planning of MMA, André Lima, noted that this launch is a concrete action within the Federal Program Union with Municipalities. "Supported by the Floresta+ Amazônia Project, this initiative invests 130 million reais in our Union with Municipalities (Program)," he explained.
Agrarian Reform beneficiaries residing in selected rural settlements and classified as "settlers" by Incra must formalize their registration through a Term of Adherence. Additionally, beneficiaries must not have their parcels embargoed by National Environment System (Sisnama) agencies.
Eligible settlements must have reduced deforestation by at least 25 percent between 2022 and 2023 and preserved at least 50 percent of their native vegetation. Payment amounts range from R$ 1,800 to R$ 3,600 (USD 360 to USD720) per family unit per year, based on deforestation reduction rates. The goal is to reach 10,000 families through native vegetation conservation.
Authorities present at the Launch Ceremony
The announcement took place at the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MMA) headquarters in Brasília, Brazil, with UNDP Brazil Resident Representative Cláudio Providas, MMA Minister Marina Silva, and other federal authorities in attendance.
The event was also attended by UNDP Brazil Assistant Resident Representative Maristela Baioni, Floresta+ Amazônia Project Coordinator Regina Cavini, BNDES Social and Environmental Director Tereza Campello, Ibama President Rodrigo Agostinho, and ICM Bio President Mauro Pires. Also present were MMA National Secretaries Carina Pimenta and Rita Mesquita.
About the Floresta+ Amazônia Project
The Floresta+ Amazônia Project is an initiative of UNDP and MMA, supported by the Green Climate Fund. It recognizes the role of small rural producers in maintaining the forest and financially rewards providers of environmental services through PES.
By 2026, the Floresta+ Amazônia Project will invest USD96 million, benefiting local communities through financial incentives and projects aimed at reducing deforestation.
For more information and media inquiries, please contact:
Maureen Omwanda
Communication Analyst, UNDP Brazil
maureen.omwanda@undp.org | Mobile: +55 61 3038 9000