Scolel'te Plan Vivo Project

Background

Starting with a pilot program in 1994, the Scolel'te Project is one of the longest running projects in the Plan Vivo network. It is an ecosystem services program that focuses primarily on reforestation in the Chiapas region of Mexico. 

Goal & Approach

The mission of this project is to promote sustainable rural development through the restoration and conservation of the local environment in the Oaxaca state of Mexico. Additionally, the project aims to sequester carbon, reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, and use payments for ecosystem services as an incentive for communities to protect and sustainably manage natural resources. The project uses the “Plan Vivo” system of monitoring the carbon capture in the planted trees. Indigenous peoples participate in the reforesting for carbon sequestration and environmental co-benefits as well as the benefits of creating agroforestry and silvopastoral systems.

Reported Takeaways

As of 2017, 9,150  hectares of forest and cloudforest have been restored and over 1,300 participants have been involved in the program. Scolel’Te is currently developing two REDD+ projects, one based in Marques de Comillas and one in el Ocote. Future plans include developing a plan to monitor the socioeconomic impacts of the project on the participants as well as the impact on biodiversity.