VCS + CCB Project · ID 514

Promoting Sustainable Development Through Natural Rubber Tree Plantations in Guatemala

Contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals
8
Decent Work & Economic Growth
392 jobs supported; 1,500+ people with improved livelihoods
12
Responsible Consumption & Production
1,410 ha of degraded pasture converted to sustainable agroforestry
15
Life on Land
103 ha conserved; measurable gains in biodiversity and ecosystem health
Monitoring Report 2016–2022

Project Highlights

🌿
121,000+
tCO₂e removed
2016–2022, contributing to ~3.9M tCO₂e over project lifetime
🌍
1,410
hectares restored
Degraded pasture converted to sustainable rubber agroforestry
👥
392
jobs supported
1,500+ people benefiting from improved livelihoods and services
🦋
103
hectares conserved
Measurable gains in biodiversity and ecosystem health
VCS + CCB Certified
Ensuring the highest environmental and social integrity standards
Pilot project for scaling carbon finance, land restoration, and rural development.
Biodiversity Monitoring

Key Indicator Species

Presence of these sensitive amphibian species serves as a bioindicator of restored ecosystem health within the project boundary.

🐸
Morelet's Treefrog
Agalychnis moreletii
Vulnerable · IUCN
🐸
Northern Glassfrog
Hyalinobatrachium viridissimum
Least Concern · IUCN

Project Description

The project establishes rubber tree plantations across a project boundary of 1,410 hectares of degraded and degrading lands where the traditional use has been cattle grazing. The species planted is Hevea brasiliensis. Direct planting began in 2007 and continued through 2013, covering an effective planted area of 1,410 hectares — excluding creeks, border vegetation, and small vegetated spots within the project boundary.

Anti-Discrimination Assurance

The development of fundamental rights in relation to the dignity and promotion of women are established in the Political Constitution of the Republic of Guatemala, international conventions on women's human rights, and corresponding action plans. Our project team holds every individual to a high standard of integrity, ensuring no one is involved in any form of discrimination or sexual harassment based on gender, race, religion, ethnicity, social class, or other aspects of human individuality.

Equal Opportunity Policy

The project is committed to equal opportunity for all employees and applicants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability status. We promote the employment of community members, including women, and strive to ensure vulnerable and/or marginalized people are given a fair chance to fill positions for which they can be trained.

Avoidance of Corruption and Unethical Behavior

The project team is committed to upholding a high level of integrity and professionalism. We have a zero-tolerance attitude towards corruption and unethical behaviour, and are not involved in any form of corruption such as bribery, embezzlement, fraud, favoritism, cronyism, nepotism, extortion, or collusion.

Grievance Redress Procedure

The project has procedures in place to communicate with stakeholders, identify risks, and address possible grievances. In accordance with the VCS Standard, grievances are handled as follows: (1) The project proponent shall attempt to amicably resolve all grievances and provide a formal response in the local language. (2) Unresolved grievances are referred to mediation by a neutral third party — Unidad de Resolución Alternativa de Conflictos (URAC). (3) Grievances not resolved through mediation are referred to arbitration or competent courts in Guatemala.

Econegocios can be reached at eco@econegocios.com.gt or through the webpage contact form.