Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
General information about SAHBIO Carbono
What is SAHBIO Carbono and what is its purpose?
SAHBIO Carbono is a carbon credit emission project in the Colombian Orinoquía. Its purpose is to conserve forests, savannas, and wetlands by economically compensating landowners who protect these ecosystems.
Through activities that reduce deforestation and environmental degradation, the project seeks to offer a sustainable solution that benefits both the environment and local communities.
Who owns SAHBIO?
SAHBIO Carbono originated from the initiative of a group of landowners in the Colombian Orinoquía interested in conserving their properties and seeking economic compensation for this effort. These landowners approached Visso to support them in finding alternatives to carry out the project. In this sense, SAHBIO belongs to the owners of the properties that are part of the project. Visso participates as the project developer, supporting the structuring and execution of activities.
Why does the project last 40 years?
The project lasts 40 years because the BCR (BioCarbon Registry) standard establishes this period to ensure long-term effectiveness of conservation activities. Moreover, a conservation project in this type of ecosystem requires a long-term commitment to achieve significant results, since the effects of conservation on nature become evident over time. This approach allows not only for the protection of ecosystems but also for their recovery and sustainability over several decades.
Participation in the project
What are the benefits of participating in the project?
- Landowners: They can receive financial incentives for conserving their properties and access training.
- Companies and investors: They can offset their carbon footprint by acquiring credits with traceability and transparency.
- Environment: Strategic ecosystems, biodiversity, and water sources are preserved.
- Local communities: Sustainable development and the generation of economic opportunities are promoted.
What commitments does a landowner acquire when joining the project?
- Maintain conservation areas without any intervention that causes degradation.
- Allow project audits and monitoring.
- Comply with sustainable management guidelines established in a memorandum of understanding.
Does the project rent or purchase my land?
No, the project neither purchases nor rents the land. By signing the agreement to participate, landowners commit to maintaining the conservation areas without degradation, allowing audits and monitoring, complying with sustainable management guidelines set in the agreement, and implementing conservation activities necessary to ensure ecosystem protection and sustainability.
Can I sell my property?
The project aims to involve properties with a long-term conservation philosophy or interest, so ideally, ownership should be maintained. However, there are no ownership restrictions. In case of a sale, the buyer must be informed about the project participation, and the project must be notified to invite the new owner to continue and carry out the necessary steps for ownership change.
If I sell my property, can I continue to be part of the project and receive carbon certificates?
No. The properties and their owners are the direct participants in the project. Carbon certificates are an economic recognition for ecosystem conservation, and they are obtained through periodic verification of conservation results and compliance with commitments. Therefore, these certificates belong to the landowner conducting the conservation activities. If the property changes ownership, the new owner must join the project to continue receiving certificates.
Generation and certification of carbon credits
How are carbon credits generated in SAHBIO Carbono?
Carbon credits are generated through the non-emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs) that would result from land-use changes and loss of natural ecosystems. This non-emission is achieved through the protection of those ecosystems.
How is the price of carbon credits calculated?
The price varies depending on factors such as market demand, project certification, and the costs associated with credit generation and monitoring. It is established based on international standards and purchase agreements.
Under which methodologies and standards is the SAHBIO Carbono project planned and developed?
The project is developed under the principles and guidelines of the BioCarbon Registry standard, implemented through the following methodologies:
- BCR 0005 Natural Savannas, Version 1.1
- BCR 0002 REDD+ (Forests), Version 4.0
What is the BCR 0005 Natural Savannas methodology?
The BCR 0005 Natural Savannas Methodology, Version 1.1, is a technical framework developed by BioCarbon Registry (BCR) for quantifying, monitoring, and verifying GHG emissions reductions in natural savanna ecosystems. Its purpose is to provide a standardized scientific basis to evaluate the impact of conservation and restoration projects in these areas, ensuring that the carbon credits generated are measurable, verifiable, and marketable.
It uses rigorous MRV (Monitoring, Reporting, Verification) principles, satellite monitoring, and field measurements to ensure data accuracy. It also includes standardized methodologies to quantify carbon stored in biomass and soil, aligning with international carbon market standards. Moreover, it sets environmental and social criteria to minimize negative impacts on biodiversity and local communities.
Being compatible with voluntary carbon markets, this methodology facilitates certification and integrity of emissions reduction projects in savannas, contributing effectively to climate change mitigation while generating environmental and economic benefits for the regions where they are implemented.
What is the BCR 0002 REDD+ methodology?
The BCR 0002 REDD+ (Forests), Version 4.0, is a technical framework developed by BioCarbon Registry (BCR) for quantifying, monitoring, and verifying GHG emissions reductions in forest ecosystems. Its goal is to standardize the measurement of conservation project impacts, ensuring that the carbon credits generated are real, verifiable, and marketable in carbon markets.
It uses MRV principles, satellite monitoring, and field measurements to quantify carbon stored in biomass and soil. It also aligns with international REDD+ standards, ensuring projects contribute effectively to climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation.
By following strict environmental and social criteria, this methodology enables transparent and reliable forest conservation project certification. It facilitates implementation of initiatives that reduce deforestation, protect ecosystems, and generate economic and social benefits for local communities.
How is emission reduction verified in the project?
The project is audited by independent entities that verify ecosystem conservation and emissions reduction using scientific methodologies.
Are independent audits conducted to verify the project’s impact?
Yes, the project is regularly evaluated by external auditors who verify compliance with conservation and emissions reduction objectives.
Transparency and regulation
How is transparency ensured in the sale of carbon credits?
Transparency in the sale of carbon credits issued through the BioCarbon Registry standard is ensured through:
- Registration and Certification of Carbon Credits
Every credit generated by the SAHBIO CARBONO project is registered on the BioCarbon Registry platform, ensuring each is unique, traceable, and verifiable. - Independent Audits
Validation and verification are conducted by certified third parties who audit compliance with the standard and methodologies. - Public Transparency and Monitoring Platform
All carbon credits are published in a public online registry, accessible to investors, buyers, and stakeholders. Transactions are documented to prevent double counting or misuse. - Community Monitoring and Local Governance
Local communities and stakeholders are involved in project management and monitoring. Benefit distribution is done transparently and fairly. - Periodic Monitoring and Reporting
Reports based on satellite monitoring, field measurements, and impact analysis are periodically produced and published. - Regulatory Compliance and Availability of Information
All credit sales comply with national and international standards. The project can provide all required documentation to landowners, buyers, and investors.
What is the PDD?
The Project Design Document (PDD) is a detailed document describing the objectives, activities, methodologies, and expected results of a GHG emissions reduction project. It is essential for project validation and registration under recognized carbon standards.
What is validation?
Validation is the process by which an independent entity confirms that the project’s design and planning meet the criteria and requirements of a specific carbon standard. It ensures the project is well-structured and capable of achieving the proposed reductions.
What is the OVV?
The Validation and Verification Organization (OVV) is an independent, accredited entity responsible for evaluating and certifying that an emissions reduction project complies with established standards and methodologies. The OVV conducts audits before, during, and after project implementation to ensure the accuracy and integrity of reported emissions reductions.
Carbon credit commercialization
Who can buy carbon credits from SAHBIO Carbono?
Any company, organization, or individual interested in offsetting their carbon footprint, declaring carbon neutrality, or even promoting carbon positivity for a product can purchase credits from SAHBIO Carbono.
How often will I receive carbon certificates?
The project spans 40 years starting in 2021. Certificates are issued each time a verification process is completed. Conservation of the participating areas and fulfillment of commitments are required to obtain these certificates.
How are benefits distributed?
The distribution of benefits is detailed in the official document signed by the parties, which defines the specific terms and conditions for fair allocation of resources and benefits obtained.
Environmental and social aspects
What are safeguards?
Safeguards are a set of principles and measures designed to ensure emissions reduction projects are implemented in a socially and environmentally responsible manner. In the context of REDD+, they ensure effective community participation, biodiversity protection, and respect for indigenous rights, among other elements.
What is the Wax Palm?
The Wax Palm is an emblematic and protected species in Colombia. In environmental projects, the “Wax Palm conservation category” refers to a designation granted to initiatives that implement specific activities for social development and biodiversity protection.
How often are verifications conducted?
Verifications may be done annually or over longer periods depending on project monitoring and performance. The exact frequency depends on compliance with requirements and the verification process of carbon credits.