Ecologica Institute

Established in year 2000, the Ecologica Institute (IE) is the first Brazilian NGO specialized in Climate Change. As a non-profit, independent organization, it has the mission of reducing the effects of climate change through scientific research activities, environmental preservation, and the support and establishment of sustainable development programmes with local communities. Its head office is located in Palmas (TO), and it also has representation offices in São Paulo (SP), Rio de Janeiro (RJ) and Brasília (DF).

The main activities of IE are currently centered by the Bananal Island area, located in the southwest region of Tocantins State, know as Cantão. The region gathers three important ecosystems – the Amazon, Pantanal and Cerrado. For this reason, the area was strategically chosen by IE to develop its climate change projects and to establish its research centers on climate change and on biodiversity.

In the field of Climate Change, IE is renowned for being the pioneer developer of carbon sequestration projects in Brazil, more specifically in the Bananal Island. These projects were also innovative for ensuring community involvement in the initiative. The experience resulted in the creation of the SOCIALCARBON Methodology, which has the main objective of delivering sustainable development goals through actions that stimulate the development of local communities and socio-economical responsibility.

The application of the methodology was developed through a tool know as the sustainability hexagon, which assesses six resources throughout the development of the carbon project: carbon, biodiversity, social, financial, human and natural aspects. Through its holistic and dynamic character, the methodology can be applied both in local communities and enterprises with reliable and efficient results.

The SOCIALCARBON Methodology resulted in the creation of a VER Standard – SOCIALCARBON – which identifies and certifies VERs generated from the application of the Methodology.

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