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 programs with local communities. 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. IE's contribution to mitigating climate change in this region include:

Scientific Research

• 3 research centres in the north of Brazil: the Cangucu centre, Ecotropical research centre in Taquarussu, and the rural technology centre in Pium
• 46 studies published on conservation and climate change

Environmental Conservation

• 2,323 native hectacres preserved
• 300 hectaracres forest restored

Community-Based Projects

• 6,480 people trained in sustainable practices and environmental issues
• 110 families included in sustainable market activities
  

 IE is renowned as the pioneer developer of carbon sequestration projects in Brazil, more specifically in the Bananal Island. These projects were innovative as they relied on community involvement. The experience in these projects resulted in the creation of the SOCIALCARBON Methodology, a methodology designed to achieve sustainable development goals through actions that stimulate  local communities and promote socio-economical responsibility. The  methodology is applied through the sustainability hexagon, a tool 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.

To know more about the Ecologica Institute, click here.