CCB Proj Desc Eng 1821 20dec2018

CCB & VCS PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
CCB Version 3, VCS Version 3
CONSERVACIÓN DE LOS
ECOSISTEMAS Y EL ALMACÉN DE
CARBONO REGIÓN DE TRANSICIÓN
GUAYANO AMAZÓNICA ‘FLOR DE
INÍRIDA’
Compensation International Progress S.A. – Ciprogress Greenlife –
Mr. Germán Bernal Gutiérrez, Legal Representative
Conservación de los Ecosistemas y el Almacén de Carbono Región de

Project Title
Transición Guayano Amazónica ‘Flor de Inírida’
Version 5.0
Date of Issue 20-December-2018
Republic of Colombia, Department of Guainía, 11 Indigenous

Reservations:
- Almidón La Ceiba
- Bajo Río Guanía y Río Negro
- Caranacor Yurí Laguna Morocoto
Project Location - Coayaré El Coco
- Cuenca Media y Alta Río Inírida
- El Venado
- Cuenca Alta y Río Guainía
- Remanso Chorro Bocón
- Río Atabapo e Inírida
- Puerto Colombia, Ríos Cuyarí e Isana
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 1

- Tonina Sejal
Primary Contact:
Compensation International Progress S.A. – Ciprogress Greenlife –
Contact Name: Mr. Germán Bernal Gutiérrez, Legal Representative
E-mail: gbernalg@ciprogress.com
Ph.: +57 3 11 443 1167
Project Director
Contact Name: Mr. Henry Arellano Peña
Project Proponent(s) MsC. Biology, Dr. Biology, Specialist in SIG, DB and 3D
E-mail: harellano@nebiot.org
Ph.: +57 3 20 806 8308
Biomax S.A.
Contact Name: Mr. Jorge Humberto Arango Herrera, Legal Representative
E-mail: j.arango@biomax.co
Ph.: +57 1 379 8000
Prepared By Compensation International Progress S.A. – Ciprogress Greenlife –
TÜV NORD Cert GmbH

Contact Name: Mr. Stefan Winter
Validation Body
E-mail: swinter@tuev-nord-de
Ph.: +492018252392
Project Lifetime 01 January 2017 – 31 December 2116; 100 years
Crediting Period: 01 January 2017 – 31 December 2116; 100 years

GHG Accounting Period
Retroactivity: 01 January 2017 – 30 September 2018; 1 year 9 months
History of CCB Status There is no history related to CCB.
The project does not seek to be validated to the Gold Level for climate
Gold Level Criteria
change adaptation benefits.
Expected Verification It is expected to start the Initial Verification for the Retroactivity Period on
Schedule 2019 as soon as the project registration is achieved.

Table of Contents
1 Summary of Project Benefits ................................................................................................ 4
1.1 Unique Project Benefits ............................................................................................................................... 4
1.2 Standardized Benefit Metrics .......................................................................................................................9
2 General ................................................................................................................................. 13
2.1 Project Goals, Design and Long-Term Viability ........................................................................................ 13
2.2 Without-project Land Use Scenario and Additionality .............................................................................. 44
2.3 Stakeholder Engagement ............................................................................................................................ 51
2.4 Management Capacity ................................................................................................................................ 59
2.5 Legal Status and Property Rights ............................................................................................................... 68
3 Climate .................................................................................................................................. 82
3.1 Application of Methodology ...................................................................................................................... 83
3.2 Quantification of GHG Emission Reductions and Removals .................................................................. 119
3.3 Monitoring ............................................................................................................................................... 136
3.4 Optional Criterion: Climate Change Adaptation Benefits ........................................................................ 173
4 Community ......................................................................................................................... 173
4.1 Without-Project Community Scenario ..................................................................................................... 173
4.2 Net Positive Community Impacts ............................................................................................................ 203
4.3 Other Stakeholder Impacts ....................................................................................................................... 207
4.4 Community Impact Monitoring ............................................................................................................... 207
4.5 Optional Criterion: Exceptional Community Benefits ............................................................................. 209
5 Biodiversity......................................................................................................................... 210
5.1 Without-Project Biodiversity Scenario .................................................................................................... 210
5.2 Net Positive Biodiversity Impacts ............................................................................................................ 240
5.3 Offsite Biodiversity Impacts .................................................................................................................... 241
5.4 Biodiversity Impact Monitoring ............................................................................................................... 241
5.5 Optional Criterion: Exceptional Biodiversity Benefits ............................................................................ 242

1 SUMMARY OF PROJECT BENEFITS

1.1 Unique Project Benefits
Reference
Section
Outcome or Impact Estimated by the End of Project Lifetime1
1) Preservation of ancestral cultures of the people involved in the project activity:

It is estimated that by the end of the project lifetime the indigenous people recover
2, 4
their customs and habits according to its ethnic, such as dressing, housing, cultural
ceremonies, language, cosmovision, values, traditions and its idiosyncrasy.
2) Consolidation and reinforcement the indigenous government as well as social and
economic and cultural systems in the communities:
It is estimated that by the end of the project lifetime the indigenous people will
recuperate their ancestral transfer of knowledge to the youngest generations in order
2, 4
to preserve and optimize their social and economic systems according to its culture.
Also, it is estimated that by the end of the project lifetime the indigenous people will
recover its confidence in their authority and does not allow any kind of abuse of
authorithy from external entities/individuals.
3) The establishment of awareness of the true value of ecosystems and its biodiversity
to the society and the future generations, appropriation and alignment of principles,
values and policies of security and peace:
2, 4
It is estimated that by the end of the project lifetime the indigenous people incorporate
their social, economic and governance structures the key principles of human rights
and develop policies based in the continuous search of dignity for their children.
Benefits of the Governance Agreement Project
The “Conservación de los Ecosistemas y el Almacén de Carbono Región de Transición

Guayano Amazónica ‘Flor de Inírida’” (Ecosystem and Carbon Sink Conservation
Guayano Amazonic Transition Region ‘Inírida Flower’) Governance Agreement Project2
allows the creation of one or several surveillance corporate structures, transparent and 2,4
inclusive with a differential focus and administrator of the resources and profits of the
REDD+ project. The project is organized with the direct participation of the indigenous
reservations involved (Project Owners).
It has been involved a third-party independent party3 to accompany the project

developer site visits as an additional safeguard to the proper functioning of it, the
1 File: 14 Mega-Projects Summary

2 File: Indigenous – Developer Governance Agreements
3 File: Filmic Evidence – Site visits and early activities

constant assessment of this entity immediately generates an awareness of good

practices, which is the system's main anticorruption mechanism.
Also, it has been developed an Ethical Code which is signed by all the team members
and shareholders of the project developer, these documents are publicly available at
the Ciprogress Greenlife company website.
Benefits of the Soil Improvement Project
The project development will allow to4:
- Generate a detailed cartography (scale 1: 25,000) of the soil types present in the
project area and its region of influence has been generated, this is the first time that an
input of this level is available for an Amazonian region of Colombia.
2,4
- Generate an ultra-detailed cartography (scale 1: 5,000) of the types of soil present in
some productive regions of the project has been generated.
- Generate the necessary routes to maintain the productivity of the soils and their
recovery in a shorter than the required in natural conditions.
- Analyze the toxic activity of the soil types of the project which are naturally polluted
with the presence with the aim to seek to neutralize the toxic activity.
Benefits of the Fishery Project in the Basin of the ‘Orinoco’ River and the ‘Río
Negro’ River.
The project development will allow to 5:
- Establish of the guidelines required for the execution of a long-term strategic project
for the conservation and sustainable use of the fish resource in the Guayano-Amazon
transition region.
2,4
- Determine the bio-ecological, fishing, social and commercial problems to which the
research and productive activities of this project should be focused.
- Generate reliable fishery statistics of the extractive and consumption activities related
to ornamental fish species in the project area.
- Generate analysis of prospection and investment for the research and productive
activities of the project.
4 File: Soil Improvement & Cartography Development

5 File: Fishery project

- As a result of the studies and assessments, it will be developed and implemented a

fishery project to allow the population to improve its nutrition elements.
Benefits of the Lifecycles and Rhythmic Patterns Project related to Habits of the
Indigenous Reservations
- Identify the lifecycles and rhythmic patterns of habits in the territories under the project
at local, regional and transnational level.
- Identify, regionalize (develop a socio-economic cartography) and analyze energy

flows, material and symbolic activities as part of a systemic perspective of the habitat.
Based on the project’ unique approach, the aim is to recognize and respect intercultural
2,4
operational models, collective decision-making processes regarding strategic resources
and integrated management of the environment and the forest.
- Synthetize in a set of rhythmic patterns of life-activities (custom and habits) as well as

housing activities within a systemic perspective of the habitat, proposals and activities
of housing intervention are proposed with the current concepts and indexes of human
development (IDH), living conditions and empowerment of gender.
- Integrate knowledge of different habitat aspects, which will allow the appropriate
generation of civil and architectural works, according to the actual needs of the project
area.
Benefits of the Primary Health Care Project (with an intercultural and

ethnocultural approach)
- Generate an intercultural adaptation of primary health care in the project area, to

achieve this objective, the following aspects are essential: 2,4
- Development of individual characterization of the families involved in the project
activity;
- The active participation of the population directly involved in the project; and
- The adaptation of integrated and comprehensive methodologies, as well as
integrated strategies to the socio-cultural characteristics of the populations.
6 File: Habitat & Rhythmic Patterns

7 File: Primary Health Care

The aim of this project is to fight back diseases as malaria, HIV / AIDS, diabetes; also,
to improve/develop services such as: maternal and child health and mental health and
water and sanitation.
This project also includes the adaptation of care protocols according to the
epidemiological profile; the identification of the most common pathologies and risk
factors, and the incorporation of perspectives, therapies and ancestral medicines in
primary health care.
Benefits of the Biodiversity Characterization Project
From the knowledge of the biological wealth, the project development will allow to 8:
- Develop an inventory of biological diversity and promote research lines that leads to a
sustainable use, conservation and perpetuation of biodiversity (Rangel, 2013).
2,4
- Seek information related to the usage of the biodiversity for feeding and/or medicinal
purposes.
- Incorporate the biodiversity project to the generation of products for commercial, hand-
made products, medicinal products, and recovery of key species through the develop
of nurseries.
Benefits of the Water Treatment Systems Project
- Improve the quality of life of the population, through the potable water supply, installing 2,4
innovative, durable and energy-sustainable water treatment systems.
- Generate the primary information necessary to monitor and evaluate the impact of the
project within the quality of life and health system indexes.
Benefits of the Scientific and Ethnic Documentary Project
This project10 will generate a strategy to publicize the research and production activities
2,4
of the project activity, through the development of a series of documentaries in digital
cinema format, whose narrative treatment and high film quality aim to develop a better
understanding of the indigenous reservations’ scenarios pre and post project activity.
8 File: Biodiversity and Characterization

9 File: Water Treatment Systems
10 File: Scientific and Ethnic Documentary

Audiovisual products will seek to generate trust in the populations benefited by the
project activity, strengthen ties of cooperation and promote the territorial empowerment
of the indigenous reservations and its governance.
Thanks to the narrative versatility of the audiovisual language, it will be possible to

communicate in a didactic and categorized way the scientific information of the project
activity. In addition to this, the audiovisual base information will be generated to
enhance with reliable data the analyzes, impacts and environmental measurements,
necessary in the field research.
It also expected to develop the following project during the 30-years lifetime of the
project activity:
- Ethno-education (Traditional system);
- Means for transport, connectivity and territorial communication.
- Alternative renewable energy;
- Climate effects on the project activity;
- Cash system for daily/ordinary activities; and
- Recognition and reward system.

1.2 Standardized Benefit Metrics
Referenc
Section
Estimated by the End
Category Metric
e
of Project Lifetime11
Net estimated emission removals in the project area, Not applicable -

or removals
reductions
emission
measured against the without-project scenario

GHG
Net estimated emission reductions in the project 808,939,153 NER 3

area, measured against the without-project scenario
For REDD13 projects: Estimated number of hectares Total 3,408,186.15 Ha 2, 3
of reduced forest loss in the project area measured Project Area (PA):
against the without-project scenario 1,815,704.61 ha
Forest12 cover
Leakage belt (LB):

1,592,481.54 ha
For ARR14 projects: Estimated number of hectares of Not applicable -

forest cover increased in the project area measured
against the without-project scenario
Number of hectares of existing production forest land Not applicable -
in which IFM15 practices are expected to occurre as
Improved land
management
a result of project activities, measured against the

without-project scenario
Number of hectares of non-forest land in which Not applicable -
improved land management practices are expected
to occurre as a result of project activities, measured
against the without-project scenario
11 File: Standardize Benefits Metrics

:12 Land with woody vegetation that meets an internationally accepted definition (e.g., UNFCCC, FAO or IPCC) of
what constitutes a forest, which includes threshold parameters, such as minimum forest area, tree height and level of
crown cover, and may include mature, secondary, degraded and wetland forests (VCS Program Definitions)
13 Reduced emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD) - Activities that reduce GHG emissions by
slowing or stopping conversion of forests to non-forest land and/or reduce the degradation of forest land where forest
biomass is lost (VCS Program Definitions)
14 Afforestation, reforestation and revegetation (ARR) - Activities that increase carbon stocks in woody biomass (and
in some cases soils) by establishing, increasing and/or restoring vegetative cover through the planting, sowing and/or
human-assisted natural regeneration of woody vegetation (VCS Program Definitions)
15 Improved forest management (IFM) - Activities that change forest management practices and increase carbon
stock on forest lands managed for wood products such as saw timber, pulpwood and fuelwood (VCS Program
Definitions)

Referenc
Section
Category Metric
e
340 members of the 2.3.1

Total number of community members who are
communities (10%) will 4
expected to have improved skills and/or knowledge
be trained (i.e. Parcels,
resulting from training provided as part of project
delimitation, maintenance
Training
activities
and cleaning; GPS geo-
localization).
Number of female community members who are 170 (About 50% of the 2.3.1
expected to have improved skills and/or knowledge total member that will be 4
resulting from training as part of project activities trained).
Total number of people expected to be employed in At least 60 full-time jobs 2.3.1
project activities,16 expressed as number of full-time will be generated. 5
Employment
employees17
Number of women expected to be employed as a At least 50% of the full- 2.3.1

result of project activities, expressed as number of time jobs will be hold by 5
full-time employees females.
Total number of people expected to have improved 3,470 (100%) members 2, 4
livelihoods18 or income generated as a result of of the communities
project activities involved in the project
activity + 100% of the
project developer
Livelihoods
personnel.
Number of women expected to have improved 1,725 (49.71% of the 2, 4
livelihoods or income generated as a result of project total) female members of
activities the communities involved
in the project activity +
100% of the female
personnel of the project
developer.
Total number of people for whom health services are 3,470 (100%) members 2, 4
Health
expected to improve as a result of project activities, of the communities

measured against the without-project scenario involved in the project
activity + 100% of the
16 Employed in project activities means people directly working on project activities in return for compensation
(financial or otherwise), including employees, contracted workers, sub-contracted workers and community members
that are paid to carry out project-related work.
17 Full time equivalency is calculated as the total number of hours worked (by full-time, part-time, temporary and/or
seasonal staff) divided by the average number of hours worked in full-time jobs within the country, region or economic
territory (adapted from the UN System of National Accounts (1993) paragraphs 17.14[15.102];[17.28])
18 Livelihoods are the capabilities, assets (including material and social resources) and activities required for a means
of living (Krantz, Lasse, 2001. The Sustainable Livelihood Approach to Poverty Reduction. SIDA). Livelihood benefits
may include benefits reported in the Employment metrics of this table.
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Referenc
Section
Category Metric
e
project developer
personnel.
Number of women for whom health services are 1,725 (49.71% of the 2, 4
expected to improve as a result of project activities, total) female members of
measured against the without-project scenario the communities involved
in the project activity +
100% of the female
personnel of the project
developer.
Total number of people for whom access to, or 642 Boys 4
quality of, education is expected to improve as result 354 Young men
of project activities, measured against the without- 716 Girls
project scenario
331 Young women
Total: 2,033
Education
Number of women and girls for whom access to, or 716 Girls 4
quality of, education is expected to improve as result 331 Young women
of project activities, measured against the without- Total: 1,047
project scenario
Total number of people who are expected to 3,470 (100%) members 2, 4

experience increased water quality and/or improved of the communities
access to drinking water as a result of project involved in the project
activities, measured against the without-project activity.
Water
scenario
Number of women who are expected to experience 1,725 (49.71% of the 2, 4
increased water quality and/or improved access to total) female members of
drinking water as a result of project activities, the communities involved
measured against the without-project scenario in the project activity.
Total number of community members whose well- 3,470 (100%) members 3.4.2
Well-being
being19 is expected to improve as a result of project of the communities ,

activities involved in the project 4.1.1
activity.
19 Well-being is people’s experience of the quality of their lives. Well-being benefits may include benefits reported in
other metrics of this table (e.g. Training, Employment, Livelihoods, Health, Education and Water), and may also
include other benefits such as strengthened legal rights to resources, increased food security, conservation of access
to areas of cultural significance, etc.
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 11

Referenc
Section
Category Metric
e
Number of women whose well-being is expected to 1,725 (49.71% of the 3.4.2

improve as a result of project activities total) female members of ,
the communities involved 4.1.1
in the project activity.
Expected change in the number of hectares The project area: 5
managed significantly better by the project for 1,815,704.61 Ha
Biodiversity conservation
biodiversity conservation,20 measured against the

without-project scenario
Expected number of globally Critically Endangered Protection of 43 species 5
or Endangered species21 benefiting from reduced of plants, 16 fishes, 5
threats as a result of project activities, 22 measured amphibians, 7 reptiles, 14
against the without-project scenario birds and 54 mammals
that are currently
threatened in the region.
20 Managed for biodiversity conservation in this context means areas where specific management measures are
being implemented as a part of project activities with an objective of enhancing biodiversity conservation, e.g.
enhancing the status of endangered species
21 Per IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Species
22 In the absence of direct population or occupancy measures, measurement of reduced threats may be used as
evidence of benefit
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CCB + VCS PROJECT DESCRIPTION
2 GENERAL
2.1 Project Goals, Design and Long-Term Viability
2.1.1 Summary Description of the Project (G1.2)
The proposed project activity is the first initiative of ecosystems and carbon stock conservation
through the avoidance of deforestation resulted from land use change due to migration, illegal
mining, and climate change, that will be implemented in 3,408,186.15 ha23, in the department of
Guainía (Colombian Amazonic Region) characterized by having the second largest percentage of
indigenous population of the country (64.9%) and where 48 communities will benefit directly, with
668 families and 3,470 inhabitants24 of the dominant ethnic groups Kuripako and Puinave.
The social organization of the indigenous reservations is structured and legally constituted through
Independent Resolutions, for example:
Resolution No. 0083 for Atabapo (522,146 ha),

Resolution No. 0079 for Tonina, Sejal, San José and others (848.412 ha), and
Resolution No. 0082 for the Cuyarí and Isana Rivers (919.915 ha) dated 1989 (issued by the former
‘El INCORA’, currently known as ‘INCODER’25).
The following table shows the indigenous reservations and its area as included in the Governance
Agreement; however, it shoud be stated that the total area of the 11 indigenous reservations is not
included in the project activity, the project location coordinates and its corresponding area can be
found in the kml files.
Indigenous Reservation
Reservation Area (Ha)
Almidón La Ceiba 40,960
Bajo Río Guainía y Río
759,200
Negro
Caranacoa Yurí
45,840
Laguna Morocoto
Coayaré The Coco 11,840
Cuenca Media y Alta
2,762,500
Río Inírida
El Venado 34,160
Cuenca Alta Río
477,200
Guainía
Remanso Chorro
73,680
Bocón
Río Atabapo e Inírida 513,720
Puerto Colombia, Ríos
926,500
Cuyarí e Isana
Tonina Sejal 853,320
Table No. 1. Indigenous Reservations
23 File: Project Area

24 File: DANE, 2005 & Government Agreement & Community Agreements
25 File: INCORA, INCODER - Information
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 13

The territory of the project is embedded in a very special region of the Colombian Amazon, unique
in the world, characterized by representing about 40% of the transition zone between the
ecosystems of the Guyanese shield, whose distribution comes from Venezuela and part of Brazil 26
and of the region dominated by ecosystems with multi-stratified forests of the Amazon. Within the
region, it can be highlighted the influence of two large basins, the Orinoco River basin represented
in the North and Northeast of the project area and the Alto Río Negro basin represented in the
South and Southwest of the project area. This last basin is of great importance worldwide because
there are endemic vegetation patterns, which are developed under very humid climatic conditions,
oligotrophic soils, very acidic and on black, white and clear water systems (Aymard & Arellano,
2018)27.
The project area is located in the department of Guainía, limited to the North with the Department
of Vichada, through the natural demarcation of the Guainía River, to the South with the Republic of
Brazil, to the East with the border with the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, delimited by the
Atabapo, Guainía and the Upper Negro Rivers and to the West with the departments of Vaupés,
Guaviare and Vichada
The project is located in the Northeast sector of the Colombian Amazon in the UTM coordinates
(datum WGS 84-Zone 19 N 72-66 W) 446904.063 North, 187122,061 South, 368685.366 West and
687682.167 East28.
The project as a whole (project and leakage area) is over 3,408,186.15 ha.
The project is being implemented over an area of 1,815,704.61 ha, the leakage area is
1,592,481.54 ha, the leakage area represents 87.70 % without savannah formation29.
Given the pressure exerted by deforestation agents, mining, immigration land use activity, and the
imminent and demonstrated threat of land use change due to the dryness of the soil, increased
forest fires or excessive flooding (in extension and permanence) and from imminent climate
change, the project seeks to protect the native vegetation and ecosystem types of the area, in order
to prevent the effects of deforestation and forest degradation that lead to emissions of greenhouse
gases (GHG). It is sought through the implementation of socio-economic activities with the native
peoples of the area, the promotion of economic activities that are consistent with the conservation
of natural coverage and rapid and effective adaptation to climate change. In this project, illegal
mining30 activity is defined as the main direct threat and unplanned agent of deforestation and
degradation in the region, followed by the transformative effects of climate change.
In general, the project region is dominated by an exceptional state of conservation due to its large
preserved territories, due to the good management and adaptation of the indigenous communities
that inhabit there the environmental supply provided by these ecosystems. The forests are mostly
in a state of equilibrium or climax. However, the pressure and imminent threat present in the region
of Guainía is also present in the rest of the Colombian Amazon, where productive activities of a
business nature obtain access to land, usually through legal permits, forced occupation and illegal
26 Note: Brazil and Venezuela territories are not included in the project activities (Map)
27 File: Aymard and Arellano, 2018
28 File: Map Geocoordinates
29 Note: Refer to file No. 23
30 File: Mining Threat
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 14

obtaining of titles of property, which also find in this region cheap labor, low price of the land and
tax exemption or evasion. The profits generated by the exploitation of natural resources are not
reinvested in the territories from which they are obtained, keeping their inhabitants immersed in
poverty (0.03 of participation in the national GDP), unemployment (36.17%), malnutrition (6% of
children with chronic malnutrition), illiteracy (24.07%) and with limited access to other social and
health services (60.62% of people in NBI); forcing the indigenous population to accept gifts or perks
in exchange for the establishment of illegal activities in their territories, mainly crops and
laboratories for the processing of coca and illegal extraction of wood and gold (CGP, 2012, DANE
Bulletin, 2005; of Departmental Development, 2012, Geoamazonia, 2009) 31.
The main objectives proposed in the project in relation to climate, biodiversity and community are:
Climate:
- Reduce GHG emissions during the lifetime of the project (100 years), maintenance of carbon
stock reserves due to the avoidance of forest deforestation and degradation.
- Preserve over the time the microclimatic quality by controlling the deforestation and the
degradation of natural coverage in the project region.
- Contribute in the regional meso-climatic equilibrium and therefore worldwide, during the project
lifetime.
- Preserve the environmental service conditions, supplied by the natural coverage of the project
area.
Biodiversity:
- Preserve the ecosystems and therefore the habitat of multiple species, reducing the pressure
exerted by deforestation and forest degradation.
- Develop and preserve high conservation values and contribute to the expansion of scientific
knowledge about the biodiversity of the region.
Community:
- Design and implement productive alternatives that allow the adequate use of the soil of the
inhabitants of the project area. It seeks a significant improvement in their economic resources and
their quality of life.
- Promote the permanence of forests and their sustainable use by strengthening indigenous
governance.
- Strengthen the knowledge of the population about the multiple environmental services offered by
the natural coverage to the community and the world.
31 File: Baseline Scenario Information
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 15

- Safeguard the preservation of the culture, customs and traditional knowledge of the indigenous
people at least during the project lifetime.
Finally, it is emphasized that if the project activity does not occur, the territory would face an
unprecedented danger in the history of Colombia that would result in an increase in the degradation
and deforestation of these unique ecosystems in the planet. The urgency of the project is
represented by the threat to the region due to extractive/mining activity, in this case open-pit mining.
It is important to highlight that we do not prohibit any type of activity, the project is an open proposal
with different economic activities, it seeks that the communities understand and choose the
economic activities that really improve their quality of life and preserves the forest.
It is estimated an annual average and total GHG emission reductions of 8,089,391 tCO2, and for
the 100 years of the crediting period 808,939,153 tCO2.
2.1.2 Project Scale

Project Scale
Project
Large project x32
2.1.3 Project Proponent (G1.1)
The primary contact of the project proponents is:
Organization name Compensation International Progress S.A. – Ciprogress Greenlife – 33
Contact person Mr. German Bernal Gutiérrez
Title Operations President, Legal Representative
Address Carrera 15 No. 80-36 Office 404, Bogotá, Colombia
Telephone +57 3 11 443 1167
Email gbernalg@ciprogress.com
The following entity is also considered project proponent:
Organization name Biomax S.A. 34

Contact person Mr. Jorge Humberto Arango Herrera,
Title Legal Representative
32 Note: The project encompasses the large-project definition according to the criteria described in the VCS Standard
Ver. 3, section 3.9.1, (2) – greater than 300,000 tonnes of CO2 per year.
33 Link: http://www.ciprogress.com
34 Link: https://www.biomax.co
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Address Carrera 14 No. 99-33, Piso 9, Bogotá, Colombia
Telephone +57 1 379 8000
Email j.arango@biomax.co
2.1.4 Other Entities Involved in the Project
The 11 indigenous reservations are the owners of the territories (collective property) and
they have a co-responsibility towards the implementation of the project activity; however,
due to logistics reasons, they have agreed and authorized - in the Mandate Contract – to the
project developer to present the project for both parties.
Organization name 11 Indigenous Reservations (1 Legal Representative for the 11

indigenous reservations).
Contact person Mr. Albeiro Calero Cayoparé (Indigenous people)
Title Communities’ spokesperson
Address Inírida, Guianía Department
Telephone + 57 318 8393579
Email calero1_10@hotmail.com; representanteatabapo@gmail.com
The following comprises the 11 Indigenous Reservations involved in the project activity:
- Almidón La Ceiba
- Coayaré El Coco
- El Venado
- Tonina Sejal
The predominant ethnics group in the 11 Indigenous Reservations involved in the project activity
are the “Kuripako”, “Puinave”, “Piapocos”, “Cubeos”, “Tucano”, “Nukak”, “Wanano”, “Desano”,
“Piratapuyo” they are considered the ancestral inhabitants of the Amazon region, who for
generations have lived in harmony with the natural resources of the territories and the environment,
its main activities are hunting, fishing, agriculture and subsistence crafts hand-made. The largest
ethnic involved in the project activity are the “Kuripako” or “Kúrrin”, they represent the ancestral
communities of the Amazon region, they are traditionally located in the basins of the Isana, Guianía
basins of the Alto Río Negro in Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela.
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 17

Additionally,
There is a Framework Agreement35 signed between Ciprogress Greenlife and the Berg
Institute from Spain; the main objective of the agreement is to promote the participation of
the project owners and project developer in the academic programs organized by the
institute with the aim to generate an advanced knowledge exchange.
The agreement highlights the academic programs related to human rights in which the
project owner and developer36 may participate; however, it should be stated that the Institute
does not have any responsibility towards the project activity.
2.1.5 Physical Parameters (G1.3)
The following figure shows the project location and its geographic boundaries, the geodesic
coordinates are submitted in a separate file, also a summary of the geodesic coordinataes
has been included in the Geodesic Coordinates excel file37.
Figure No. 1. The project is located on Colombia in the south of the Guainia department, to west
the region limits with Vaupes department. The territory limits with Venezuela toward East and Brazil
35 File: Berg Institute – Ciprogress Greenlife Framework Agreement

36 File: Human Rights Program
37 File: Map – Project Location
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 18

to Southeast. (The brown area corresponds to the Natural National Reserve Puinawai, which is not
included in the project activity).
Topography (slope, aspect, geological features, etc.) 38:
The outstanding characteristics of the variables height, slope, direction and topographic
convergence index (TCI), related to the regional distribution of the current vegetation, are described
in this section for the project implementation region. The values were obtained through a query of
basic statistics by over-position between a vector layer and corrected and calibrated raster inputs.
All the intersected pixels (data) were evaluated.
Figure No. 2. Location of the topographic profiles used in the description of the outstanding
characteristics of the parameters such as height, slope, direction and index of topographic
convergence, also please refer to kml files.
17 profiles were drawn (Refer to Annex 1), which help to understand the distribution of the
parameters in the study region and allow to establish direct relationships with vegetation patterns
existing in the area. Transects one (1) and two (2) were located on the Atabapo shelter; the three
(3), four (4), five (5) and six (6) transects on the Tonina shelter; of these, profiles five (5) and six (6)
describe the characteristics of these parameters in the Serranía del Naquén. The seven (7) and
eight (8) transects were located in the Cuyarí reservation. The general profile nine (9), describes
the region with Southwest Northeast direction, the transects 10, 11 and 12 with Northwest and
Southeast directions synthesize the South, Center and North respectively, to finalize the profiles
(16) and (17) describe the characteristics of the parameters in the Serranía de Caranacoa within
the Cuyarí reservation.
Soil (mineral, organic, arable, upland, etc.)39:
The department of Guainía is part of the physiographic province Cratón Guayanés, although in
Colombia this classification is not taken into account as part of the natural division given its low
38 File: Topography Information

39 File: Soil Information
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 19

representation in terms of the area it occupies in the territory; some researchers distinguish it in
Physiographic Sub-province C, under the name "Escudo del Vichada, Guainía y Vaupés" given the
differences it presents in terms of landscape with respect to the Orinoquía and Amazonia region
(IGAC, 1999). In this sub-province, three different landscapes with their own relief and soil
characteristics which are differentiated. As follows, the relevant aspects of the soils of each of these
three landscapes are described in a general way, based on the IGAC study (1999) (Refer to Annex
2):
Great CM landscape: Residual relief with hills and low structural “serrania”, in sedimentary,
metasedimenites and Precambrian metavolcanites:
Great landscape CV: Minor alluvial plains and structural-erosional valleys of Amazonian rivers of
dark waters, which are born in the Colombian Craton. Meandering rectilinear.
Large CP landscape: flattening surfaces with structural control in the igneous-metamorphic

complex of Mitú. Precambrian.
Climate (including temperature, rainfall and seasonality) 40:
The air masses of the northern and the southern hemisphere converge in the so-called intertropical
confluence zone, where these two masses collide in such a way that the humidity collected in a
wide area that influence the Cancer and Capricorn tropics. This "shock" of masses generates high
cloudiness in this strip that is largely responsible for the high humidity present throughout the
Amazon region. The average annual rainfall in the project area is about 3000 mm per year, the
regime is unimodal, that is, there is a peak of precipitation between April and September, with
months of abundant rainfall and a dry season from November to February, months with a moisture
deficit. The latter are of ecological importance because they directly affect the reduction of water
retention both in soils and in plants and ecosystems. It presents an average temperature that goes
from 27° C towards the East of the department and of 25° C towards the West of the department
and registers a relative humidity of 83.5% (Rudas, 2009 in prep.). A detailed description of some
climatic aspects of the region is presented in the methodological development.
Hydrology41:
The Amazonian landscape is influenced mainly by the water transformation factor. In annual
seasonal cycles, rivers flood large areas and show their influence with floods that can reach up to
15 m in height (Kalliola & Puhakka, 1993). These floods provide and transport considerable
amounts of sediment and nutrients. The region where the project is located, Guayano-Amazon
transition region, is influenced by two large basins, the Orinoco and the Amazon. The first one
dominates the North of the region, where the sub-basins of the Guaviare, Inírida and Atabapo rivers
stand out, which deliver their tributaries to the Orinoco River. In this region, there is a place known
as the fluvial star of the Inírida, place recently declared as RAMSAR site owing to its hydric
importance. The Amazonian basin dominates the South Western region of the project area through
40 File: Climate Information

41 File: Hydrology Information
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 20

the sub-basin of the Guainía River, which delivers its waters to the Negro River and this in turn, to
the Amazon in Brazil. The influence of these two basins induces the biotic elements of each one to
converge in the area. Within the water classification present in the rivers of the Amazon, and
therefore in the rivers of the region of influence of the project, the color of its waters can be
highlighted. The rivers that are born in the Guayanés shield formations and in the wooded plain
present black waters and clear waters. The first ones are dark pigmented, thanks to the high
concentration of “humic” substances, which give the precious liquid a high acidity; It should also be
noted that the poverty of transported nutrients is due to the fact that they travel through substrates
with heavily washed soils and rocks, where several types of forest are established. The second
ones (the rivers of clear waters), are born in the extensive plains and savannahs with lack or low
dominance of multi-stratified forests, for which their waters are transparent and have a very low
concentration of nutrients and dissolved minerals. Other Amazonian rivers that, unlike the previous
ones, are born in the Andes mountain range, they are the so-called rivers of white waters, of milky
or whitish color.
Within these, are classified among others, the Amazon River, the Guaviare River, present in the
project area, the Caquetá River and the Putumayo River. These rivers are characterized by neutral
waters, high concentrations of suspended material and relative concentration of nutrients due to
the transport of material from the Andes mountain range (Lasso et al., 2011, Kalliola & Puhakka,
1993). Due to their extensive route and great flow, they are also characterized by the meandering
courses and the wide floodplains that they form. These large systems migrate and present a rapid-
dynamics, in such a way that when receiving the floods of the rainy season, they immediately
transform the beaches, dams, bars and basins of their course. It can be inferred that for thousands
of years, large water courses are continuously changing, and therefore are the main agent of
landscape transformation. In ancient times its course ran through places that today no longer flood,
but have left in their wake alluvial formations such as abandoned high terraces, marshes and
lagoons among other formations that are easily recognizable (Kalliola & Puhakka, 1993).
Types of vegetation42:
The information about the floristical composition and structure of the differents types of vegetation,
and the knowledge about biodiversity in the region where the project is located still continues with
a considerable degree of unawareness in relation to its size (like a great portion of the Amazon
basin).,. According to UNEP et al. (2009) the Amazon region has an estimated of flat surface of
818,796,500 ha. In Colombia, a large number of researches had been concentrated their research
efforts in specific regions, such as Araracuara, in the Middle Caquetá and Amacayacu National
Natural Park, located in the Department of the Amazon (Rudas, 2007), and lately in the Parque
Natural Nacional Serranìa de Chiribiquete (Càrdenas et al. 2017). For the region of the project and
its area of influence, the attempts to study the flora and vegetation are, limited however, stand out
the followings works: Córdoba (1995), Etter (2001), Rudas et al. (2002), Cárdenas et al. (2007b),
Cárdenas et al. (2007c), Cárdenas et al. (2009), Lasso et al. (2011) and Cárdenas et al., (2011).
Considering the importance of the project area, and the relative lack of knowledge about its
vegetationis a common situation found in many studies carried out in the Amazon region, where
the researchers must deal with this ausence of original information to study and define the forest
or non-forest units (UNEP, 2010). This generalization must be re-evaluated, since it incorporates
misinformation about the true types of coverage and leads to the loss of information on biodiversity,
42 File: Vegetation Information
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 21

heterogeneity, structure, floristical composition, and therefore the truly amount of carbon stored in
its biomass (Arellano -P., 2012).
Currently, the Amazonia represents the world’s most diverse rainforest, and it is also the region in
tropical America with the largest biodiversity (Gentry, 1988, Ter Steege et al. 2016, Cardoso et al.
2017, Dexter et al., 2017, Antonelli et al., 2018). Many regions inside the basin are not represented
by even a single collection, perhaps implying that many species distributions are still poorly known
and/or not well understood (Hopkins, 2007, Shulman et al. 2007, Cardoso et al. 2015). In addition,
a considerable number of endemics and rare species are found there (Zizka et al. 2018). No doubt
due by the environmental variables, the biographical history and the dispersal mechanism allow
assembly of unique habitats, such as numerous and diverse terra-firme and flooded forests growing
in white-sand and clay soils as well; the Amazonian Caatinga, and abundant plants communities
mixed of palms over black and white-water rivers vegetation (Alves Valles et al., 2018). A modern
ecological insight is that some Amazonian tree species are consistently more abundant than would
be expected from chance alone (ter Steege et al., 2013). An estimated 16,000 tree species make
up Amazonian forests, yet over half the stems belong to just 227 of them. This subset of
disproportionately common trees has been dubbed the ‘hyperdominants’ (ter Steege et al., 2013).
The contribution of rare species to this diversity has been recognized (Kenfack et al. 2007),
however their spatial distribution remains poorly understood (Zizka et al. 2018). To outdate this
information gaps must be necessary to continue increasing the amount of original data yield mainly
by the field expeditions, and consider aspects relevant to their high heterogeneity, in order to reduce
the uncertainty associated with the simplistic classifications of land cover, and the results generated
only by personal field observations. This avoid erroneous conclusions about this
complexecosystems (UNEP, 2010). In addition, is important to emphasize that, due to the
concentration of research in localities near of the populated or easily accessible centers, the
exploration to remote and unknown sites had been neglected, therefore the explorations in
thisareas are urgently required (Shulman et al., 2007). As we show in this document, the foregoing
indicates that existing information does not represent a valuable and accurate source for making
inferences inside of the project area.
Because the project area is part of the Amazon region, for the description of the existing plant
component begins with the general aspects of the entire Colombian Amazon region in a broad
sense, it continues with the types of forest and communities reported for the department of Guainía
and ends with a description of the vegetation of the area of influence of the project. As a result of
the review and analysis of available information on the vegetation component in the Amazon region,
a compilation of the plant communities described in different studies is presented (PRORADAM,
1979, Narvaez & Olmos, 1990, Toro & Saldarriaga, 1990; Andel, 1991, IGAC, 1993, Duivenvoorden
& Lips, 1993, Estrada & Fuertes, 1993, Duivenvoorden & Cleef, 1994, Prieto-C et al., 1995, Rangel-
Ch. Et al., 1995, Córdoba, 1995; Rudas-Ll., 1996, IGAC, 1996, Cárdenas-L. & Giraldo-Cañas,
1997, Cárdenas-L et al., 1997, Urrego, 1997, Rudas-Ll. & Prieto-C., 1998, Stevenson et al. al.,
1999, Miranda, 2000, Amaral et al., 2000, Rudas-Ll. et al., 2002, Villegas, 2003, Aymard et al.,
2006, Díaz et al., 2010, Etter & Córdoba, 2001; Colonnello et al., 2011, Stropp et al., 2011 and
Rangel-Ch. 2008) in which is discriminated by geo-form and vegetation types as shown in Annex
com_85 (Refer to Annex 3).
The vegetation of the Guayana Amazonian sub-region is variable in terms of its physiognomy and
floristical composition, the most important types are the numerous categories of the “Terra firme”
forests, the Amazonian caatinga forests (or Río Negro Caatinga), and abundant plants communities
mixed of palms over black and white-water rivers vegetation. Also, are frequent in this area the
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 22

shrubby formations over sandy solis, the riverside forests situated in the alluvial plains of the
channels and rivers, the forests in the mainland and the savannahs on white sands (Hubber, 1995,
Aymard, 1997, Prance, 2001: Aymard et al. 2009). Particularly in the Guainía, this physiognomic
variability, represented by mixed forests and savannas, is also presented (PRO-RADAM, 1979,
Córdoba, 1995, Prieto, 2001). The main forests of this sub-region are:
The heterogeneous “Terra firme” forests of medium to high size are located over the lowhills
(“lomerios”) on laterite material or clay solis. This vegetation units are ubicated in unflooded areas
near the rivers. These are used by the indigenous population to establish their settlements and their
agricultural systems kbown as “Conucos” or “Chagras”.
The forests of periodical to permanent "overflow" over black water are called "igapos". This
communities cover an important surface inside the project area. These forests are heterogeneous
with respect to the altitude of the terrain and the duration of the flood period and are unique in terms
of the floristical composition and structure.
Where the influence of the river is less, up to the edge of savannah-covered sands, the diameter
and height of the trees diminish considerably. there are the forests of natural dams, complex of
shore and yarumos (Cecropia spp.), vines, lianas and underdeveloped trees; and the forests of low
fertility permanently inundated (basins), which are characterized by having a poorly developed,
dispersed and poorly formed vegetation, with an abundance of palms, such as the palm
associations known as Cananguchales or Morichales (Mauritia flexuosa).
The savannas appear in the sands, a type of heterogeneous vegetation that groups different types
of vegetation. The arboreal savanna forests that are characterized by being dense, heterogeneous,
where the upper stratum reaches heights up to 30 m and its diameters oscillate between 30 and
40 cm; the low savanna forests contain vegetation with low density, whose upper layer has heights
up to 10 m and diameters between 10 and 14 cm, with straight stems and occasional epiphytes
and parasitic presence; the herbaceous savannas dominated by a lower stratum of Gramineas and
Cyperaceae (Prieto, 2001).
In representative sites of the geography of the Department, characterizations of the vegetation and
in general of the biodiversity have been made, which allow to describe in a preliminary way the
vegetation and to foresee the general characteristics of the forests that are in the project area. Next,
the vegetal communities that are located in the respective geomorphological units described for
these localities of Guainía are presented (Refer to Annex 4):
Geo-form: Flood-flat lands, including low terraces

Type of vegetation: Shrubs
Type of vegetation: Stumpy forests on white sands (caatingas)
Geo-form: High terraces

Type of vegetation: Stumpy forests on white sands (caatingas)
Geo-form: Dissected surfaces and non-floodplain planes

Type of vegetation: Stumpy forests
Type of vegetation: Terra firme forests
Geo-form: Granite residual hills

Type of vegetation: Shrub
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 23

Geo-form: Broken hills and mountains

Type of vegetation: Shrub
Type of vegetation: Shrub-grassland
Type of vegetation: Stumpy forests
Geo-form: Sheets
Type of vegetation: Shrub-grassland
Type of vegetation: Herbazales
Type of vegetation: “Rosetales”
In general, in the project area there are floodable and non-flooding places of riverbanks and high
plains, tall forests up to 18 m high, growing on alluvial plains with little presence of palms and low
epiphytism. Stumpy forests are also described on the banks of pipes, the alluvial plains, the middle
and lower terraces, and the edges of the savannahs; with structural characteristics of "varillales" of
5-8 m height with very thin arboreal elements. In addition, herbaceous vegetation is found in
wooded savannahs, shrub savannahs and open savannas, adjacent to pipes, in alluvial planes,
floodplains, alti-plain and denudation surfaces, with characteristics of good drainage to flood.
In order to obtain more detailed and relevant information for the project, a vegetation
characterization of the three indigenous reserves that are part of its area of influence will be carried
out, for which surveys will be carried out to measure the tree's dasometric parameters and
characteristics of the place, in representative places. With this information, both collected and
obtained in the field, the vegetation will be modeled to generate the different kinds of land use and
the distribution of the different types of forest in the project area.
GENERAL DATA OF YEAR (WITHOUT DETAILED

ÁREA (ha)
CLASSIFICATION) 2016
Forest dominance of Calophyllum brasiliensis (Calophyllaceae)

2065791.75
and Pagamea guianensis (Rubiaceae)
Forest dominance of Swartzia argentea (Fabaceae) and

Phenakospermum guianense (Strelitziaceae) established in 270298.25
alluvial plains
Dominance of scrub forests of Leptolobium nitens (Fabaceae) and

Tapirira guianensis (Anacardiaceae) in close proximity to outcrops 87863.50
of the Guayanes shield
Dominance of wooded hills of Humiria balsamifera (Humiriaceae)

540486.75
and Himathanthus articulatus (Apocynaceae)
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 24

Dominance of wooded savannas dominated by Platycarpum

orinocense (Rubiaceae) and Miconia aplostachya 939730.00
(Melastomataceae)
Dominance of wooded savannas dominated by Caraipa

savanarum (Calophyllaceae) and Maprounea guianensis 116410.75
(Euphorbiaceae)
Dominance of savannas of Axonopus schultesii (Poaceae) and

209175.75
Andropogon angustatus (Poaceae)
Dominance of savannas dominated by Schoenocephalium

cucullatum (Rapateaceae) and Guacamaya superba 48869.25
(Rapateaceae ) subject to periodic flooding
Outcrops of the Guayanes shield dominated by dominated by

Acanthella sprucei (Melastomaceae) and Aparisthiphium cordatum 12056.25
(Euphorbiaceae)
Deforestation presumably caused by little effects of climate

799.00
change in areas dominated by forest dominance
Deforestation without known strata 129.00
Deforestation in areas with forest dominance of the class 1 3995.50
Deforestation in areas with dominance of forests established in

9893.50
alluvial plains, class 2
Deforestation in areas with a dominance of scrub forests close to

32.00
outcrops of the Guayana shield, class 3
Deforestation in areas dominated by wooded hills, class 4 3161.50
Deforestation in areas with dominance of wooded savannas type I,

212.25
class 5
Deforestation in areas with dominance of wooded savannas type
11.50
II, class 6
Deforestation in areas with savanna dominance, class 7 2929.25
Deforestation in areas with dominance of savannas subjected to

767.25
periodic flooding, class 8
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 25

Deforestation in areas with Guayana shield outcrops, class 9 747.25
Degradation 86.50
Degradation in areas with forest dominance, class 1 4792.50
Degradation in areas with dominance of forests established in

3919.25
alluvial plains, class 2
Degradation in areas with dominance of scrub forests close to

88.25
outcrops of the Guayana shield, class 3
Degradation in areas dominated by wooded hills, class 4 1580.25
Degradation in areas with dominance of wooded savannas type I,

99.25
class 5
Degradation in areas with dominance of wooded savannas type II,
10.00
class 6
Degradation in areas with savanna dominance, class 7 267.75
Degradation in areas with dominance of savannas subject to

237.75
periodic flooding, class 8
Deforestation in areas with Guayana shield outcrops, class 9 88.00
TOTAL 4324529.75
Table No. 2. General data 2016
2.1.6 Social Parameters (G1.3)
The population estimate of some reservations in the project area for 2012, according to the Office
of Indigenous Affairs of the Government of Guainía is as follows43:
Reservation
Settlements Families Individuals
Group
Atabapo 14 235 1,620
Tonina 16 263 1050
Cuyarí and
18 170 800
Isana
Total 48 668 3,470
Table No. 3. Population estimates
43 File: Social Parameters
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 26

The following table shows the indigenous reservations involved in the project activity and their
ethnics:
Table No. 4. Ethnic Identification
The following table shows the economic activities by community and gender for the “Ríos Cuyarí e
Isana” reservation:
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 27

Table No. 5. Economic Activities
The following table shows the frequency income by community and gender for the “Ríos Cuyarí e
Isana” reservation:
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 28

Table No. 6. Income Frequency
The following table shows the socio-cultural information for the “Ríos Cuyarí e Isana” reservation
(number of inhabitants by gender, age category):
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 29

Table No. 7. Socio-cultural Information
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 30

The following table shows the education level of the inhabitants for the “Ríos Cuyarí e Isana”
reservation (number of inhabitants by gender, age category):
Table No. 8. Educational Level

For more information related to socio-cultural information refer to sections 4.1 and 5.1.
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 31

2.1.7 Project Zone Map (G1.4-7, G1.13, CM1.2, B1.2)
The following map show the project zone44 (The geodetic coordinates is submitted separately as a
KML file):
Figure No. 3. Map of project zone with high conservation value (HCV) areas marked,
Note:
- A detailed map with the communities’’ distribution settled between the project area and the
leakage belt has been included in the Maps file.
- Even when the project will generate a positive impact offsite the project area, it is not
realistic or possible to draw a map that quantifies an establishes a limit for that positive impact.
- Even when the project will generate positive impacts in other stakeholders, it is not realistic
or possible to draw a map that quantifies an establishes a limit for that positive impact.
44 File: Project Zone Map
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 32

- Even when the project will generate offsite biodiversity impacts it is not realistic or possible
to draw a map that quantifies an establishes a limit for that positive impact.
2.1.8 Stakeholder Identification (G1.5)
The Strategic Plan45 was developed under the training of a specialized third-party company, the
strategic plan is integrated of the following milestones:
- Company recognition;
- Strategic definition;
- From the strategy to the action; and
- Internal total alignment.
One of the key factors for the definition of the strategic plan was the identification of the relevant
stakeholders for the project activity, for this task an exercise was made based on the next steps:
1. Definition of criteria for stakeholders: significance, influence, approach and communication

method required;
2. Identification of stakeholders considering its interests, rights and activities;
3. Definition of the communication mechanism to each group of stakeholders;
4. Physical meetings with the stakeholders through several events held in presence of the
communities’ spokesman;
5. Establishment of joint commitments related to the project development.
6. Formalization of the joint commitments by written means.
2.1.9 Stakeholder Descriptions (G1.6, G1.13)
Through the implementation of our strategic planning and social responsibility programs, we identify
our stakeholders and the commitments acquired with them. These have been identified based on
the influence they have on the development of our activities.
All the involved parties are aware of the importance of partnerships with people, corporations,
companies, governments and others that share our interests, our holistic vision, our individual and
corporate values, and the spirit of the project activity, to achieve compliance with the proposed
objectives, guaranteeing a high quality and efficiency in the processes and ensuring benefits and
integral solutions for the parties involved.
With the participation of the stakeholders, we have been able to identify certain key aspects for the
development of our operations, related to national legislation against climate change, extractive
industries and issues related to the mega-projects in the region, among others.
The following represents the classification of the stakeholder groups:
1. Ethnic Communities (11 Indigenous Reservations) 46
Commitments:
45 File: Strategic Plan & Stakeholders Identification

46 File: Colombian Authority Recognition Resolutions
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 33

- To Contribute to the joint and inclusive creation of actual strategies that guarantee the
development and sustainability of communities respecting their autonomy, life plans, rights, cultural
differences and worldview.
- To keep a permanent communication framed in universal values and principles.
The indigenous reservations involved in the project activity are:

- Almidón La Ceiba
- Coayaré El Coco
- El Venado
- Tonina Sejal
All the communities from the 11 indigenous reservations will be subject to receive the benefits from
the potential VCUs income of the project activity.
2. Project Shareholders47
Commitments:
- Ensure active participation and sustainability, generate value and growth of the business through
responsible, ethical management and scientific rigor, based in the declaration of universal values.
3. The Colombian Authorities (National, Regional, Jurisdictional)48
Commitments:
- Serve as a source of consultation and scientific reference for the quality, detail and robustness of
the information and results generated.
- To provide original economic alternatives that contribute to the development and growth of the
country within the framework of respect for the political constitution and government institutions.
4. Society and Community49
Commitments:
- Actively participate in an interdependent relationship that contributes to the sustainable growth of
the host country, through the promotion of environmental protection activities and social and
economic development, which generate knowledge and awareness of the value of biodiversity and
its vital role in the welfare of future generations. Contribute to the knowledge of the biodiversity of
the national territory with dissemination and publication programs.
5. Human Talent and Family50
47 File: Shareholders structure

48 File: Colombian Authorities (Stakeholders)
49 File: Society and Community
50 File: Human Talent & Family
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 34

Commitments:
- Ensure job stability and professional growth of human talent through academic, research and
social participation, with economic, legal and fair compensation in a respectful, diverse and tolerant
space, contributing to the integral development of society and better living of their families.
6. Scientific and Academic Community51
Commitments:
- Contribute to the exchange of knowledge through the creation of participatory and inclusive
research spaces.
- Generate detailed information on the ecosystemic wealth of the pantropic zone through new
approaches, methodologies, mechanisms, tools and concepts about the current environmental
offer of our forests.
7. Opinion Leaders52
Commitments:
- Provide spaces and tools for the joint construction of strategies that help us effectively
disseminate, within a specific group, the knowledge generated by the company.
8. Strategic Alliances53
Commitments:
- Ensure corporate growth and progress in actions of reciprocal interest, through joint efforts making
the most of the human and material resources available to the parties.
9. Sectoral Scope Companies54
Commitments:
- Generate spaces to exchange information in search of future alliances.
- Respect them and recognize their knowledge, experience and seriousness as a sector related
company.
10. Customers & Suppliers55
Commitments:
- Guarantee that the products and services offered by the company meet the needs and generate
the complete satisfaction of the customers, through the application of innovation, research and
development in each of the processes.
- To create an adequate environment for strengthening and mutual growth, to generate lasting
commercial relationships framed within quality standards and ensuring compliance based on
principles.
2.1.10 Sectoral Scope and Project Type
51 File: Scientific and Academic Community

52 File: Opinion Leaders
53 File: Strategic Alliances
54 File: Sectoral Scope Companies
55 File: Customers & Suppliers
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 35

Sectoral Scope: 14
AFOLU Project Category: Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation
(REDD)
Activity Type: Avoiding Unplanned Deforestation and Degradation
Is the forest land expected to be converted to non-forest land in the baseline case, or
expected to be subject to authorized conversion to a managed tree plantation in the baseline
case?
YES – This is the case NO
Is the land legally authorized and documented to Is the forest in the baseline expected to
be converted to non-forest or a managed tree degrade by fuelwood extraction or
plantation? charcoal production?
YES NO, This is the case YES NO
Avoiding planned Avoiding unplanned Avoiding forest Proposed
deforestation/planned deforestation degradation project is not a
degradation VCS REDD
activity
currently
covered by the
Is part of the land non-forest land or with degraded forest?

YES NO, This is the case
Suitable for ARR No additional activity
2.1.11 Project Activities and Theory of Change (G1.8)
The project is not located within a jurisdiction covered by a jurisdictional REDD+ program.
Please refer to the “Theory of Change” excel file.
2.1.12 Sustainable Development
In Colombia, the National Climate Change Policy56 began its formulation in 2014 and since
then it has been proposed to articulate all the efforts that the country has been developing
for several years, and mainly since 2011, through the Colombian Strategy of Low Carbon
Development the National Plan for Adaptation to Climate Change, and the National REDD +
Strategy, among other initiatives, and adds new elements to strategically guide all efforts
towards compliance with the commitment acquired in the framework of the Paris
Agreement.
Its five strategic lines are based on the New Climate Economy, which was a global reference
exercise in which Colombia participated along with six other countries. For its definition, it
was considered that the cities may be considered as the engines of economic growth and
generate around 80% of the world's economic production and close to 70% of the world's
energy use and GHG emissions related to energy.
56 File: http://www.minambiente.gov.co
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 36

The main objective of the Climate Change Colombian National Policy national is presented
in the following key areas:
1. Low carbon and climate resilient rural development;

2. Low carbon urban development and climate resilience;
3. Low-carbon, climate-resilient mining and energy development;
4. Development of strategic infrastructure low carbon and climate resilient;
5. Management and conservation of ecosystems and their ecosystem services for
development.
On October 10th 2016, Colombian planned to increase its objective of GEI emission
reductions from 20% to 30% to be achieved on 2030, this will depend on the population
commitments and the strengthen of the relationship between the institutions private and
public.
The proposed project activity contributes to achieve the Sustainable National Priorities,
specificallyin the related to "5. Management and conservation of ecosystems and their
ecosystem services for development, , considering that the proposed project activity is the
largest ecosystem and carbon stock conservation project in Colombia.
2.1.13 Implementation Schedule (G1.9)
Date Milestone(s)57 in the project’s development and implementation
04-05/2011 Approach
08/2011 Signature of Mandate Contracts
08/2011 Study of pre-feasibility
09/2011 Feasibility study
03/2012 Project idea note (PIN)
03/2012 Notification of the project to the state authorities
12/2012 Participatory Rural Diagnosis (DRP)
04/2014 Plots and quantification of the carbon stock
08/2015 Signing of the Governance Framework Agreement
11/2016 Construction of a route document and implementation for the

conservation of ecosystems and carbon storage (R.I.C.E.A.C) – (PD)
12/2016 Decision to start the monitoring tasks on 01/01/2017 (Project Start
Date)
57 File: Project Implementation
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 37

2.1.14 Project Start Date
The project start date has been determined as: 01 January 2017 58
Project activities began on January 1st, 2017, with the Implementation and Monitoring Plan, in which
are described the activities and tasks which are to reduce deforestation and the consequently
generation of greenhouse gases.
The initiation of the Implementation and Monitoring Plan was formally agreed with the Indigenous
Reservations, according to the signed “Start Date of the Project Activity Agreement” signed on
December 5th, 2016, signed between the Project Developer and the Spokesperson of the
Indigenous Reservations involved in the project activity; according to this agreement, the
Implementation and Monitoring Plan start date was set on January 1st, 2017.
On January 1st, 2017, the following activities were launched:
1. Activation of the Internal Reference Group – according to the Governance Agreement;

2. Activation of the External Reference Group – according to the Governance Agreement;
3. Activation of the Scientific-Technical Monitoring;
4. Activation of the monitoring and generation of inputs with the ratio 1:10000;
5. Activation of Mapping of Land Cover, incorporating of high-resolution regional satellite images
with timely information on vegetation;
6. Activation of the monitoring of the project activity parameters;
7. Activation of the Communication and Information Plan;
8. Activation of the Training Program; and
9. Activation of the governance elements for the monitoring of the project activity, including the
responsibilities related to:
(i) the project activity documentation elaboration and dissemination, and
(ii) the administration and management of the project activity resources.
From 2011 – 2016, the project developer and the indigenous people performed early
activities, such as:
1. Legal Structure: Governance Framework Agreement development and signing;

2. Project socialization;
3. Documents translation to Kuripako;
4. Communication
5. Feasibility studies;
6. Participatory Rural Appraisal;
7. Technical studies;
8. Training for the project monitoring.
It was by the end of 2016 when the project baseline study was concluded and the people
involved on the project activity completed their training for the monitoring tasks; it was
agreed between the project developer and the indigenous representatives (through the
spokesperson).
58 File: Project Start Date
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 38

2.1.15 Benefits Assessment and Crediting Period (G1.9)
Crediting Period: 01 January 2017 – 31 December 2116

Total years: 100 years
Retroactivity: 01 January 2017 – 30 September 2018; 1 year 9 months.
2.1.16 Differences in Assessment/Project Crediting Periods (G1.9)
Baseline Re-Assessment: Every 10 years.

AFOLU Requirements Verification Assessment: At least every 5 years.
The climate adaptative capacity and resillience, community and/or biodiversity assessment: At least
every 5 years.
Credting Period: 100 Years
2.1.17 Estimated GHG Emission Reductions or Removals
Note: for the annual calculation, please refer to the Emission Reductions Calculation
Spreadsheet.
Estimated GHG emission

Year reductions or removals
(tCO2e) NERREDD+
Total estimated ERs 808,939,153
Total number of crediting 100
years
Average annual ERs 8,089,391
2.1.18 Risks to the Project (G1.10)
Risk Focus Specific Activities Atabapo Tonina Isana

 Strengthening the
indigenous Authority
through the training of
Captains.
 Installation or
improvement of tele
Fragility of the
communication means for
Indigenous Organizational
the most remote
Authority and Strengthening for
communities of the Isana x x x
lack of control the Indigenous
River.
over the Authority
 Formation of control
territory.
groups for the territory and
monitoring of ecosystems.
 Physical delimitation of
the reservations.
 Socialization of the
geographic boundaries of
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 39

the reservations with

authorities and local
grassroots organizations.
 Establish and support
the articulation of issues
related to land use between
indigenous authorities and
regional and national
authorities.
 Improvement of
agricultural production with
species that adapt to soil
conditions and are not
Food insecurity
demanding with labor
and lack of
Programs that (Marañón, Seje and rubber
sources of
guarantee food among others)
employment
sovereignty and  Implementation of x x x
and income
income livestock production
generating
generation. projects such as fish
activities at the
farming for ornamentation,
family level.
fish farming for food and
zoo breeding of
commercially available
endemic species.
 Technology
achievements for the
production of “conucos” to
improve yields without
increasing the need for
labor.
 Establishment of
closed schedules for
hunting and fishing.
Continuation of
 Production and support
Food insecurity
for the commercialization of
and lack of
local handicrafts to regional,
sources of
national or international
employment x x x
markets.
and income
generating  Generation of collection
activities at the and marketing centers for
family level. agricultural products in
Inírida and other trade
centers.
 Generation of small
processing centers for
agricultural products that
can be sold with an added
value of transformation
(dehydrated or pulped
pineapple).
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 40

Develop contacts for the

commercialization of
ornamental fish
internationally to improve
the performance of this
activity.
 Improvement of the
health service through
activities coordinated with
the Ministry of Health for
construction and provision
Lack of health
of health centers.
services near
Improvement of  Coordinated training
the most x x
Health services. with the Ministry of Health
populated
to local health promoters
centers.
with an integrative
approach
 of indigenous
traditional knowledge and
modern medicine.
 Training of ethno-
Difficulties for Facilitate access educators resident in the
access to to higher levels of indigenous area. x x x
education. education  Expansion of school
coverage.
Community
housing and
infrastructure
are in a  Introduction of durable
Improvement of
precarious state materials in homes.
housing x x x
due to the lack  Improvement of
infrastructure
of durable community infrastructure.
construction
materials over
time.
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 41

 Generation of spaces
Loss of culture
Recovery of for the teaching of ancestral
and ancestral
ancestral knowledge and awareness
knowledge,
knowledge and with the natural capital of
related to oral
culture, related to the region. x x
tradition and
oral tradition and  Provision of resources
the use of
the use of forest to elderly ethno-educators
forest
resources. for the transmission of
resources.
traditional knowledge.
 Community nurseries
of disappeared species and
Reforestation with native
species (timber and fruit
Recovery of trees) close to the
Disappearance
species that have communities and on the
of productive
disappeared due banks of the bodies of
species that
to overexploitation water. x x
were previously
from the outskirts  Activities that allow the
close to the
of the Zoocría of endemic species
communities.
communities. in a sustainable way and
establishment of direct
marketing channels that
allow to improve the
income.
Improvement in
 Construction of sanitary
access to
Installation and units at family level.
drinking water
maintenance of  Construction of
and basic
infrastructures for sustainable community x x
sanitation
drinking water and aqueducts with service and
infrastructure at
basic sanitation connection at the domestic
the domestic
level.
level.
Support programs  Incentives for the

Other problems x
for the elderly elderly
Table No. 9. Project Risks
A complete Climate and Biodiversity Analysis has been delivered and made available to the DOE:
To evaluate the importance of the regional rainfall and the soils types to predict the tree height and
species distributions for the Eastern Amazonian forests of Colombia, and to increase thoughtful of
the potential alterations under the current climate change scenario.
The data analyses were based on calibrations thought artificial neuronal net (ANN) recurrent of
back propagation to the media total annual rainfall, performed use the CHELSA (Climatologies at
high resolution for the earth’s land surface areas) data of downscaled model output temperature
and precipitation estimates of the ERA-Interim climatic reanalysis to a high resolution of 30 arc sec.
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 42

The precipitation algorithm incorporates orographic predictors including the physiographic

information, with a subsequent bias correction.
The very poor drainage seems to be the main factor determining the differences in tree height and
floristic composition among the forests of the study area. The results pointed out the presence of
medium to shorter trees in the Amazon Caatinga forest on poorly drainage sandy spodosols and
higher annual rainfall from the tall trees in the Terra firme forest in Ultisol and Oxisol with moderate
to poor drainage and relatively high annual rainfall. The forest structural characteristics varied on
the different soils drainage, consequently, the canopy and mean tree height decreased in the very
poorly drained spodosols. The frequency of large trees (dbh > 80 cm, over 30 m high) is low in the
terra firme forest located in the Upper Rio Negro basin. In contrast, all forests types mentioned had
a large number of smaller trees that defined the forest structure. The absence of more large trees
in this area may be due to the lower soil fertility, poorly drainage, the low canopy stature, and the
high density of stems. Maybe, the resilient control of species ranges by edaphic features might
reduce species abilities to track appropriate climate conditions under a possible drought-increase
scenario.
The climate models consistently predict extensive warmer and drier conditions by the end of the
21st century in the Amazon basin. One the most environmental changes (that is in continuous
examination and concern) is how will respond the vegetation in the Amazon basin during prolonged
dry periods or droughts. Two trends had been set up the discussions about this issue, if the drier
climate continue this will allow the expansion of transitional dry forests and woody savannah-like
states an expense of rainforest or in contrast, the Amazon forest’s response to a drying regional
climate and not become savannah during prolonged dry periods. Most of models project are
predicted severe replacement forests by savannah at least the Southern and Eastern areas of
Amazon basin. A climatic model was implemented to perceive the vegetation changes in the
Eastern Amazonian forests of Colombia in the next 100 years.
A second replacement event will take place in this region from Caatinga Amazonica or forested
Campinarana to the shrubland (Banas, or low Campinas), to extensive and continue area of
savannas of white sands (a region predominant by hydromorphic Spodosols (Quartzipsamments)
soils) between 2076 and 2116. This savannah-type of ecosystem may result from the not
resiliences responses of the scrubby vegetation and the forest cover alone. However, the complex
relationship among logging, mining, clearing and drought might drive this portion of the Amazon
forest towards such significant transition.
In the other hand, it is expected to make the project benefits permanent and keep the
improvements in the quality of life of the involved indegeous people beyond the lifetime
through the implementation of the 14 mega-projects.
2.1.19 Benefit Permanence (G1.11)
The 14 mega-projects ultimate objective is to secure the permanence of the project activity benefits,
the priorization of these mega-projects is decision of the indigenous people, this should be followed
by procedure according to the Governance Framework Agreement.
The following are the 14 mega-projects considered to be developed through the carbon credits
benefits, the income from the VCUs sale is intended to fund the 14 mega-projects, the percentage
of the benefits participation with the project developer is stated in the Governance Framework
Agreement.
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 43

The 14 mega-projects59 included in the Governance Framework Agreement are:
1. Governance support: Capacity Building Program

2. Characterization of biodiversity (Food sovereignty).
3. Fish in the Orinoco Basin and Río Negro (Food Sovereignty).
4. Systems for water treatment (Food sovereignty).
5. Ethno-education.
6. Vital cycles and rhythmic room patterns in the indigenous reserves (Housing - Sewerage -
Habitat).
7. Means of transport, connectivity and territorial communication.
8. Health with an intercultural, ethno-cultural focus, for the indigenous population of the
communities in the indigenous reserves.
9. Media, scientific and ethnic documentary.
10. Alternative and renewable energies.
11. Climate effect on the REDD + project
12. Soil improvement (food sovereignty).
13. Box for small activities.
14. Recognition and rewards system.
2.1.20 Financial Sustainability (G1.12)
The only income for the project activity comes from the VCUs sales, the following table shows the
cashflow (including the early implementation activities):
For a detailed cashflow, referto file: “Financial Analysis – Simple Cost”.
100% of the costs related to the early implementation activities were contributed by the
shareholders of the project developer 60.
2.1.21 Grouped Projects
Not applicable. The project does not constitute a grouped project.
2.2 Without-project Land Use Scenario and Additionality
2.2.1 Land Use Scenarios without the Project (G2.1)
Considering that the baseline scenario is the same as the conditions existing prior to the project
initiation, please refer to section 3.1.4 (Baseline Scenario).
As several places over the Amazon region, there are several threats waiting for reecking havoc
over the ecosystems and indigenous communities in this important region in the world. We could
classify these threats, in those caused for climate change and those caused for the current
economic model, that it has a huge responsibility in the climate change principally for the change
on the use of the soil (deforestation and degradation of forest). In this sense without the project
the indigenous community would be mainly fighting against the dreadful aftermaths from the current
extractive economic model planned for the territory (in other words, opencast mining, population
59 File: 14 Mega-projects
60 File: VCU Sales
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 44

increase, capacity charge increase, new diseases, prostitution and obviously deforestation and
degradation of ecosystems and hydric resources), with hardly few legal tools for undergoing many
outrages from several actors that they are looking for the richness that this huge territory keeps
hiding under its fragile soils. Furthermore, without the project this territory would suffer the complete
aftermaths owing to the climate variability caused for the global warming. Under this reality it is
almost impossible to justify a different scenary without a project as here is presented. Maybe it is
possible too a scenary with the middle of the territory undergoing to opencast mining, but in this
scenary it will not be possible under the current technology and any case to restore the complexity
of the ecosystems, this in spite of the fact that there are several advances for achieving this goal.
For this reason, this project was designed with this insight because we are convinced that for saving
the forest it is not enough the sign political agreements for making national protected areas at least
in this part of the world. In this sense we have spotted up three dangerous threats that are going to
worsen the degradation and deforestation in the region, these are non-legal mining other extractive
activities, the climate change and the increase of the capacity of charge on the soils but the latter
for the flow of money not for causing the environment offer. Based on Arellano (2018) we are sure
that if we won't be able to develop new technologies for this territory, these ecosystems are going
to be under a real jeopardy to disappear. For this reason, this project looks for becoming in a real
source of primary knowledge for the tropical region in the world.
2.2.2 Most-Likely Scenario Justification (G2.1)
About the opencast mining, it is only enough to see toward several examples national and foreign
for spotting up the afthermaths with this kind of activities. For instance, in the foreign frontier on the
East border (Venezuela and Brazil) of the project territory for making evident the dreadful
aftermaths of this driver of deforestation and degradation.
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 45

Figure No. 4. Examples in Colombia. Chocó case, Increase in illegal mining and its implications:
water pollution, deforestation, loss of biodiversity and social order problems.
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 46

Figure No. 5. Examples in other countries neighbor of Colombia where a huge amount of soil has
been lost. The case on the project region is worst due the fact the deeper soils only reaching a few
meters in some cases less than one meter of depth.
a) Climate Change Driver
Based in Arellano (2018), who has published an informative paper in

http://unperiodico.unal.edu.co/pages/blog/detail/amenazas-sobre-la-amazonia-un-llamado-a-
pensar-fuera-de-la-caja/ and that we are going to let us quote textually, for making evidence about
the necesiy of developing this kind of project:
“Two public events in the Science Advances journal have caught my attention in the last few
months. In the first, they shown us a global scenario about the variability of the data regarding the
world temperature, caused by climate change. In the study are presented the results of the
correction and calibration from the climate records available from 1850 until the present and used
in around 37 mathematical models to simulate the variability of the planets temperature since 2100,
extending the results until the 2300 and relate these results with the available global economic
information.
The conclusions of that study are discouraging, not only because the most adverse effects will be
reflected on the developing countries, but also because it is predicted that the region with the
highest rise in temperature will be the northwestern region and the Amazon central. The authors
warn about the imminent drop in the soil moisture that will force the region to bear with a limited
water regime dominated by the shortage, an imbalance in the evaporation process and the plants
moisture and consequently an additional cause for the economic and social imbalance of the
territory (Bathiany et al. 2018).
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 47

The second event, very related to the last, and previously publicized as an editorial note, warns
about a maximum permitted area for the deforestation in the amazon that should not exceed 20 to
25 percent of the original coverage (according to different sources that number has already
exceeded both digits and is around 17 percent). At that point, the water connection between the
Andes, the Amazon and the Atlantic will have become unsustainable, given that close to half of the
systems water comes from the regulated feedback processes from the ecosystem systems in the
area, this is again thanks to the phenomenon of evaporation and transpiration. (Salati et al. 1979,
Lovejoy & Nobre, 2018).
Considering the above, it’s worth reflecting on the increase in the deforestation of the Colombian
rainforest, especially in Caqueta, Putumayo and Guaviare. For example, regarding the latter, at the
start of 2019, it was reported that in only 10 days 24 fires destroyed more than 2.600 hectares.
It’s important to note the existence of a mutual relationship between the evaporation variables,
increase in temperature, environmental offer, change in land use, degradation, deforestation, and
natural threats of greenhouse gasses. To better understand this last point, I present one of the
discoveries about the percentages of greenhouse gases taken from my doctoral work in 2012.
For each of the components calculated in 2010 as responsible of climate change (in 2018 the official
advances in this respect are kept proportional) that generate greenhouse gases according to the
Intergovernmental Panel of experts on Climate Change (IPCC), we realize that the generation of
energy and transport are the human activities that make up the greatest percentage of the total
amount of greenhouse gasses released to the atmosphere by man.
The registered data between 1996 and 2010 about the change of land use (deforestation and
degradation) indicate that the percentage for this component is found between 14 and 15 percent,
creating a record in 2000 with 18.2 percent.
Regarding the carbon quantification component caused by deforestation in the tropics, it is said to
be registered between 10.49 and 10.3 passing a value of 18.3 percent. Some authors indicate that
this value is closer to 20 percent. With the results obtained from my work, I found that only through
concept of a better method for the quantification of carbon that it introduces biological
distinctiveness and morphologic differences of vegetation, this without taking into account the error
that exists in the majority of cartography in tropical countries to quantify the deforestation and the
deterioration or other phenomenons of internal ecosystem dynamics in the territories, one must
take into account that this value is actually found between 26.15 and 32.6 percent, which places
the deforestation in the tropics as the main cause of the greenhouse effect and climate change, as
it would exceed the calculated amounts for transport and power generation.
Essentially, as a result of the tropical degradation and deforestation, there would be 3 scenarios to
constantly maintain the new range between 26.15 and 32.6 percent. The first would be functional
if the rest of the greenhouse gas compartments were well measured; this would imply that the
quantity of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere should be greater than it is currently reported.
The second would be functional if the amount of carbon remains the same; For this to happen, the
agents responsible for greenhouse gases different from deforestation and degradation in the tropics
would be poorly measured, which means that they should report lower values than those officially
registered, which of course would confirm deforestation and degradation as one of the main agents
accountable for generating greenhouse gases.
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 48

The third possibility is that both situations present unmeasured variables, which would imply an
uncertainty regarding the causes of greenhouse gases.
Figure No. 6. Scenary take from Bathiany et al. 2018 where we can appreciate the region that it is
going to be undergoing to a huge increase in the climate change events in the next 50-100 years.
2.2.3 Community and Biodiversity Additionality (G2.2)
During the first Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) 61, carried out in 2011 with the indigenous
communities of the project, it was established that the most viable mechanism to ensure the
equitable distribution of the benefits of the sale of the carbon credits received by the indigenous
reservations would be through the development of social investment megaprojects that responded
to the priorities expressed by the majority of the beneficiary population. These priorities not met
and expressed by the community were established through participatory methodologies in which
the participants, in a democratic vote, defined their needs and future projections of these social
variables.
From the analysis of the information collected by the Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA, 2013) and
the pilot activity – of awareness in the territory (Isana-Cuyarí Social Expedition, 2015) –, the
following topics for the megaprojects were defined with the community:
1. Organizational Strengthening of the Indigenous Authorities.

2. Recovery of species of use near the community.
3. Food sovereignty.
4. Drinking water.
61 File: Community and Biodiversity Additionality
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 49

5. Ethno-education: I work with children and young people.

6. Housing infrastructure.
7. Health.
8. Generation of family income through employment.
9. Cultural recovery.
Due to the large area of the project area and in order to adequately plan the necessary activities
adapted to the different offers and physical environmental characteristics, as well as to the
fundamental needs of each settlement. It resulted in the joint approach (principal and agent) of the
following project lines called Mega-projects, all to be carried out in the field in different phases of
the project. The decision and order of the implementation is defined under the decision of the
general assembly and the execution of each activity rests with the Project Council. (Body created
and implemented to give governance to the project).
1. Governance support: Capacity Building Program

2. Characterization of biodiversity (Food sovereignty).
3. Fish in the Orinoco Basin and Río Negro (Food Sovereignty).
4. Systems for water treatment (Food sovereignty).
5. Ethno-education.
6. Vital cycles and rhythmic room patterns in the indigenous reserves (Housing - Sewerage -
Habitat).
7. Means of transport, connectivity and territorial communication.
8. Health with an intercultural, ethno-cultural focus, for the indigenous population of the
communities in the indigenous reserves.
9. Media, scientific and ethnic documentary.
10. Alternative and renewable energies.
11. Climate effect on the REDD + project
12. Soil improvement (food sovereignty).
13. Box for small activities.
14. Recognition and rewards system.
It is clarified that everything concerning penalties as stipulated in the Governance agreement will
depend 100% on indigenous autonomy. The project for the conservation of the ecosystems and
the carbon storage, does not prohibit or sanction the activities that have been carried out in the
region, its conception is based on the awareness to the communities of the importance of the forest
conservation.
The 11 Indigenous Reservations involved in the Project Activity have legal autonomy as per the
Constitution of Colombia, these are constituted through the legal Resolutions; however, the
Colombian Government at national level can issue permits for the mining activities due to the
Government Interest in Extraction Economic Activities.
The only restriction that the companies that have received permits, is that the Indegenous
Authorities have not permitted its entrance to their territory by not issuing approval for the mining
activities.
The mega-projects and the project implementation itself aims to strengthen the Indigenous
Reservations Governance and avoid the extractive economic activities, generating true economic
activities with the objective to conserve the ecosystem and the carbon stock, together and in
armony with their life-plans.
2.2.4 Benefits to be used as Offsets (G2.2)
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 50

Any distinct community and biodiversity benefits is intended to be used as offsets.
2.3 Stakeholder Engagement
2.3.1 Stakeholder Access to Project Documents (G3.1)
All documentation and its dissemination, discussions and products from the development and
implementation of the project is regulated and protected through the Governance Framework
Agreement on governance and the means of communication of the governance structures
established there for the project. In addition to this, all the activities carried out in the project are
hand in hand with the design of local activities which are focused on the creation of educational
conditions, training and incorporation of scientific and technological progress that make possible
the transformation of productive structures of the region in a framework of progressive social equity.
A summary of the provisions included in the Governance Framework Agreement62:
- There is a spokesperson who is elected through the communities’ vote, who is the liaison between
the communities involved in the project activities and the project developer;
- The spokesperson is responsible to attend the ordinary and extraordinary meetings of the
indigenous people to inform (in its own language) about the project status and its documents.
- The spokesperson is responsible to translate all the project documentation to the “Kuripako”
language, and in a joint task with the project developer explain and supply training to the
communities’ members;
- The project developer is responsible to supply in timely manner and at every request issued by
the communities’ representatives, the project documents in Spanish language;
- The project developer is responsible to support the communities’ members to develop the most
appropriate means to enable the communication between the parties; including but not limitative:
written communication, phone booth cards, satellite phones, etc.
For transparency purposes, the project developer will also make available a link at its website to
allow the stakeholders request the project status.
2.3.2 Dissemination of Summary Project Documents (G3.1)
All documentation and its dissemination, as well as discussions and products from the project
development and implementation are regulated and protected through the Governance Framework
Agreement63, the agreement also set the means of communication for the internal and external
governance structures.
In addition to this, all the activities carried out in the project are also communicated mouth-to-mouth,
and documentation delivered hand-to-hand within the communities through the spokesperson
and/or communities’ leaders, up to now there is no electronic mean available for the communities.
62 File: Stakeholders Engagement

63 File: Governance Framework Agreement
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 51

The main mechanism for the project documents (summary and/or full versions) dissemination is
based in the liaison between the spokesperson elected by vote by the communities and the project
developer.
The spokesperson is bilingual Kuripako -Spanish, this person is in the position to communicate
directly with the communities’ leaders – including the council – by written and/or spoken means.
2.3.3 Informational Meetings with Stakeholders (G3.1)
Through the Mandate Contracts establishes the

Describe informational meetings with communities and local stakeholders and how they were
publicized
2.3.4 Community Costs, Risks, and Benefits (G3.2)
The Mandate Contracts64 establish and describe in detail the potential costs, risks and benefits to
communities, to achieve the contracts signing, several socialization meetings took place.
All the contracts were signed on free basis by the parties (indigenous people and the project
developer), the communities’ leaders and representatives through the on-site communication
mechanisms explained this to the communities’ members.
All the contracts are translated to Kuripako language, it has been placed a copy in Spanish and
Kuripako on each community involved in the project activity, this will be available to the VVBs that
will perform the validation and verification processes, and to VCS.
The costs described in the contracts include:

- Project activity implementation cost;
- Advisory cost;
- Validation cost;
- Verification cost;
- 14 mega-projects implementation cost.
Also, the benefits for the signing parties of the mandate contracts are clearly established, such as:
- Benefits from the VCUs sales;
- Benefits from the mega-projects.
Related to the risks, a risk analysis was performed and also socialized with the indigenous people;
a summary table was included in the above section related to Project Risks.
It should be stated that in every meeting with the indigenous people, the spokesperson was present
(Language: Spanish, Kuripako); also, at least one member of each community attended the
meeting to act as a second translator.
2.3.5 Information to Stakeholders on Validation and Verification Process (G3.3)
64 File: Mandate Contracts
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 52

For the main stakeholder group, the indigenous people involved in the project activity: All the
documentation and dissemination of the processes concerning the validation and verification
phases of the project, as well as any other information related to the project, is regulated and
protected through the Governance Framework Agreement (Refer to sections 2.3.1. and 2.3.2 of
this document).
For other interested parties: The information is/will be communicated through the Ciprogress
Greenlife website65.
2.3.6 Site Visit Information and Opportunities to Communicate with Auditor (G3.3)
For the main stakeholder group, the indigenous people involved in the project activity: All
information on the auditor's visit processes is also regulated and protected through the Governance
Framework Agreement (Refer to sections 2.3.1. and 2.3.2 of this document).
Also, it should be said that in the largest community involved in the project activity, there is a phone
booth – in this, there is always available phone cards that will allow any community member to call
directly to the auditor.
For other interested parties: The contact data of the auditors (DOE) and its office information is/will
be communicated and made available through the Ciprogress Greenlife website66.
2.3.7 Stakeholder Consultations67 (G3.4)
July.2015 / Location: Berrocal-Rivers Isana

Activity: Awareness, socialization, presentation of the project and its stages, company,
human talent team / governance agreements/delivery of La Chagra magazine
Participation: All the Indigenous communities & their authorities/-Ciprogress Greenlife,
Legal Representative & staff
July.2015 / Location: Puerto Guainía-Rivers Isana

July.2015 / Location: Yabacana-Rivers Isana

Participation: All the Indigenous communities & their authorities/ -Ciprogress Greenlife,
67 File: Stakeholder Consultation
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 53

July.2015 / Location: Punta Tigre-Rivers Isana

July.2015 / Location: Guacamaya-Rivers Isana

July.2015 / Location: San Pedro-Rivers Isana

July.2015 / Location: Venado-Rivers Isana

July.2015 / Belén de Arara-Rivers Isana

June.2015 / Location: Carayuru-Rivers Cuyari

June.2015 / Location: Amanaven-Rivers Cuyari

CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 54

June.2015 / Location: Sabanita-Rivers Cuyari

June.2015 / Location: Berrocal-Rivers Cuyari

June.2015 / Location: Campo Alegre-Rivers Cuyari

June.2015 / Location: Amanadona-Rivers Cuyari

June.2015 / Location: Barranquilla-Rivers Cuyari

June.2015 / Location: Sejal Cuyari-Rivers Cuyari

May.2016 / Location: FINDETER Financial development

Activity: Search financial resources for project implementation
Participation: regional center manager, regional advisor (FINDETER) -Ciprogress
Greenlife, Legal Representative
May.2018 / Location: MINAMBIENTE (Colombia)

Activity: Implementation of the technical table, CO2 quantification methodology
Ciprogress Greenlife
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 55

Participation: Minister of the environment, climate change direction and -Ciprogress

Greenlife, Legal Representative & staff
2.3.8 Continued Consultation and Adaptive Management (G3.4)
Related to the communication, to secure a continued consultation and generate an adaptive

management, the following means will be used:
1. Phone number open for stakeholder, available at the website of the project developer and to the
communities’ leaders;
2. Dedicate e-mail for communication with stakeholders, available at the website of the project
developer and to the communities’ leaders;
3. A feedback book68 (for suggestions, claims, requests, etc.) placed with each reservation legal
representative;
4. A feedback book (for suggestions, claims, requests, etc.) placed at the project developer office.
5. On monthly basis (or earlier if required, and upon request of the reservations leaders) the project
developer will hold a meeting with the spokesperson and the personnel involved to analyze the
feedback received (if any) and determine if actions are required towards the project management.
2.3.9 Stakeholder Consultation Channels (G3.5)
Related to the meetings with indigenous people 69, in every event an official minute has/is/will be
raised, requiring the signature of at least one community and/or reservation representative –
chosen on free basis by the communities’ members.
The information and documentation dissemination is/has/will occur on Spanish and Kuripako
language, and delivered hand-hand, or mouth-to-mouth.
It should be considered that all communications with stakeholders are regulated in the Governance
Framework Agreement.
2.3.10 Stakeholder Participation in Decision-Making and Implementation (G3.6)
The stakeholder participation in the decision-making and project implementation is recorded in 70:
- Videos;
- Photographs:
- Interview records;
- Meeting minutes; and
- Project activity surveys.
68 File: Feedback books

69 File: Stakeholders minutes
70 Note: Refer to file 69.
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 56

It can be seen that the participation of the females are significant, and its opinion, questions,
suggestions, requests, claims or any other communication is documented and considered for the
decision making towards the project activity.
2.3.11 Anti-Discrimination Assurance (G3.7)
It has been developed an Anti-Discrimination Policy71 which is applicable for all the parties involved
in the project activity, as well as for any necessary visitor (i.e. VVBs personnel).
The policy includes protection for the people in relation to:

- Gender;
- Sexual orientation;
- Religion;
- Race;
- Economic situation; and
- Clothing.
This policy is communicated through all the levels of the project developer and all the communities’
members through e-mail, letter, mouth-to-mouth, hand-to hand.
Also, in the socialization and sensitization activities includes a conversation in this regard, and
finally the policy is made available at the website of the project developer and in hands of the
REDD+ council.
2.3.12 Feedback and Grievance Redress Procedure (G3.8)
When a grievance communication is received through any of the communication means available,
the following procedure applies:
1. Data gathering: Issuer, contact data, community/reservation or stakeholder group.
2. Document the grievance, or any kind of received communication.
3. The grievance communication issuer is invited to a meeting, to this meeting are also invited the
involved people.
4. The project involved parties will make at its best effort and within its legal capacity try to solve
the issue.
5. The agreements or meeting results will be documented, it will be allocated one person of each
party involved to perform the follow up.
This procedure will be performed without dilation, and with the commitment from all the project
parties involved to meet a conciliatory agreement previously to initiate a legal procedure.
71 File: Anti-discrimination policy
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 57

If required, the legal procedure is described in the Governance Framework Agreement72.
2.3.13 Accessibility of the Feedback and Grievance Redress Procedure (G3.8)
The project developer will keep at its website the redress procedure; also, this will be kept by the
legal representatives of the indigenous reservations.
Every communication received from a stakeholder will be documented in physical and electronical
means; the responses will be delivered to:
- The stakeholder issuing the communication;

- Legal representatives of the indigenous reservations
And will be made publicly available at the project developer website 73.
2.3.14 Worker Training (G3.9)
The strategic plan was designed defining as main characters the indigenous people, it is expected
to train at least 10% of the communities’ members, approximately 340 persons.
From the 340 indigenous persons that will be trained, at least 50% must be female members.
Training74 will be focused on project activities as well as the 14 mega-projects development,

keeping as driver the environmental awareness; all training activities will build local capacity and
useful skills and project implementation related knowledge for the communities’ members.
Additionally 100% of the project developer personnel will be trained, at least 50% of the personnel
must be female.
An annual training program will be developed and agreed with the leaders of the communities
involved in the project activities, the following are base training that will be included in the annual
program:
- Governance training;
- REDD+ projects;
- Sustainability training;
- Project implementation;
- Science and local knowledgable
- Monitoring plan.
An annual training program will be developed, this will be agreed with the communities’ leaders and
based on the social aspects in the development of the national REDD +strategy, through five
approaches for local work activities (Refer to Annex 5):
72 File: GovernanceFramework Agreement

74 File: Workers training
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 58

1. Participation Analysis of actors

2. Territoriality
3. Cultural heritage
4. Development
5. Equity
The objective of the project is to achieve the active participation of the actors in decision-making at
all levels and stages of development of the REDD+ project as well as the equitable distribution of
benefits.
A first and innovative measure of the project is to include the indigenous communities, owners of
the territory, as direct partners and creditors of 50% of the net benefits of the sale of the Carbon
Bonds. However, this measure is very general and can lead to corruption and manipulation of
information by a minority. The project activities will be directed to the different social groups to
guarantee equanimity. The social roles and functions will be identified in order to guarantee the
equal participation of men, women, the elderly, young people and children, in the distribution of
benefits.
2.3.15 Community Employment Opportunities (G3.10)
As described in the standardized metrics table, at least 60 full-time jobs will be generated and
occupied by 60 members of the communities (Chosen from 340 trained people) due to the project
implementation.
From the 60 full-time jobs, at least 30 (50% must be occupied by females).
2.3.16 Relevant Laws and Regulations Related to Worker’s Rights (G3.11)
In Colombia, the workers rights are regulated through the “Código Sustantivo del Trabajo, 2011”
which is authorized by the Social Protection Ministry. 75
All the workers will have in place a labour contract based on the requirements of the Colombian
law, including at least the following criteria:
1. Working hours;
2. Over time;
3. Vacation period;
4. Social benefits;
5. Maternity leave;
6. Salary and compensation.
2.3.17 Occupational Safety Assessment (G3.12)
The project developer has developed an Internal Safety and Occupational Health System
76applicable to every entity and/or person involved in the project activity.
75 File: Labour Laws

76 File: Occupational, Health and Safety System
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 59

The internal regulation includes measures and provision related to risks and conditions such as:
- Physical consitions: temperature, natural light, etc.

- Biological: exposure to insects, fungus, bacteria, virus, etc.
- Chemical: exposure due to handling of detergents, organic and inorganic dusts, contact with
irritant or allergenic products.
- Security conditions: electrical, mechanical.
- Ergonomical conditions: associated with postural, repetitive movements, overstress, prolonged
positions, flexions and hiperextensions.
- Locational type: own architectural features and design areas and work surfaces.
- Psychosocial: inherent in the attention of stakeholders, organizational conditions as high work
rates, monotomy, work overload, interpersonal conflicts, stress, habits or unsafe behaviors.
The project developer will request a second and/or third party assessment with at least one
international standard related to occupational, health and safety management system, with a three
years frequency.
2.4 Management Capacity
2.4.1 Project Governance Structures (G4.1)
A Governance Framework Agreement was designed and structured for the project, which involves
the parties, it has an apolitical nature, without distinction of race, religion or social condition, which
is governed by private law, the National Political Constitution, and other legal norms in force, of
common utility, in compliance with the OIT Agreement No. 16977 on Indigenous and Tribal Peoples;
without legal personality and created freely between the parties with the firm intention of
contributing, protecting and enhancing the multiple benefits generated by the project activities here
called megaprojects that will be monitored through indicators designed to clearly assess the
impacts on the community. It is a transnational instrument that normalizes the negotiation and
agreement requirements for the application of social, economic, climatic and environmental
standards among the members of the REDD+ project’ communities.
This document contains rules and procedures to monitor agreements and settle/solve conflicts that
may arise when incorporating and applying the rules and regulations described here. Through these
agreements, the project developer seeks the necessary mechanisms for the maintenance of the
REDD+ project over time, the updating of the baselines in the periods stipulated, the transparency
in the management of the resources coming from the trade of the product carbon credit unit,
detailed monitoring of resources (financial monitoring), detailed monitoring of deforestation agents
(monitoring of deforestation and degradation); as well as the mechanisms by which the principal
(indigenous communities) commit to respect and incorporate the norms stipulated and whose
purpose is to improve the quality of life through the planned and joint search of structured
socioeconomic alternatives through the 14 mega-projects.
In other words, the general spirit of the Governance Framework Agreement seeks detailed planning
and thoughtful solution to existing and future problems of land use, through non-prohibitive activities
that generate better living conditions and support in parallel part of the life plans, so that, in this
way, a voluntary change is achieved for each member involved in the towards an economic model
77 File: OIT Agreement No. 169
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 60

in accordance with the principles that guarantee the permanence of natural capital that revolves
around the protection of ecosystems and the adequate use of the environmental services provided
by them.
The Governance Framework Agreement refers to the following structure:
General Assembly: It is constituted by all the active members and registered in the project, it is
the directive body in charge of the proposal of solutions and possible actions within the territory to
achieve the objectives of the project, and mainly within the proposed activities within the approved
mega-projects (see Megaprojects). The general assembly will consider the opinions of men and
women of the age classification young, adults and elderly.
The general assembly functions are:
a) Approve the final amount of investment for each mega-project suggested by the REDD + Council
and the technical advisors.
b) Promote actions to reduce or prevent deforestation and the degradation of the areas that limit
the project.
c) Promote through the communication mechanisms and suggestions provided, the prevention or
correction of possible losses due to omission of the actions necessary to achieve the objectives of
the project.
d) Promote systems to prevent leakage due to migration of those registered to the project (increase
of deforestation or degradation and GHG emissions outside the geographical limits denominated
project area and attributed to the displacement of agents of deforestation or degradation for the
implementation of the project initiative).
e) To prefer the permanence of the project, understood as the avoiding of the deforestation and
degradation through concrete actions in a period of time and determined based on evidences
historical real or planned under other economic models.
f) Report frequently, freely and transparently about the threats to the permanence of the project.
REDD + Council: It is the superior management body in charge of evaluating, choosing and taking
the most appropriate decisions within the mega-projects, the necessary actions to mitigate leakage
due to migration, or losses due to omission, and the monitoring of activities. All based on the
possibilities for solving problems and planning activities expressed in the General Assembly and
evaluated in conjunction with the Technical and Scientific Advisors of the project.
In its executive and representative order, the REDD+ Council will be composed of the following
positions, all with voice and vote:
1. Community Counselor; 2. Community Expert; 3. Treasurer; 4. Secretary; 5. Representatives of

the communities; 6. Representatives of the project developer.
The communities’ representatives will be minimum 1 and maximum 3 for each one of the territorial
divisions and the project developer’ representatives will be minimum 1 and maximum 3.
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 61

For this reason, the REDD+ council can be made up of at least 9 people and a maximum of 19
people, in which case it will be divided for the sessions according to these regions.
The REDD+ Council functions are:
a) Comply with and enforce the general policies outlined in the REDD+ Governance Framework
Agreement and approved by the General Assembly.
b) Based on the recommendations of the General Assembly and the technical and scientific reports
of the Advisors, evaluate, decide and assign the final annual investment budget amounts for the
mega-projects.
c) Evaluate, choose and make the best decisions for the Megaprojects.
d) Based on the recommendations of the General Assembly and the technical and scientific reports
of the advisors, decide on the necessary actions for the mitigation of leaks due to migration, and
losses due to omissions.
e) Based on the recommendations of the General Assembly and the technical and scientific reports
of the advisors, make decisions regarding the monitoring of activities related to the mega-projects.
f) Submit to the General Assembly and the project developer semiannual reports that reflect the
results of their management and the scope of the planned annual objectives.
g) Study, modify, approve or disapprove the economic or financial activities of the activities
proposed in the mega-projects – when necessary.
Technical and scientific advisors: This team is classified into two groups:
- The external reference group, and

- The internal reference group.
The external reference group will be formed by the megaproject Directors who are not directly linked
to the project developer. Through their own structure they will send the REDD+ Council the needs
identification, progress and monitoring of their activities. All are free of removal and their activity is
in accordance with the contracts concluded through the REDD+ Council and the duration thereof.
It should be stated that they have a voice but do not have a vote.
Members of the external reference group can be added according to the needs and requirements
of the General Assembly or the REDD+ Council. These additions must be supported by a
consultancy or consulting contract with variable permanence according to the needs established
by the General Assembly or the REDD+ Council and must be assigned to a specific mega-project.
The internal reference group will be constituted by the Project Director and the mega-projects
directors linked directly with the project developer and the president of the project developer.
Through their own structure they will send the REDD+ Council the needs identification, progress
and monitoring of their activities. The election of its members and their permanence depend on the
internal structure of the president of the project developer. Some of its members, as long as they
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 62

are not mega-project directors, may also exercise functions within the REDD+ Council as
Representatives of the project developer. It should be stated that they have a voice but do not have
a vote within the management structure.
2.4.2 Required Technical Skills (G4.2)
The following list represents the professional profiles78 required for the key personnel of the project
developer:
Legal Representative & President of Operations:

Plan, propose, approve, direct, coordinate and control the administrative, commercial, operational
and financial activities of the Company, as well as resolve the matters that require its intervention
in accordance with the powers delegated by the Board of Directors.
Innovation, Research and Development Vice President of:

Contribute to the structuring and development of projects on climate change, climate, hydrology,
bathymetry, elemental estimation, analysis of carbon fixation, degradation and avoided
deforestation.
Administrative and financial Vice President:

Analyze the information contained in the accounting documents generated from the accounting
process, verifying its accuracy, in order to guarantee reliable and timely financial statements.
Coordinator of the vegetable and carbon component:

Prepare and consolidate the information of a research project, mainly in the search, record, analysis
and synthesis of scientific information, in the statistical processing of data, the preparation of reports
related to the processes of vegetation and carbon research
Coordinator of the component soils:

Prepare and consolidate the information of a research project, mainly in the search, registration,
analysis and synthesis of scientific information, in the statistical processing of data, the preparation
of reports related to soil research processes.
Coordinator of the Water and Climate component:

of reports related to the processes of research in hydrology and climate.
Wildlife component coordinator:

of reports related to the processes of research in Fauna
Coordinator of the Botany and Taxonomy component:
78 File: Technical skills
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 63

of reports related to the processes of botanical research and taxonomy.
Coordinator of the Cartographic component and regional modeling:

of reports related to the processes of research in cartography and regional modeling.
Technical-scientific coordinator and disseminator:

Carry out activities of a research project, mainly in the search, registration, analysis and synthesis
of scientific information, in the statistical processing of data, the preparation of reports related to
the research processes and the respective disclosure to the communities involved.
Specialist in tropical ecology and indigenous communities:

Perform activities of a research project, mainly in the search, record, analysis and synthesis of
Social information and in the preparation of reports related to the communities that are within the
project.
Research Assistant:
Carry out activities of a research project, mainly in the search, registration, analysis and synthesis
the processes of research in hydrology and climate
Research Assistant:
Conduct activities of a research project, mainly in the search, registration, analysis and synthesis
the processes of research in geographic information systems, geology and feasibility of extractive
projects.
Research Assistant:
Perform activities of a research project, mainly in the search, registration, analysis and synthesis
the processes of vegetation and carbon research
Research Assistant:
Carry out activities of a research project, mainly in the search, record, analysis and synthesis of
scientific information, in the statistical processing of data, the preparation of reports related to the
processes of vegetation research.
Illustrator and modeling 2D and 3D:

Support the three-dimensional and two-dimensional modeling of necessary tree elements in the
baselines of the different projects carried out by the company.
2.4.3 Management Team Experience (G4.2)
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 64

The management team is integrated by top level professionals 79 in their respective fields, with
decision capacity, the following is a summary of some of the Directors Board and project Directors
staff:
- Founder shareholder
Founding shareholder and member of the Board of Directors of Compensation International

Progress S.A., professor at the Universidad del Valle, lawyer by profession, magister in sciences
of the organization, married, father of a university girl and a young professional resident in
Australia.
- Executive President (CEO)
Independent Business Owner, President for 28 years of the Colgate-Palmolive Multinational in

Colombia, Ecuador, Central Europe, Turkey, Russia, and countries of the Former Soviet Union,
current Executive President of Compensation International Progress S.A. married, father of a
young student.
- Board of Directors President
Public accountant, former president of PricewaterhouseCoopers Colombia in South America for

41 years, member President of the Board of Directors of Compensation International Progress
S.A. - member of the board of directors of Constructora Flor Morado, consultant in transactions,
taxes, accounting and human resources, married father of three children.
- Board of Director
Naval Engineer, independent business owner, CI2 proprietary partner, IT security and technology
company, Ecopetrol contractor, Member of the Board of Directors of Compensation International
Progress S.A. married, father of three student girls.
- Financial and Accounting Advisor
Peruvian citizen, public accountant, leader of audit services and Outsourcing and new business
for PricewaterhouseCoopers for 38 years. Currently accounting and financial advisor of
Compensation International Progress S.A. Married father of three children.
- Programs and Projects Vice-president
Lawyer specialized in International Law and Humanitarian Law, with experience in formulation,
direction and execution of projects; formulation of public policies and peaceful conflict resolution.
With extensive experience in the promotion and protection of human rights in favor of the various
communities, as well as conciliation processes with communities affected by pollution and
environmental impact.
79 File: Team Experience
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 65

Instruction and substantiation of disciplinary proceedings, answering and preparation of

guardianships, rights of petition and accompaniment in the access to justice of the rural population
and vulnerable population. Currently Vice President of Program and Project Execution in
Compensation International Progress S.A.
- Operations President (COO, Legal Representative)
Mechanical Engineer, with several specializations; in Non-Traditional Negotiation, in Organizational

Communication, in Intelligent Operational Safety System (SMS), in Total Reengineering, Master in
Business Administration (MBA). Former Consultant of Foster Ingeniería, former manager of
Compañía de Técnicas Mineras LTDA. Former Secretary General of the Ministry of Mines and
Energy of Colombia, Former Representative for Latin America of Geoconsult of Austria, former
representative for Latin America of the audit and certification firm of mining and mineral projects
ALEX STEWART attached to the World Bank; Former member of the Board of Directors of
Ecopetrol. From 2012 to the present Member of the Board of Directors, President of Operations
and Legal Representative of Compensation International Progress S.A. Married father of two
professional sons and two professional daughters.
- Project Director Dr. Henry Arellano Peña. Biologist, with Master and Doctor’s degrees from
National University of Colombia, he is member of the Biodiversity and Conservation research group
of the Institute of Natural Sciences of the National University of Colombia.
He has worked with ecosystems and hydric mathematical modeling, remote sensors, continental
ecology, floristic, biodiversity and I have designed and led REDD+ projects (that goes beyond
simply Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation, including the role of
conservation, social topics, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon
stocks) in several natural regions of Colombia.
His strengths hinges on the assessment, creation, development, implementation and improving of
methodologies for estimating and calculating with high accuracy ecosystem services, climate
change and its aftermaths in the society and the pursuit of solutions based on the right use of the
environment offer. As botanist, I have wide experience in flora and vegetation studies at the tropical
region and low, media and high mountain of the Andean, and the paramo belt of Colombia.
He is expert in the characterization and classification of natural and transformed tropical

ecosystems. I can achieve this task using biological, physical (soil, geomorphology, slope, aspect,
climate, flow, humid, topographic convergence index), economic and social information. Based in
this source of data, I can analyze several phenomena as deforestation, degradation, erosion and
threats furthermore the factors that produce them.
He is the author of the “3D carbon pool in trees” a new sub-metric methodology that gather many
mathematical processes for the tridimensional modeling (3D) of trees, weeds and tropical bushes.
These processes are based in structural (height, cover, diameter at breast height -DBH-, volume,
ramification, number of leaves, area, surface) and architectural data to estimate carbon, hydrogen
and nitrogen with huge accuracy, hence foundation through neural network processes to figure out
the ecosystem services between 1:1 and 1: 25,000 scales.
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 66

He is author of advanced methods "CCA-Fuzzy Land Cover" for performing biophysical data bases,
it is used in the construction of high-resolution thematic maps for right representation of ecosystem
systems.
- Botany and Taxonomy Director
Prof. Gerardo A. Aymard C. (Superior Forestry Technical, Universidad de los Andes, 1979;
Graduate Certificate in Tropical Biology & Conservation of Natural Resources, University of
Missouri-St. Louis. USA. 1996; Master Science in Biology (with thesis), University of Missouri-St.
Louis-Missouri Botanical Garden. USA. 1997, a fullbright scholarship. Is a senior botanist, expert
in neotropical identifications plants, and since 2006 he participates as a conservation biologist with
the RAINFOR (The Amazon Forest Inventory Network) and ATDN (Amazon Tree Diversity
Network) initiatives. He was a Systemtatic Botany and Ecology profesor at UNELLEZ-Guanare,
Venezuela (1981-2010), and he has extensive experience developing partnerships among
academia, NGOs, the private and public sectors.
This has included worldwide work on critical habitats, protected areas, biodiversity offsets,
biodiversity research, monitoring and indicators, international performance standards for
biodiversity, and “No Net Loss" and "Net Positive Impact” of conservation and development
projects. He provides strong critical skills on biodiversity and ecosystem services, stakeholder
engagement networks, and policy knowledge. His academic programs have trained several
hundred professionals from over thirty countries. He has been instrumental in formulating and
implementing academy profiles in RAINFOR and ATDN where he is an adjunct researcher. He also
led the SCBI partnership with the World Bank to implement the Global Tiger Initiative –
Conservation and Development Network and has been an advisor for international organizations
such as UNESCO, FAO, governments and the private corporate sector. Currently he is a botanist
advisor at Compensation International Progress S.A, and has over 200 publications.
2.4.4 Project Management Partnerships/Team Development (G4.2)
The project management is fully capable and has the necessary experience to develop, implement
and monitr the project activity.
If at any moment during the 30 years of lifetime is required, the management will make the
necessary decisions to keep the technical, management and social capacity for the project activity.
2.4.5 Financial Health of Implementing Organization(s) (G4.3)
For the early implementation activities, the financial resources were contributed by the shareholders
of the project developer (private capital).
The project activity will only generate income from the VCUs sales, this income will be used to
develop the 14 mega-projects chosen by the indigenous people (According to the participation set
in the Governance Framework Agreement).
The financial resources from the VCUs sales, will be managed through a fiduciary figure to
guarantee the transparent and final use of the resources destined to the indegenus reservations
involved in the project activity.
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The project developer is willing at any moment to report the project status and its accountability to
any stakeholder that formally requires it.
2.4.6 Avoidance of Corruption and Other Unethical Behavior (G4.3)
The key driver of every process related to the project activity, such as technical, financial, legal, or
any other is the transparency.
The project activity involved parties have full access to the documentation, negotiation and issues
related to the implementation and monitoring tasks, this avoids unethical behavior due the
availability of information.
The project developer has made available at its website the Ethical Code 80 and Policy as well as a
Values Statement.
The project activity involved parties at any moment may request a third independet party
assessement to certifiy the ethical behavior and corruption avoidance.
2.4.7 Commercially Sensitive Information (Rules 3.5.13 – 3.5.14)
In dispite, that the necessary information to comply with the applied methodology requirements is
classified as public information, the detailed aspects about flora and vegetation were marked as
sensitives.
Any of the sensitive information was used to determine baseline scenario, demonstration of
additionality and estimation and monitoring of GHG emission reductions.
Also, it has been clarified that the reason to mark some information as sensitive is because it is in
process of being published and the copyrights are in process of being allocated.
2.5 Legal Status and Property Rights
2.5.1 Statutory and Customary Property Rights (G5.1)
In Colombia, the right of indigenous people to the collective property of the territory is recognized
in the Political Constitution81, which is inalienable, imprescriptible and unattachable (Article 63).
The indigenous reservations (“Resguardos”) are recognized as territorial entities as are the
Municipalities or Departments (Article 286). The “Resguardo” has a high degree of political
autonomy (Article 330), which "in practice is reduced by the lack of physical autonomy in the
territory" (Semper, 2006). Those reservations whose population is spread over a wide territory, as
is the case of the Guayano-Amazon transition region, are in favor of strategies that, like REDD+,
contribute economic benefits to society and facilitate their integration into the market system,
80 File: Ethical Code

81 File: Political Constitution – Republic of Colombia
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without the loss of their cultural identity. At present, due to the absence of other sources of income,
some inhabitants of the transition region are adopting mining as the only alternative.
Article 330 of the Constitution establishes the right of indigenous people to participate in making
decisions about the use of natural resources within their territories. For this reason, the indigenous
communities are included as direct project partners and have participated in the decision-making
process, including the design of the REDD+ strategy.
REDD+ in the Colombian National Context
During the Conference of the Parties (UNFCCC-COP 13), held in Bali in 2007, the United Nations
Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), recognized the reduction of emissions from
deforestation and forest degradation (REDD) as a valid mechanism in the fight against climate
change (UNFCCC, 2014).
According to the Bali Action Plan (2007), REDD+ is the reduction of emissions derived from
deforestation and forest degradation; in addition to conservation, sustainable management and
improvement of the carbon stock of forests in developing countries. (UN, 2008).
At COP 9 that took place in Bonn, Germany in 2008, Colombia joined the initiative of the CBD
(Convention on Biological Diversity), called "Zero Deforestation in the Amazon by 2020" and began
to develop its REDD+ strategy based on 2009 (SIG, 2013).
The Colombian national government, in the 2010-2014 National Development Plan "Prosperity for
all", includes the formulation of the National Adaptation Plan for Climate Change that seeks to:
"reduce the risk and the socio-economic impacts associated with the change and climate variability
"(Calderón, 2013). In parallel, the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (MADS)
implements its National Policy for the Integrated Management of Biodiversity and its Ecosystem
Services (MADS, 2008), ensuring social development and environmental conservation.
Within its strategy, the National Adaptation Plan for Climate Change prioritizes adaptation and
mitigation. In mitigation, the two fundamental strategies are:
a) The "Colombian Strategy for Low Carbon Development (ECDBC); and

b) The" National Strategy for the Reduction of Deforestation and REDD+ Degradation "(Diesner,
2013).
Colombia participates actively in the UNFCCC-REDD+ negotiations where it supports market-

based mechanisms and is a proponent of the idea that REDD + should include a sub-national
approach level. This interest in generating sub-national processes is reflected in the fact that
Colombia is a member of the World Bank Cooperative Fund for Forest Carbon, the advisory
committee of the group of work of the jurisdictional and nested system for REDD+ (JNR) in the
voluntary Carbon Standards (VCS) (VCS, 2013).
Colombia is a member country of the World Bank and since 2013 is part of the UN-REDD + system.
At the national level, a stepwise approach is being taken for REDD+ by prioritizing the country's
Pacific and Amazonian regions, which together represent 75% of its forests (IDEAM, 2011). These
forests are of great importance in Strategic Environmental and Social Assessments and for the
development of regional reference levels (Donaldson & Lchtenstein, 2013).
-
Socio-Environmental Safeguards REDD+
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The international performance of REDD+ is based on compliance with the safeguards agreed at
COP 16, which took place in Cancun in 2010.
The REDD+ safeguards of the UNFCCC outline a global framework of social principles,
Environment and Governance (UNFCCC, 2012):
(a) The complementarity or compatibility of the measures with the objectives of the national forestry
programs and the conventions and international agreements on the matter.
(b) The transparency and effectiveness of national forest governance structures, considering
national legislation and sovereignty.
(c) Respect for the knowledge and rights of indigenous people and members of local communities,
considering relevant international obligations and national circumstances and legislation.
(d) The full and effective participation of interested parties, in particular, that of indigenous peoples
and local communities.
(e) The compatibility of the measures with the conservation of natural forests and biological
diversity, to encourage the protection and conservation of these forests and the services derived
from their ecosystems and to enhance other social and environmental benefits.
(f) Actions to deal with the risks of reversal.

-
(g) Actions to reduce the displacement of emissions.
In Colombia, these principles were integrated into the participatory construction of guidelines for
social and environmental safeguards for REDD+ projects between 2011 and 2014. The guidelines
were published in a document (WWF, 2014), which reflects the joint work between State actors,
NGOs, representatives of civil society and ethnic minorities in the country. This document was used
as a guide in the design of the Governance Framework Agreement for the project activity.
In addition to the socio-environmental safeguards, the project activity includes in its design the
Climate, Community and Biodiversity Standards, that advocate the participatory construction of
REDD+ strategies in favor of the inhabitants local governments in projects around the world and
the standards of the VCS Program (Verified Carbon Standard), the most widely used quality
assurance system to account for the reduction of greenhouse gas (GEI) emissions in the voluntary
market carbon (VCS, 2013).
National and Indigenous People
OIT Agreement No. 169 on Indigenous and Tribal People is ratified in Colombia by Law 21 of 1991.
In that same year, the new political constitution establishes respect for difference and recognizes
the autonomy of ethnic minorities, emphasizing on 10 issues fundamental for its protection:
1. Ethnic and cultural diversity

2. Socio-economic development
3. Education
4. Own government
5. Participation
6. Cultural heritage
7. Natural resources and Environment
8. Health
9. Lands
10. Territory
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Subsequently, Law 145 of 1994 approves the "Agreement Establishing the Fund for the
Development of the Indigenous People of Latin America and the Caribbean" or "Indigenous Fund",
multilateral organization of international cooperation created in 1992, during the celebration of the
Second Summit Ibero-American Organization of Heads of State and Government, with the purpose
of establishing a mechanism to support the self-development processes of indigenous people,
communities and organizations in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Political Constitution of Colombia
The Political Constitution of 1991, which currently governs Colombia, is emphatic in the face of the
guarantees of indigenous rights. It prohibits discrimination and force the State to proactively
guarantee equal treatment (Article 13), ensuring respect for indigenous cultures (Article 68). It
recognizes the autonomy of indigenous territories, their traditional justice (Article 246) and their
governability, in accordance with their own norms and customs (Article 330). Additionally, it grants
automatic constitutional rank for all the protections enshrined in the human rights treaties ratified
for Colombia (Article 93).
2.5.2 Recognition of Property Rights (G5.1)
With respect to indigenous people, the decrees of the Colombian Government after 1991, seek to
strengthen constitutional articles and guarantee the protection of ethnic minorities.
In 1993, through Decree 108882 it was constituted the AATI (Association of Indigenous Traditional
Authorities), responsible for promoting and coordinating with local, regional and national authorities,
the execution of projects in health, education and housing.
Three means for the relationship between indigenous people and the State have also been
established. In 1996, through the decree 1397, it was created:
- The National Commission of Indigenous Territories attached to the Ministry of Agriculture and
Rural Development.
- Permanent Table of Agreement with the People and Indigenous Organizations, whose objective
is to "agree between them (the indigenous people and organizations) and the State all the
administrative and legislative decisions that may affect them, evaluate the execution of the State’
indigenous policy, without prejudice to the functions of the State, and monitor the compliance with
the agreements reached there".
In 2005, through the decree 3012, it was created the Amazon Regional Bureau, under the direction
of the Ministry of the Interior and Justice, as a space of "agreement to recommend to the different
instances of the Government the formulation, promulgation and execution of public policies of
sustainable development for the indigenous people settled in this region, and participate in the
evaluation and follow-up of them, without prejudice to the proper functions of the State”.
Property rights are fully described in the Resolutions issued by the INCODER, where the
Indigenous Reservations Name and identification is stated.
Also, the Real State Registration Certificate (Freedom Certificate) states and confirm the land
proporety by the Indigenous Reservations.
82 File: Decree 1088
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2.5.3 Free, Prior and Informed Consent (G5.2)
The Governance Framework Agreement and the Mandate Contracts signed between the
indigenous representatives and the project developer, confirm about their free, prior and informed
consent for the project development.
All contracts will be made available to the DOE that will perform the validation process, the
verification process, as well as to VCS.
2.5.4 Property Rights Protection (G5.3)
It is established on Article 3 of the Governance Framework Agreement that the final megaprojects
will be determined based on the evaluation of the feasibility studies presented by the project
developer and the result of the evaluation of the needs identified in the Participatory Rural
Appraisal.
The investment mechanisms for each mega-project will be also established based on Article 3 of
the Governance Framework Agreement.
It is declared in the Governance Framework Agreement, the aim to:
- Build between the parties, the necessary commercial network to improve the economy of the
indigenous communities, considering the results of the mega-projects, according to the traditional
use of land or under improved uses (low or lacking ecosystem impact).
- Allow participation to the members of the project in the administrative planning and realization of
the activities carried out in the mega-projects.
- Search and implement the necessary communication mechanisms in order to effectively manage
and monitor the activities developed under the different lines in the megaprojects.
- Organize, manage and monitor jointly every action related to the activities carried out in the project
area.
- Report frequently and transparently about the threats to the permanence of the project.
- Report frequently and transparently about any leak detection by migration (leakage area) and
losses in the project area due omission of this agreement.
- Govern the reward and the recognition mechanism of actions that favor the survival of the
objectives of the project.
From the project developer, the following obligations were set for the protection of the indigenous
people rights:
- Promote the solidarity of its participants within the strictest equality, through the project
implementation, promote the own-knowledge, the way of knowledge and the natural law.
- Implement and execute the mega-projects chosen by the communities together with the related
project activities that substitute the inappropriate use of the soil (Deforestation drivers, such as
open pit mining and massive logging).
- Allow the participation of the communities’ members involved in the planning, administration and
realization of the different project-related activities.
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- Help to meet the social, cultural and economic needs of the constituents (indigenous communities)
involved in the project.
- Deliver to the indigenous communities the required information, the copy of the Project
Description, as well as the documents resulting from the investigation, characterization or related
processes of the territory, under the rules established in the Governance Framework Agreement,
and subject to the warnings and confidentiality clauses of the same.
- Submit semiannually the financial reports on the execution of the resources established under the
fiduciary mechanism.
- Inform the indigenous communities of the progress and scope of the project.
- Guarantee the necessary mechanisms for the permanence of the project benefits.
- Actively seek alternatives for the carbon credits trading.
- Generate guidelines to comply with the Environmental Safeguards, considering the evolution of
the needs and culture of the indigenous people, their common dynamics and exclusive themes of
each one.
The objectives of the Governance Framework Agreement are:
- Act with transparency and effectiveness in national forest governance structures, considering
- Respect the knowledge and rights of the indigenous people and members of local communities,
considering the relevant national obligations, circumstances and national legislation and bearing in
mind that the United Nations General Assembly has approved the United Nations Declaration on
the rights of Indigenous People.
- Allow the full and effective participation of relevant actors, in particular indigenous people, local
communities and third parties (advisors) proposed by indigenous communities.
- Seek the compatibility of the measures with the conservation of forests and biological diversity,
ensuring that the project measures are not used for the conversion of natural forests, but that these
serve, instead, to encourage the protection and conservation of the forests and the services derived
from their ecosystems, and to enhance social and environmental benefits.
- Adopt measures to address the risks of reversion in the objectives of reducing deforestation and
forest degradation achieved.
- Adopt the necessary measures to reduce the displacement of emissions due to changes in land
use.
- Formulate social and participatory processes focused on the baseline of technical, legal and social
components with environmental criteria that allow the transversal participation of strategic allies
that contribute to compliance with the national and international framework safeguards.
- Actively support the research activities that are required to achieve the expected benefits of the
implementation, execution and monitoring of the mega-projects.
- Actively support the training and education activities required to achieve the expected benefits of
the implementation, execution and monitoring of mega-projects.
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- Contribute to the transparency of information on deforestation and the degradation of forest and
jungle systems.
- Actively assist in the control, monitoring and permits of immigrants in the project area.
- Participate frequently in meetings planned for different purposes within the project.
2.5.5 Illegal Activity Identification (G5.4)
The main illegal activities that occur in the project area correspond to illegal mining, illicit crops,
drug trafficking, illegal use of fauna and flora, presence of armed groups outside the law, illegal
occupation of land and illegal migration of people attracted by illicit activities.
According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, although the area of coca cultivation
in Guainía shows a downward trend in the last decade, the same does not occur within the
indigenous reserves of this Department; particularly, in Guainía, it went from 538 ha in 2009 to 394
ha in 2010, while in the indigenous reserves 259 and 310 ha were planted during the respective
years (UNODC, 2012).
The factors that have facilitated the expansion of illicit crops in the region correspond to stable
prices of coca leaf and basic pulp in the region for several years, limited soil fertility that prevents
its use for prolonged periods, fumigation with glyphosate that forces growers to move to
increasingly remote areas, presence of illegal armed actors who use profits for their benefit,
government absence and the inaccessibility of uninhabited, forested and protected areas where
these activities are preferentially carried out (UNOCD, 2005, UNEP and ACTO 2009 ).
These coca crops strongly erode the soil due to poor management, are established in protected
forests and destroy unique ecosystems together with the biodiversity they harbor. The associated
use of fertilizers to improve foliar production increases the nitrate concentrations in water bodies,
favoring the growth of macrophytic algae and the eutrophication of lentic systems and flood areas;
In addition, the pesticides and pesticides implemented in these crops contain toxic compounds,
many of them bio-accumulative, that affect the surrounding biota, mainly aquatic and its consumers,
including humans (UNEP and ACTO 2009, GWP, 2000).
The production of drugs seriously affects the water courses and the soil by the use of large volumes
of various toxic substances, since to process the coca leaf of one hectare of culture it is estimated
that two tons of chemical precursors are required as sulfuric acid, lime, kerosene, potassium
permanganate and ammonia. In turn, the phenomenon of trafficking promotes the movement of
people to protected areas in order to establish crops and laboratories for processing (UNOCD,
2005, Salazar and Benítez, 2006).
The mining in Guainía began in the 1980s when the Inírida River came to house 30 dredging barges
with 150 miners permanently engaged in this activity, at present it is estimated that there are 6 of
these barges with 50 miners and in the Serrania of Naquén four alluvial mines remain in operation
with a score of people dedicated to the extraction of gold. However, there are about 800 miners of
Colombian nationality linked to Puerto Inírida dedicated to the extraction of gold in Venezuela, who
eventually return to Guainía in search of new deposits (CDA, 2007).
Within the project area activities are carried out for the illegal extraction of minerals, mainly gold
and coltan (columbita-tantalite), which are allowed by indigenous authorities in exchange for gifts
that are often not met or do not compensate for the environmental damage they cause (CGP, 2013).
These activities generate deforestation and contamination with chemical residues such as mercury
and sodium cyanate, as well as attracting large migratory flows that negatively impact the areas
adjacent to mining operations. It is estimated that 3 grams of mercury are used to obtain a gram of
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gold, which means that in an illegal mining area approximately 24 kg of this substance are thrown
for each km2 of the river, in addition to cyanide and various detergents. Mercury contamination,
resulting from gold mining in rivers of acidic waters characteristic of the region, added to the removal
of sediments from deforested areas or from riverbeds during mining activity, alters the water
channels, making navigation difficult and difficult. the functioning of natural habitats for aquatic
species. In turn, mercury and other heavy metals generate bioaccumulation in many organisms,
mainly fatty tissue of fish that are eventually consumed by the human population (Muezzinoglu,
2003, GWP, 2000, Franco and Valdés 2005).
In accordance with the National System of Forest Information and the data provided by the
Corporation for the Sustainable Development of the North and Amazonic East (CDA), which
corresponds to the environmental authority of the departments of Guainía, Guaviare and Vaupés;
in this region the exploitation of 324,074.06 m3 of wood in the period 2000 - 2010 was granted,
while for the same period 1,078,314.46 m 3 was mobilized, that is to say, only 30.06% of the
mobilized wood obtained exploitation permit (CDA, 2007). The great difference between the volume
granted and the mobilized one makes it presume that the majority of wood harvested in this region
is carried out illegally, without counting on the one that is mobilized without the approval of
environmental authorities. It is considered that logging in the region corresponds to an activity of a
selective, opportunistic and anarchic nature, which can lead to the loss of environmental services
and the extinction of species of great ecological and economic value.
Illegal logging is promoted mainly by deficiencies in supervision and control, difficult to apply by the
authorities, and by the indigenous permissiveness that approves these activities in their territories
in exchange for perks (UNEP and ACTO 2009, CPG, 2013). Although logging in the area begins
selectively, it is transformed into widespread logging in the medium term and in the conversion of
the soil to other productive activities. These modifications to land use deteriorate the availability
and quality of environmental resources and services by increasing erosion, sedimentation of water
bodies, fragmentation of the landscape, extinction of species and alteration of biogeochemical
cycles (UNEP and ACTO 2009).
The effect of the reduction of vegetation cover is cumulative in the watersheds, since the volume
of water that stops perceiving an area that has been deforested is proportional to the intensity and
frequency of the precipitations, as well as to the biomass removed. If the vegetation cover
decreases, evapotranspiration is reduced in turn and soil erosion and surface drainage increase
(Troncoso et al, 2007); that is to say that increasing the flow of the basin accelerates the outflow of
water from the system, affecting the regulation of the hydrological cycle in the region and increasing
the risk of flooding. The degradation of the ecosystems caused by the felling of trees makes them
more susceptible to fire, since it increases the flammability of the discovered areas and decreases
the precipitation as a consequence of the decrease in moisture retention and retention. Fire is the
main agent converting forest to savannah in the area, which, together with climate change, causes
droughts that increase forest fires, release large amounts of gases that contribute to global warming
and divide habitats (Nepstad, 2007; Marengo et al, 2007; Fearnside, 2005).
In addition to subsistence hunting by local communities, which is used as food, obtaining tools,
rituals, medicines and crafts; In the study area, hunting for commercial purposes is presented,
promoted by the demand that exists for meat from the growing immigrant population and residents
of the bordering countries. The information on wildlife trafficking of the CDA mentions a total of 161
seizures of fauna in the period from 2007 to 2012, which include animals or by-products of these
as meat, skin and eggs. Indiscriminate illegal hunting generates loss of biodiversity that leads to an
imbalance of trophic networks, putting at risk the structure and functioning of ecosystems and
therefore the food security of local communities by reducing the natural supply of protein sources
(CDA, 2007; UNEP and ACTO 2009). In turn, the fishing pressure is intense in the area, becoming
common the implementation of undue practices such as the use of barbasco and trasmallos,
without considering the size and weight of the individuals harvested, which negatively impacts the
structure and abundance of fish stocks in general, not only those that are commercialized. The
ornamental fishing in Guainía is developed mainly in the rivers Inírida and Atabapo and the Bocón
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and Guarivén pipes; where it is estimated that 11 million individuals belonging to 35 different
species are captured annually (CDA, 2007, CPG, 2013). At present the magnitude of the pressure
exerted on these populations due to the extraction of individuals without restrictions is unknown.
The extensive flat and wooded areas of the Guainía, added to the two international borders that
extend for 966 km and the low density of human population have facilitated the hegemonic
permanence during decades of irregular armed groups like the Revolutionary Armed Forces of
Colombia FARC, which they favor all kinds of illicit businesses, mainly drug trafficking, gold mining
and contraband gasoline and weapons. According to the Observatory of the Presidential Human
Rights Program, the guerrillas have maintained a discreet military profile so as not to obstruct their
illicit activities in Guainía, which amount to a total of 16 armed actions between 1999 and 2006,
mainly in Puerto Inírida; while the Colombian Army has started 30 combats in this same period of
time, most of them in Barranco Minas.
During the period between 2003 and 2006, 22 homicides, four cases of kidnapping, four events by
antipersonnel mines or unexploded ordnance were reported in Guainía and 1246 people were
forcibly displaced. Most of these events are directly related to the armed conflict that is sustained
with the FARC, however, the information available from the distant territories of Puerto Inírida is
insufficient, where there is evidence of under-reporting of the events carried out by the armed
groups against the civil population, there is no permanent institutional presence and the auditing
authorities do not have the possibility of moving safely to these locations. Between 2000 and 2006
there were seven homicides of indigenous people in Guainía, six of them during a single violent
event that included the kidnapping and torture of these people in Puerto Inírida. It is considered
that kidnapping is not a relevant illegal activity in this Department, since the sources of financing
for the FARC are derived mainly from drug trafficking; Between 1997 and 2006, 11 kidnappings
were registered, eight of which were perpetrated by the FARC for the purpose of intimidating the
civilian population.
During the period between 2003 and 2006, the number of immigrants due to forced displacement,
coming from adjacent departments, was greater than the emigrant population for the same reason;
most of these trips are not recorded due to the remoteness of these territories in relation to the
municipal seat, a situation that is an obstacle to the delivery of government aid, since the cost of
moving to Puerto Inírida to receive these aids exceeds value of the granted. It is estimated that in
Guainía there are approximately 3,000 people displaced, of whom 70% correspond to indigenous
people, and in total they account for about 10% of the population of this Department. The immigrant
population comes mainly from the expulsion of people from areas with problems of public order or
with low productivity and reduced sources of employment and is attracted, for the most part, by
illicit activities that generate large dividends (OPPDH, 2007).
In 2012, in the department of Guainía, two requests for entry to the Land Registry were made,
which correspond to a claim area of 190 ha (MinAgricultura, 2012). Access to land for the
development of productive activities presents problems related to the allocation of land and
incomplete information, encouraging non-compliance with rules and overlapping property rights,
which are based on ownership and not ownership. These shortcomings in the definition of property
rights promote illegal or irregular acquisitions of land, contributing to the disorderly occupation of
the territory, tax exemption or evasion and the change of land use towards productive activities,
both licit and illicit. The increase in human population density in the project area generates
important social impacts by increasing the demand for goods and services such as food, energy
and water, overcoming the carrying capacity of fragile ecosystems and promoting their degradation.
In turn, increases food insecurity by increasing the costs of agricultural activities due to loss of
environmental services and their effect on increased demand for agrochemicals; it intensifies social
conflicts for access to land, expelling the native population, and increases their vulnerability to
climate change and the incidence of diseases (UNEP and ACTO 2009).
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The native population density is severely affected by the increasing immigration of other population
groups to their territories, which bring with them social, economic and environmental changes that
cause the indigenous social and cultural disintegration, assimilation to other population groups and
the inability to self-reproduce (Brack and Añez, 1997). One aspect seriously affected by the
migration of people in the study area is health, immigrants often trigger outbreaks of diseases by
transporting etiological agents that come in contact with natives without vaccination, without access
to prevention methods and with customs that increase the risk of infections; Such is the case of
pathologies that have increased their incidence among natives such as tuberculosis, whose
transmission is facilitated by cultural customs that include overcrowding and HIV, whose prevention
methods are not common among indigenous people. In turn, immigrants and the vulnerable
population come into contact with tropical diseases such as yellow fever, Chagas disease,
leishmaniasis and malaria, the latter associated with areas prone to flooding by recent deforestation
where Anopheles mosquitoes develop. Plasmodium spp. Vectors of yellow fever virus such as
Sabethes spp. and Haemagogus spp. they inhabit the canopy of the forest where they feed mainly
on primates, when the forest is cut the mosquitoes descend and feed on humans. The triatomines,
insect vectors of Chagas disease, have affinity for the palm roofs of traditional dwellings in the area,
from where they descend to feed at night. The increasingly deeper intrusion of humans into forested
areas increases the likelihood of coming into contact with various zoonoses such as leishmaniasis,
where reservoirs and mosquito vectors of this pathology (Lutzomyia spp.) Have their habitat (UNEP
and ACTO 2009).
Most economic activities of an illicit nature in the area of study are presented by the offering of
benefits to indigenous leaders in exchange for assignment of territory for the development of these
practices; Support for alternative development programs could improve the competitiveness of
indigenous communities that are influenced by illicit activities, and thus encourage their eradication.
Strengthening governance, promoting interaction and conciliatory processes between indigenous
authorities and their communities, to generate opportunities and solve problems of the population
of the study area, is an important factor for the implementation of projects that arise in the
reservations considered. For this strengthening it is necessary to train captains and other leaders
in the indigenous governance, leadership and administration and project management; establish
and support different coordination channels between indigenous authorities and regional authorities
that allow the allocation and management of the use of natural resources; subsidize the
displacement of indigenous captains and leaders with resources and means of transportation for
the development of activities and commitments specific to their governance and improve
telecommunications with radiotelephones and internet access. A fundamental part of the
conciliations and agreements resulting from the strengthening of governance in the reservations
will be rational access to the natural resources present in the study area, particularly the
establishment of limits to forest use, defined by the demand for their culture and customs; zones
and seasons of prohibition, thresholds and methods of hunting and fishing, which ensure the
feeding of the native population without putting at risk the animal populations used as a source of
protein.
The implementation of productive projects focused on populations that currently suffer high
pressures as a result of their high demand in the market is a priority. The local species of plants of
interest mederero, artesanal, nutritional, medicinal or cultural could be implemented in silvicultural
productive chains or community nurseries, in conjunction with the installation of processing plants
for these products that add value and preservation. The faunistic resources, mainly the ornamental
fish and those destined to the feeding, could be included in productive projects with breeding
techniques in semi-captivity. The management of marketing through collection centers run by
indigenous cooperatives will not only open markets for these products, in turn will support the
legality of productive activities by quantifying and controlling the resources extracted from the
project area, especially of those that are extracted at present without any control like the
hydrobiological resources, mainly ornamental fish and for consumption; timber, vegetable fibers,
meat and other faunal by-products. The monitoring of the state of the ecosystems within the project
area could be supported by the formation of local civil groups under figures such as rangers, guards
or environmental managers; that in conjunction with remote sensors could detect the illegal
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activities described above to report them to indigenous authorities and public forces, facilitating
their eradication and prevention.
The ignorance on the part of the inhabitants of the strategic potential of the natural resources of the
project area is causal of the environmental deterioration caused by illegal activities and changes in
the use of the soil (CDA, 2007). It is necessary to develop processes of knowledge appropriation
and adoption of technologies that allow the generation of productive alternatives and economic
incentives that benefit these indigenous communities. The commitment to a generational change
based on education could be implemented within the project area, with the aim of eradicating
behaviors aimed at obtaining short-term benefits without considering intergenerational
environmental, social and economic costs. The education of the communities of the project area
must respond to their culture, customs and ancestral knowledge, which requires the training and
training of native teachers in ethno-education, together with the improvement of the infrastructure
and educational endowment and the construction of new educational centers supported by rigorous
regional and demographic analyzes.
The health problems previously described to the project communities, originated by the immigrant
population, are increased due to barriers to access to health services represented in the limited
health and hospital infrastructure and the lack of medical personnel to meet the needs of indigenous
people (UNEP and ACTO 2009). It is therefore necessary to rehabilitate and equip the existing
health centers and carry out the construction of new ones based on demographic, regional and
epidemiological studies; emphasizing maternal and child health, implementation of the Integrated
Attention to Prevalent Childhood Illness (IMCI) program and ensuring the cold chain in vaccination
posts. In turn, the training and training of native health promoters under a unifying approach of
traditional and modern medicine is required, which will be a fundamental part in the development
of health brigades to the most remote communities and as interpreters of medical personnel provide
services in the project area. Other projects that would have an impact on the health of indigenous
communities are those related to the improvement of housing and community infrastructure. The
housing improvements that respond to indigenous needs, customs and culture are important
protective factors against zoonoses and vector-borne diseases. The construction of sanitary units
and water purification plants would have an important impact in the prevention of infectious,
contagious, gastrointestinal and parasitic diseases, which should be complemented with adequate
solid waste disposal programs that prevent the proliferation of disease vectors and reduce the risk
of snake accidents.
2.5.6 Ongoing Disputes (G5.5)
There are no ongoing or unresolved conflicts or disputes over rights to lands, territories and
resources.
There are no disputes that were resolved during the last twenty years.
2.5.7 National and Local Laws (G5.6)
Environmental regulations83
From the Constitution of the Republic of Colombia:
Article 58. Private property and other rights acquired in accordance with civil laws are guaranteed,
which can not be ignored or violated by subsequent laws. When the application of a law issued for
reasons of public utility or social interest, in conflict with the rights of individuals with the need for it
recognized, the private interest must yield to the public or social interest.
83 File: National and Local Laws
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 78

The property is a social function that implies obligations. As such, is inherent an ecological function.
Article 79. All persons have the right to enjoy a healthy environment. The law will guarantee the
participation of the community in the decisions that may affect it.
It is the duty of the State to protect the diversity and integrity of the environment, conserve areas of
special ecological importance and promote education for the achievement of these ends.
Article 80. The State will plan the management and use of natural resources, to guarantee its
sustainable development, its conservation, restoration or replacement.
In addition, it must prevent and control the environmental deterioration factors, impose the legal
sanctions and demand the repair of the damages caused.
Likewise, it will cooperate with other nations in the protection of the ecosystems located in the
border areas.
Article 268. The Comptroller General of the Republic shall have the following powers:
Present to the Congress of the Republic an annual report on the state of natural resources and the
environment.
Corresponds to the councils:
Dictate the necessary norms for the control, the preservation and defense of the ecological and
cultural patrimony of the municipality.
Article 317. Only municipalities may tax real property. The above does not prevent
The law will allocate a percentage of these taxes, which can not exceed the average of the existing
surcharges, to the entities in charge of the management and conservation of the environment and
renewable natural resources, in accordance with the development plans of the municipalities in the
area of your jurisdiction.
Article 334. The general direction of the economy shall be the responsibility of the State. This will
intervene, by mandate of the law, in the exploitation of natural resources, in the use of land, in the
production, distribution, use and consumption of goods, and in public and private services, to
rationalize the economy. In order to achieve the improvement of the quality of life of the inhabitants,
the equitable distribution of the opportunities and benefits of development and the preservation of
a healthy environment.
Article 339. There will be a national development plan consisting of a general part and an
investment plan of public entities of the national order. In the general part, the long-term national
purposes and objectives and the general strategies and orientations of the economic,
environmental and social policy, especially the government strategies to combat poverty, will be
indicated. The public investment plan will contain the multi-year budgets of the main programs,
strategies, and national public investment projects and the specification of the financial resources
required for their execution.
The territorial entities will elaborate and adopt in a concerted manner between them and the
National Government, Development Plans in order to ensure the efficient use of their resources,
develop strategies to fight poverty, and the proper performance of the functions that have been
assigned by the Constitution and the law.
The plans of the territorial entities will be made up of a strategic part and a short and long-term
investment plan.
Decrees and laws
Decree 00870 of 2017 of the Ministry of environment and sustainable development by which the
guidelines for payment for environmental services are established.
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 79

Decree 1397 of 2016 of the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development "By which the
conditions are established for the assembly, installation and putting into operation of zones of the
national territory for the temporary location of members of armed organizations outside the law in
the framework of a peace process".
Resolution 97 of 2017 "by which the Single Registry of Ecosystems and Environmental Areas is
created and other provisions are adopted".
Resolution 0376 of 2016: cases that do not require modification of environmental license.
Decree 1076 of 2015. Sole Regulatory Decree of the Environment and Sustainable Development
Sector.
Resolution 6 of 2015. "By which the suspension of the use of the herbicide glyphosate in the
eradication operations of illicit crops by aerial spraying is ordered."
Decree 1077 of 2015. "By means of which the Sole Regulatory Decree of the Housing, City and
Territory Sector is issued".
Decree 1076 of 2015. Sole Regulatory Decree of the Environment and Sustainable Development
Sector.
Decree 2041 of 2014. "By which Title VIII of Law 99 of 1993 on environmental licenses is regulated".
Summary in this LINK.
Resolution 2090 of 2014. "By means of which the Páramo Jurisdicciones - Santurbán - Berlin is
delimited, and other determinations are adopted".
Resolution 0456 OF 2014. "By which the first article of Resolution 138 of 2014 is modified.
Decree 1970 of 2012. That modifies the chapter on traditional mining of Decree 2715 of 2010.
Final document of the Rio Conference plus 20. "The future we want."
Law 1518 of 2012. "By means of which the" International Agreement for the Protection of Plant
Varieties "is approved, of December 2, 1961, revised in Geneva on November 10, 1972, October
23, 1978 and on March 19, 1991. "
Law 1515 of 2012. "By means of which the" Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of
the Deposit of Microorganisms for the purposes of Patent Procedure "is approved, established in
Budapest on April 28, 1977 and amended on 26 September 1980 and its "Regulations", adopted
on April 28, 1977 and amended on January 20, 1981 and October 1, 2002. "
Law 1473 of 2011. "By means of which a fiscal rule is established and other dispositions are
dictated."
Law 1466 of 2011. "By which are added, the second paragraph of Article 1 (object) and the second
paragraph of Article 8, of Law 1259 of December 19, 2008," by means of which was established in
the national territory the application of the Environmental Compare to the violators of the rules of
cleaning, cleaning and collection of debris, and other provisions are dictated. "
Law 1454 of 2011. "By which organic norms are dictated on territorial ordering and other
dispositions are modified."
Law 1450 of 2011. "Whereby the National Development Plan, 2010-2014, is issued."
Decree-Law 3573 of 2011. "That creates the National Agency of Environmental Licenses."
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 80

Law 1444 of 2011. "By means of which some ministries are divided, extraordinary powers are
granted to the President of the Republic to modify the structure of the Public Administration and the
staff of the Office of the Attorney General of the Nation and other provisions. "
Decree 2372 2010. "Through which the National System of Protected Areas (SINAP) is regulated."
Decree 2820 of 2010. "By means of which the environmental licenses are regulated."
Law 1348 of 2009. "By means of which the" International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling,
"adopted in Washington on December 2, 1946, and the" Protocol to the International Convention
for the Regulation of Whaling, signed in Washington, dated December 2, 1946 ", made in
Washington, on November 19, 1956."
Law 1333 of 2009. "By which the sanctioning environmental procedure is established and other
dispositions are dictated."
Decree 400 of 2009. "By means of which the visual exterior advertising in the Capital District is
regulated."
2.5.8 Approvals (G5.7)
The necessary approval documents for the project implementation are given in the following table:
Indigenous reservation Contract / Approval Type & Date

Almidón La Ceiba Mandate Contrract, dated 07 March 2014
Cuenca Baja Río Guainía y Río Negro (Bajo Mandate Contrract, dated 06 September 2011
Río Guainía y Río Negro)
Caranacoa Yuri Laguna Morocoto Mandate Contrract, dated 06 September 2011
Coayare El Coco Mandate Contrract, dated 06 September 2011
Cuenca Media y Alta Río Inírida Mandate Contrract, dated 06 September 2011
El Venado Mandate Contrract, dated 06 September 2011
Cuenca Alta y Río Guanía Mandate Contrract, dated 06 September 2011
Remanso Chorro Bocón Mandate Contrract, dated 06 September 2011
& 25 October 2018
Río Atabapo e Inírida Mandate Contrract, dated 06 September 2011
Puerto Colombia, Ríos Cuyarí e Isana Mandate Contrract, dated 06 September 2011
Tonina Sejal Mandate Contrract, dated 06 September 2011
11 Indeganous Reservations Governance Framework Agreements Cuyari
River and Isana River, dated 24 August 2018
Table No. 10 Mandate Contracts Summary
Considering that the Indigenous people is the owner of the territories involved in the project activity,
the approval is only issued by them thorugh the mandate contracts and the Governance Framework
Agreement, there is no need for an additional Government Approval.
2.5.9 Project Ownership (G5.8)
According to the VCS Standard, the project ownership for the proposed project activity is
araised by virtue of s statutory, property or contractual right in the land, vegetation or
conservational or management process that generates GHG emission reductions.
The statutory virtue is demonstrated through the following legal documentation:
- Constitution of the Republic of Colombia
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 81

- Indigenous Reservations Resolutions

- Mandate Contracts
- Governance Agreement Contracts
Property rights are fully described in the Resolutions issued by the INCODER, where the
Indigenous Reservations Name and identification is stated.
Also, the Real State Registration Certificate (Freedom Certificate) states and confirm the land
proporety by the Indigenous Reservations.
2.5.10 Management of Double Counting Risk (G5.9)
The project does not seek to generate or has received any form of environmental or social credit,
including any tradable climate, community or biodiversity unit.
The project only seeks the CCBS/VCS registration; this is the first issuance of the document
CCBS/VCS PD.
2.5.11 Emissions Trading Programs and Other Binding Limits
Not applicable, the proposed project activity is not included in any other trading programs
and/or other binding limits.
2.5.12 Other Forms of Environmental Credit
The project activity has not sought or received another form of GHG-related environmental
credit.
2.5.13 Participation under Other GHG Programs
The project has not been registed or is seeking registration under any other GHG programs.
2.5.14 Projects Rejected by Other GHG Programs
The project has not been rejected by any other GHG programs.
2.5.15 Double Counting (G5.9)
The project has not sold credits as offsets solds on the voluntary market generated in a country
participating in a compliance mechanism.
3 CLIMATE84
84 File: Climate
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 82

3.1 Application of Methodology
3.1.1 Title and Reference of Methodology
Methodology title: VM0007 REDD+ Methodology Framework (REDD-MF)

Version: 1.5, 9 March 2015
The following table shows the modules applied for each project component:
Project Methodology VM0007

component Module Reference Version
General Modules of the REDD methodology (REDD-MF) VM0007 1.5
Tool for the demonstration and assessment of additionality in VCS
VT0001 3.0
Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use (AFOLU) Project Activities
Methods for stratification of the project area (X-STR) VMD0016 1.1
Estimation of uncertainty for REDD+ project activities (X-UNC) VMD0017 2.1
Baseline Estimation of baseline carbon stock changes and greenhouse gas
VMD0007 3.2
emissions from unplanned deforestation (BL-UP)
Estimation of carbon stock in the above-and below ground biomass
VMD0001 1.1
in live tree and non-tree pools (CP-AB)
AFOLU Non-Permanence Risk Tool, VCS Version 3, Procedura
- -
Document, 19 October 2016, v. 3.3
Estimation of emissions due to the displacement of activities due to
Leakage VMD0010 1
unplanned avoided deforestation (LK-ASU)
Methods for monitoring of greenhouse gas emissions and removals
Monitoring VMD0015 2.1
in REDD project activities (M-MON)
Table No. 11. Modules applied to each project component.
3.1.2 Applicability of Methodology
It has been identified the following projects under the CDM (Sectoral Scope 14) (Any of the listed
projects is located within the project boundaries if the proposed project activity):
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 83

The following VCS projects (located in Colombia), were identified (Any of the listed projects is
located within the project boundaries if the proposed project activity):
The following project were found in the VCS Pipeline (Located in Colombia):
Note: Any of the listed projects is located within the project boundaries if the proposed project
activity)
The project activity meets the following conditions of the REDD methodology (REDD-MF)
VM0007 Ver. 1.5:
4.1 General All land areas registered under The project activity has not
the CDM or under any other been registered under CDM
GHG program (both voluntary or any other GHG Program;
and compliance-oriented) must therefore, there is no land n
be transparently reported and the project area from any
excluded from the project area. other GHG program
excluded.
The exclusion of land in the
project area from any other GHG
program must be monitored over
time and reported in the
monitoring reports.
4.2 REDD
4.2.1 All REDD Activity REDD activity types applicable

Types under the following conditions:
It has been demonstarted
through satellite images that
 Land in the project area
the land in project area has
has qualified as forest
been forest for more than
(following the definition
10 years, it has been
used by VCS) at least 10
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 84

years before the project presented a set of images

start date. from 1987 – 1988.
 If land within the project

area is peatland and
The project area is not a
emissions from the soil
peatland, it has been
carbon pool are deemed
demonstrated through a
significant, the relevant
general soil map
WRC modules (see
(Publication: Soils of
Table 1) must be applied
Amazonia with particular
alongside other relevant
reference to the RAINFORE
modules.
Sites, Quesada et. al.
2011), the soil of the project
area cannot be considered
a “histosol”; threfore, the
WRC modules are not
applicable.
 Baseline deforestation
and forest degradation in
the project area fall within
one or more of the
following categories:
 Unplanned deforestation
(VCS category AUDD); The project activity falls in
the Unplanned
deforestation (VCS
category AUDD) category,
due to the impossibility to
locate with deterministic
precision the areas to be
deforested; thorugh the
satellite analysis, it is
demonstrated the mosaic
deforestation type due the
land use change due to
migration, illegal mining,
and climate change.
The illegal mining is a major

threat due to the richness of
the project activity territory
in minerals such as gold,
iron, uranimum, coltan, and
diamond. It should be said
that the threat is not only
from local or national
companies, but from
international companies.
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 85

The illegal mining is a threat

in dispite the type of method
used for the mining
activities (i.e. open-pit,
dredging) - due to the
richness of the project
activity territory in minerals.
Due to the mining activities

it is expected an increase in
the population that would
bring an charge capacity;
which implies an increase in
the amount of crops and
livestocks places for the
consumption necessities of
the mining people and its
families.
It should be highlighted that

this impact in the unplanned
deforestation is directly
linked to the mining
activities, even when this
 Planned impact would be significant,
deforestation/degradation it would not reach the large
(VCS category APD); scale industrial level (i.e.
Agricultural Industrial
Scale).
The project does not fall

within this category, the
Indigenous Authorities have
not issued permits to allow
the entrance in their
territories, any attempt or
• Degradation through extraction entrance should be
of wood for fuel (fuelwood and considered ilegal and
charcoal production) (VCS therefore, unplanned.
category AUDD).
There is information
available regarding the
extraction and use of wood
for fuel, for
• Leakage avoidance activities conservativeness it has
must not include: been excluded in the
baseline, but will be
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 86

included in the project case

 Agricultural lands that are if fire occurs.
flooded to increase
production (eg, paddy
rice);
Satellite images
 Intensifying livestock demonstrates that there are
production through use of no agricultural lands that
feed-lots6 and/or manure are flooded to increase
lagoons.7 production.
There are no intensifying

livestock production in the
project area through any
means.
4.2.2 Unplanned Unplanned deforestation

Deforestation activities are applicable under the
following conditions:
(i) It is demonstrated
 Baseline agents
through the satellite images
of deforestation
analysis, that the
must: (i) clear the
deforestation processes are
land for
presented in the project
settlements, crop
area in non-industrial scales
production
and are result of the human
(agriculturalist) or
activity in small/local scale.
ranching, where
such clearing for
crop production
or ranching does
not amount to
large scale
industrial
agriculture
(ii) It can be demonstrated
activities8; (ii) that there is no documented
have no and uncontested legal right
documented and to deforest the land for
uncontested these purposes, through the
legal right to Property Rights of the
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 87

deforest the land project area lands and

for these through the Freedom
purposes; and Certificates issued by the
Superintendence of Notary
Issues and Registration.
(iii) The baseline

(iii) be either deforestation agents are
residents in the residents in the Reference
Reference Region for Deforestation,
Region for this is demonstrated
Deforestation (cf. through the satellite images
section 1 below) where the permanent and
or immigrants. constant activity – from
Under any other small communities is
condition this present.
methodology
must not be
used.
 If, in the baseline There are no activities of

scenario of reforestation involved in the
avoiding project activity, this can be
unplanned demonstrated through
deforestation satellite images.
project activities,
post-
deforestation
land use
constitutes
reforestation, this
methodology
may not be used.
4.2.3 Planned Unplanned The indigenous

Deforestation/Degradation deforestation/degradation reservations have not
activities are applicable under the legally permitted the
following condition: entrance of deforestation
agents to their territories.
• Conversion of forest lands to a
deforested condition must be
legally permitted.
4.2.4 Degradation Degradation activities are

(Fuelwood/Charcoal) applicable under the following
conditions:
 Fuelwood collection and In the baseline period, the

charcoal production must fuelwood collection and
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 88

be non-renewable9 in the charcoal production is non-

baseline period. renewable due to the
significant threat of the
illegal activities such as
mining.
 If degradation is caused
This is not applicable due
by either illegal or legal
there is no ilegal or legal
tree extraction for timber,
tree extraction for timber.
this methodology cannot
be used.
The main deforestation
threat is given due to the
ilegal mining activities.
As a consequence of the
mining activities there are
trees that are logged, these
are used for local
consumption, for example,
for canoe construction,
temporary camping
construction for the mining
workers, and small house
construction.
As the satellite images

project activity’ file it can be
seen that there is no tree
extraction for timber
purposes.
4.3 ARR ARR activities are applicable The project does not
under the following conditions: constitute an ARR Activity.
• The project area is non-forest
land or land with degraded forest.
 The project scenario

does not involve the
harvesting of trees.
Therefore, procedures for
the estimation of long-
term average carbon
stocks are not provided.
 The project scenario
does not involve the
application of nitrogen
fertilizers.
Note, where project

activities on wetlands are
excluded by the
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 89

applicability conditions of
applied modules or tools,
these can be disregarded
for the purpose of their
use within this
methodology, as
quantification procedures
for the peat soil are
provided in modules BL-
PEAT and M-PEAT.
4.4 WRC WRC activities are applicable The projectactivity does not
under the following conditions: involve WRC activities.
 This methodology is
applicable to rewetting
drained peatland (RDP)
and conservation of
undrained and partially
drained peatland (CUPP)
activities on project areas
that meet the VCS
definition for peatland10.
The scope of this
methodology is limited to
domed peatlands in the
tropical climate zone.
 Fire reduction projects on
peatland that exclude
rewetting as part of the
project activity are not
eligible.
 Rewetting of drained
peatland and
conservation of
undrained or partially
drained peatland may be
implemented in
combination with REDD
project activities. REDD
project activities on
peatland must not
increase drainage.
 Rewetting of drained
peatland may be
implemented as a
separate activity or in
combination with ARR
project activities. ARR
activities must not
enhance peat oxidation
and therefore this activity
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 90

requires at least some

degree of rewetting.
Applicability of the Tool for the demonstartion and Assessment of Additionality in VCS Agriculture,
Forestry and other Land Use (AFOLU) project activities VT0001 Ver. 3.0:
1.2 Applicability conditions The tool is applicable under

the following conditions:
The right to decide especially
must be exercised in the
 AFOLU activities the
application of land uses,
same or similar to the
considering the preservation
proposed project
of natural resources.
activity on the land
Regarding the exploitation of
within the proposed
natural resources in their
project boundary
territories, the government will
performed with or
not be able to make any
without being
decision without the
registered as the VCS
participation of the community.
AFOLU project
Colombia's political
activity shall not lead
constitution recognizes the
to violation of any
autonomy of indigenous
applicable law even if
communities and territories
the law is not
and obliges them to participate
enforced.
in government decisions that
affect their interests.
 The use of this tool to For the determination of the

determine additionality most plausible baseline
requires the baseline scenario a step-wise approach
methodology to was followed through the Step
provide for a step- 1, Sub-step 1a, Sub-step b
wise approach and Sub-step 1c.
justifying the
determination of the
most plausible
baseline scenario.
Project porponent (s)
proposing new
baseline
methodologies sahll
ensure consistency
between the
determination of a
baseline scenario and
the determination of
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 91

additionality of a
project activity.
Methods for stratification of the project area (X-STR) VMD0016 Ver. 1.1.
4. Applicability
Any module referencing strata
i must be used in combination
with this module.
For the proposed project
In case of REDD, above- activity, above-ground
biomass stratification is only
ground biomass stratification
used for pre-deforestation
is only used for pre-
forest classes, the strata has
deforestation forest classes,
been determined the same in
and strata are the same in the
baseline and the project the baseline and in the project
scenario. Post-deforestation scenario.
Due to the analysis method
land uses are not stratified.
used at cartogrphic level, the
Instead, average post-
assessement of the strata
deforestation stock values (eg,
through the historical period
simple or historical area-
weighted approaches are and future scenario – the
used, as per module BL-UP). stratification is always the
same for the baseline and the
project scenario.
Post-deforestation land uses

are not stratified in respect to
the stock values, where
historical area-weighted
approach has been used.
As described in the VM0007

applicability criteria, there are
For peatland rewetting and no peatlands involved in the
conservation project activities project activity.
this module must be used to
delineate non-peat versus
peat and to stratify the peat
according to peat depth and
soil emission characteristics,
unless it can be demonstrated
that the expected emissions
from the soil organic carbon
pool or change in the soil
organic carbon pool in the
project scenario is de minimis,
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 92

As described in the VM0007

In the case of peatland applicability criteria, there are
rewetting and conservation no peatlands involved in the
project activities, the project project activity.
boundary must be designed
such that the negative effect of
drainage activities that occur
outside the project area on the
project GHG benefits are
minimized.
Estimation of uncertainty for REDD+ project activities (X-UNC) VMD0017 Ver. 2.1
4. Applicability Conditions This module is mandatory

when using methodology
REDD-MF. It is applicable for
estimating the uncertainty of
estimates of emissions and
removals of CO2-e generated
from REDD and WRC project
activities. The module focuses
on the following sources of
uncertainty:
A per the VMD0017 V. 2.1.,
and in regards to the
 Determination of rates
deforestation and degradation
of deforestation and
rates uncertainty, the
degradation
uncertainty vaue is not known
and cannot be simply
calculated.
It cannot be simply calculated

because:
The module VMD007 BL-UP
v.3.2., step 2.2. (p. 16), states
that the modeled annual area
of deforestation shall be
calculated accross the
historical reference period,
through three methods: (i)
Historical average annual
deforestation during the
historical reference period, (ii)
A linear regression of
deforested area against time
and (iii) A non-linear
regression of deforested area
against time.
For the proposed project

activity it cannot be applied
any regression beacuse when
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 93

applying (p<=0.05) the r2 is

not >=0..75; therefore, the
only possibility is the option (i)
to use an “Historical average
annual defrestation during the
historical reference period”.
When applying an historical

average data, it is not possible
to calculate an uncertainty;
threfore, it is assumed zero.
 Uncertainty An indisputably conservative*

associated with estimate was used instead of
estimation of stocks in uncertainties (Baccini et. al.
carbon pools and 2012), based on verifieble
changes in carbon literature sources.
stocks As per the VMD0017 v.2.1. if
estimates based o verifiable
literature are used, the the
uncertainty is assumed zero.
* The Baccini et. Al. 2012
values are conservative,
because from all the paper
published on or after the
Baccini Paper publication,
reports a higher values of
carbon stocks.
 Uncertainty There are no peat emissions

associated with involved in the project activity.
estimation of peat
emissions
 Uncertainty in The uncertainty value for the

assessment of project project emissions cannot be
emissions simply calculated; therefore,
an uncertainty value of zero
has been applied.
The uncertainty in the

assessment of project
emissions cannot be simply
calculated because the project
activities, such as the mega-
projects implementation
activities, will be different in
technology, scale, etc.
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 94

Where an uncertainty
value is not known or
cannot be simply
calculated, a project
must justify that it is
using an indisputably
conservative number
and an uncertainty of
0% may be used for
this component.
Guidance on
uncertainty – a
precision target of a
95% confidence
interval half-width
equal to or less than
15% of the recorded
value must be
targeted. This is
especially important in
terms of project
planning for
measurement of
carbon stocks;
sufficient
measurement plots
should be included to
achieve this precision
level across the
measured stocks.
Estimation of baseline carbon stock changes and greenhouse gas emissions from unplanned
deforestation (BL-UP) VMD0007 v.3.2
4. Applicability Conditions The module is applicable for

estimating baseline emissions
from unplanned deforestation
(conversion of forest land to
non-forest land in the baseline
case). The following
conditions must be met to The forest landscape of the
apply this module. The forest proposed project activity
landscape configuration can corresponds to a mosaic
be mosaic, transition or configuration.
frontier. The configuration of the forest
landscape (mosaic type) is
demonstrated through satellite
images.
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 95

 The module shall be

applied to all project
activities where the
baseline agents of (i) It is demonstrated through
deforestation: (i) clear the satellite images analysis,
the land for that the deforestation
settlements, crop processes are presented in
production the project area in non-
(agriculturalist) or industrial scales and are result
ranching, where such of the human activity in
clearing for crop small/local scale.
production or ranching
does not amount to
large scale industrial
agriculture activities; (ii) It can be demonstrated
(ii) have no that there is no documented
documented and and uncontested legal right to
uncontested legal deforest the land for these
right to deforest the purposes, through the
land for these Property Rights of the project
purposes; and area lands and through the
Freedom Certificates issued
by the Superintendence of
Notary Issues and
Registration.
(iii) The baseline deforestation

(iii) are either resident agents are residents in the
in the region Reference Region for
(reference region—cf. Deforestation, this is
section 1 below) or demonstrated through the
immigrants. satellite images where the
permanent and constant
activity – from small
communities is present.
There is no pre-project
 Where, pre-project, unsustainable fuelwood
unsustainable collection occurring within the
fuelwood collection is project boundaries.
occurring within the This is demonstrated through
project boundaries satellite images.
modules BL-DFW and
LK-DFW shall be used
to determine potential
leakage.
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 96

Estimation of carbon stock in the above-and below ground biomass in live tree and non-tree pools
(CP-AB) Ver. 1.1.
The proposed project activity

4. Applicability Conditions This module is applicable to all is a tropical forest in a climax
forest types and age classes. stage. This is demonstrated
through satellite images and
specialized literature.
It has been included the

Inclusion of the aboveground aboveground tree biomass
tree biomass pool as part of pool as par of the project
the project boundary is boundary, and it is used for
mandatory as per the the calibration from the
framework module REDD- Baccini et. al. 2012 pantropical
MF. carbon stock map to the
project activity areas.
It has not been included the

non-tree aboveground
Non-tree aboveground
biomass.
biomass must be included as
part of the project boundary if
the following applicability
criteria are met (per
framework module REDD-
MF):
This carbon stock is not
Stocks of non-tree measured considering that it is
aboveground biomass are not significant for the relation
greater in the baseline than in between the carbon stock and
the project scenario, and the project area.
Non-tree aboveground
biomass is determined to be
significant (using the T-SIG
module).
Belowground (tree and non- According to the module

tree) biomass are not required criteria, belowground (tree and
for inclusion in the project non-tree) biomass has not
boundary because omission is been included in the project
conservative. boundary because its
omission is conservative.
Estimation of emissions due to the displacement of activities due to unplanned avoided

deforestation (LK-ASU) VMD0010 v.1
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 97

Due to the avoidance of the

4. Applicability Conditions This module is applicable for unplanned deforestation in the
estimating carbon stock project area, this module has
changes and greenhouse gas been applied to estimate the
emissions related to the carbon stock chages and
displacement of activities that greenhouse gas emission
cause deforestation of lands related to the displacement of
outside the project area due to actvties that cause
the avoiding unplanned deforestation of lands outside
deforestation in the project the project area.
area.
Through satellite images, field

photographic evidences, gps
Activities subject to potential points, it is demonstrated that
displacement are conversion the activities subject to
of forest land to grazing lands, potential displacement
crop lands, and other land correspond to conversion of
uses. forest land to grazing lands,
crop lands, and other land
uses.
The module BL-UP has been

The module is mandatory if used to determine the
module BL-UP has been used baseline and the applicability
to define the baseline and the conditions have been
applicability conditions in complied with in full (Refer to
module BL-UP must be table of BL-UP applicability
complied with in full. conditions in this section).
Methods for monitoring of greenhouse gas emissions and removals in REDD project activities (M-
MON) VMD0015 V. 2.1.
The strata has been fixed, and

4. Applicbaility Conditions Strata as defined in the will not be changed without
relevant baseline modules are baseline revision.
fixed and may not be changed It has been determined that
without baseline revision. the baseline revision will take
place every 10 years.
This module has been applied

The module is always and therefore the methodology
mandatory. Without VM0007 has been used.
application of this module the
methodology shall not be No selective logging is taking
used. Where selective logging place in the project case, this
is taking place in the project is demonstrated through
case: satellite images.
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 98

 Emissions from
logging may be
omitted if it can be
demonstrated the
emissions are de
minimis using T-SIG.
 If emissions from
logging are not
omitted as de minimis,
logging may only take
place within forest
management areas
that possess and
maintain a Forest
Stewardship Council
(FSC) certificate for
the years when the
selective logging
occurs.
 Logging operations
may only conduct
selective logging that
maintains a land cover
that meets the
definition of forest
within the project
boundary.
 All trees cut for timber
extraction during
logging operations
must have a DBH
greater than 30 cm.
 During logging
operations, only the
bole/log of the felled
tree may be removed.
The top/crown of the
tree must remain
within the forested
area.
 The logging practices
cannot include the
piling and/or burning
of logging slash
 Volume of timber
harvested must be
measured and
monitored.
Note: The AFOLU Non-Permanence Risk Tool VCS Version 3, Procedural Document 19 October
2016, v3.3 was also applied for the calculation of the buffer percentage. This Tool sets out the
procedures for conducting the non-permanence risk analysis to determine the non-permanence
risk rating (“risk rating”), which has been used to determine the number of buffer credits that the
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 99

project activity (which is an AFOLU project) is expected to deposit into the AFOLU pooled buffer
account.
3.1.3 Project Boundary
The following table shows the sources of GHG incuded or excluded in the project
boundaries and its justification/explanation.
Sources Gas Included? Justification/Explanation

However, carbon stock
decreases due to burning are
CO2 Excluded
accounted as a carbon stock
change
Biomass
CH4 Excluded Non-CO2 gases emitted from
burning
woody biomass burning - it is
conservative to exclude in the
N2O Excluded baseline but must be included in
the project case if fire occurs.
Baseline and Project
Excluded from baseline

CO2 Excluded
accounting, then neglected.
Combustion of Potential emissions are
CH4 Excluded
fossil fuels negligible
Potential emissions are
N2O Excluded
negligible
CO2 Excluded
negligible
CH4 Excluded
negligible
Excluded from baseline
Use of fertilizers
accounting except in the
situation where fertilizer use is
N2O Excluded
enhanced as a leakage
avoidance mechanism, then
excluded.
Note related to temporary boundary: there are no temporary boundaries in the proposed
project activity.
Note related to leakage: The application of the LK-ASU Module of the approved VCS VM0007
REDD Methodology Modules was considered in the VMD0010 Module; leakage due to
displacement of unplanned deforestation.
Spatial and geographical boundaries. The project activity spatial extent is defined as
follows:
Project Area (PA): it is constituted on an indigenous territory legally constituted and that has an
area of 1,815,704.61 ha. Several lines of mega-projects will be implemented in this area to
effectively combat the threat to the region.
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0
Leakage Belt (LB): The leakage area is 1,592,481.54 ha without savannas and 1,844,720.53 ha
including the savannas. The leakage area represents 87.70% of the project area project not
considering the savannahs and 101% if the savannas are considered following the
recommendation of the VMD0016-X-STR module. The amounts of deforestation and degradation
are presented in the general stratification table.
Reference Region for Projecting Deforestation Rate (RRD): Because there are no similar
characteristics in the behavior of the region in areas surrounding the project, the rates of
deforestation analyzed for the case of unplanned deforestation were from the entire project area,
that is to say (PA + LB) and it was 4,324,413.51 ha.
Reference Region for Projecting Deforestation Rate (RRD): Because there are no similar
characteristics in the behavior of the region in areas surrounding the project to determine the
behavior of deforestation by open-pit mining in the region, deforestation rates were estimated based
on multitemporal analysis in areas with similar characteristics Refer to Table No. 12. Location of
units of approximation.
Reference Region for Projecting Location of Deforestation (RRL): It is required for localization
forecasts deforestation in the baseline. It is a continuous area that contains forested and non-
forested areas; the RRL Region contains the Project Area (PA) and LB. Meets the requirements
defined in the module similarity BL-UP (VMD0007).
Limit Area (ha)

Project Area 1,815,704.61
(PA) ha
Leakage belt 1,592,481.54
(LB) ha
RRD 4,324,413.51
ha
RRL 4,324,413.51
ha
Table No. 13. Project detailed area
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1
Figure No. 7. Project Area
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2
Figure No. 8. Project Boundaries

(The project is located in the Northeast sector of the Colombian Amazon, in the department of Guainía)
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 10

3
Figure No. 9. General region
Carbon pool
Carbon pools included in the REDD Project:
Included /
Carbon reserve Justification of your choice
Excluded
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4
The biomass and carbon stored in it, in the project area and
in areas with similar conditions, were estimated in the
reference scenario or baseline (before deforestation).
Carbon stocks were also estimated in a scenario after
Aboveground tree deforestation. Changes in carbon stocks were estimated
Included
biomass with these two estimates. The reserve of carbon in the non-
arboreal vegetation did not present significant changes in
the scenario after deforestation with respect to the scenario
prior to deforestation, which explains the omission of this
reservoir from the project.
The biomass and the carbon stored in it were estimated in

Belowground the project area in two scenarios, in the reference line and
Excluded
biomass in the project scenario. This reserve did not present
changes in the scenarios, nor was it significant.
This reserve was not included in the project since the
Dead wood Excluded
estimates were not significant
This reserve did not present changes in the two compared
Wood products Excluded scenarios, reference line and project. Also, it was not
significant.
This reserve did not present changes in the two compared
Litter Excluded scenarios, reference line and project. Also, it was not
significant.
The estimates of emissions from this reservoir are not
greater in the baseline compared to the project scenario,
Soil Excluded
nor are they significant, therefore, they were not included in
the project.
Table No. 14. Carbon pools included in the REDD Project
3.1.4 Baseline Scenario
The Identification and selection of alternative land use scenarios for determination of the baseline
and assessment of additional was conducted in accordance with the Tool for the demonstartion
and Assessment of Additionality in VCS Agriculture, Forestry and other Land Use (AFOLU) project
activities VT0001 Ver. 3.0.
Step 1. Identification of alternative land use scenarios to the proposed VCS AFOLU project
activity
Sub-step 1a. Identify credible alternative land use scenarios to the proposed VCS AFOLU
project activity
The following alternative land use scenarios were identified for the project:
Scenario 1 (i) Continuation of the pre-project land use: this scenario considers the same
problem to the initial conditions of the project added to the high threat by transformation due to
deforestation agent, open-pit mining on the region, illegal actors, territory subjected to constant
pressure for evidence of wealth mineral and imminent threat of deforestation due to climate change.
Territory currently mostly conserved by the environmental offer, the low carrying capacity of the
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 10

5
region and traditional practices carried out by the indigenous community. Indigenous communities
willing to protect their territory and look for socio-economic alternatives according to the
conservation of their territories for their development. By generating true economic alternatives, the
indigenous community affected by the threat of economic models based on illegality will be less
and less affected by them. In this way illegal mining is fought indirectly. It should be noted that,
although illegal mining is always treated as a police issue, it is really a matter of economic and labor
opportunity. In this way the problem is not treated directly, and solid solutions are generated.
Scenario 2 (ii) Project activity on the land within the project boundary performed without
being registered as the VCS AFOLU project: Improvement of the quality of life of the
communities, adaptation and mitigation of the adverse effects of climate change without being
registered as a VCS project, and with different funding possibilities. These are not always in keeping
with the conservation of ecosystems and the carbon storage, this scenario represents an
unfortunate situation for the preservation of unique ecosystems in the world.
Sub-step 1b. Consistency of credible land use scenarios with enforced applicable laws and
regulations.
Scenario 1 (i): Considering that the Indigenous Reservations are the owners of the territory and
any activity implemented in their terriorty depends on their authorization and approval, ay mining
activity occurring or to be occurred without their authorization should be considered illegal.
The Indigenous Reservations have autonomy to decide on their interests according to their uses
and customs within the limits of the constitution and the law. The right to decide especially must be
exercised in the application of land uses, considering the preservation of natural resources.
Regarding the exploitation of natural resources in their territories, the government will not be able
to make any decision without the participation of the community.
Colombia's political constitution recognizes the autonomy of indigenous communities and territories
and obliges them to participate in government decisions that affect their interests. Complementing
this legislation Colombia through Law 21 of 1991 approved Convention 169 of the International
Labor Organization (ILO) granting it a constitutional block hierarchy sharing and complementing
the stipulations of the Magna Carta. ILO Convention 169 is frequently named in prior consultation
processes and processes of cultural integrity. The special rapporteur of the United Nations declared
that the signing of this agreement is: "A transcendental step in the consolidation of the
contemporary international regime on indigenous peoples, Convention no. 169 significantly
recognizes the collective rights of indigenous peoples in key areas, including cultural integrity; the
consultation and participation; self-government and autonomy; the rights to land, territory and
resources; and non-discrimination in socio-economic areas (James Anaya, United Nations Special
Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous peoples Aug
11, 2008). " On the other hand, Exploration and exploitation of mining activity resources is and has
been the main factor of degradation of the ecosystems of the department of Guainía (Community
Global Partnership, 2012); it is a real threat, which has been present for several decades, directly
affecting the communities environmentally and with irreversible consequences for the Amazon. Due
to the mining pressure on the study area, it is necessary to know the scope of decrees and laws
that have been developed around the subject. For this reason, the indigenous people of the region
of the project are the only ones who can decide the future of the region, but for this they need the
economic elements and resources that a project like this can offer them.
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6
The current practice in the region is that the Government keeps issuing Mining Titles without
consulting the Indigenous Reservations, it should be considered that only in the project boundaries
there are 36 titles of approved by the Government titles and 474 of looking for approval of
the Government titles (for Gold, there are other titles for more valuable minerals), for any of those
mining titles the communities have been consulted, without the Indigenous Reservations Approval
and Authorization the mining activity shall be considered illegal.
As can be seen in Figure 13 of this document, it is demonstrated the common practice of the
National Government of Colombia to issue mining titles in the region. In addition to this, the national
mining cadaster has been submitted to the DOE, in which the titling with its respective classification
for the entire national territory is observed. The reason for which the Indigenous communities and
in general the communities are not consulted in Colombia for the issuance of these mining titles
granted to third parties (foreign persons to the region and foreign investment companies) is the
Article 332 of the Political Constitution of Colombia, which states that "The State owns the subsoil
and non-renewable natural resources, without prejudice to the rights acquired and perfected in
accordance with the pre-existing laws"; however, this article is against the will and rights of
indigenous people. By means of the Verdict C-273 of 2016 the Constitutional Court established that
an agreement must be reached prior to the mining titling between the mining authority and the
municipalities, which would allow defining the areas where mining could or could not be done.
Through Sentence C-035 of 2016, the Court orders a process of agreement between the mining
authority and the municipalities on the mining reserve areas, guaranteeing that these are
compatible with the Land Management Plans and, finally, in the Verdict T-445 of 2016 the Court
specifies that the territorial entities have competence to regulate land use and guarantee the
protection of the environment (even prohibit mining). Similarly, municipalities have the power to
advance popular consultations on mining. By means of Verdict C-389 of 2016, the Court establishes
that in the mining titling procedure the citizen participation of the inhabitants of the territory must be
guaranteed. The same ruling, resolves that the right of priority by ethnic communities does not
justify omitting prior consultation and free, prior and informed consent when the affectation is
intense due to displacement, threat of physical or cultural extinction or use of hazardous materials.
In other words, titling without authorization from Indigenous Communities is a common practice in
the Colombian national territory. It is important to emphasize that the small illegal mining, exercised
and controlled by foreign actors, often armed and with some economic power to exercise a small
territorial control, is a problem of state order and its control should therefore be exercised by the
nation and its institutions, for this reason is not considered in this scenario, its capacity is so limited
that its activity is very difficult to perceive and differentiate from the daily activity of land use
exercised by communities. Despite this, it is important to understand that the indigenous
communities are free and have the constitutional power to allow or not the development of large-
scale mining.
Please also refer to explanation in relation to the “Illegal Mining” described in detail below figure
No. 15.
Scenario 2 (ii). The implementation of the project depends on the availability of economic
resources, no law or regulation in Colombia states or prohibit the implementation of a conservation
project, therefore, this scenario does not break any law or regulation in Colombia.
Outcome of Sub-step 1b. Selection of the baseline scenario
The list of plausible scenarios is as follows:
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7
- Scenario 1; and
- Scenario 2.
Sub-step 1c. Selection of baseline scenario
The following analysis was performed:
Scenario 1. This scenario refers to a mining performed by actors with a huge technical and
economical capacity, this kind of actors have enough resources to perform open cast mining
activities and are more than willing to make use of the mining titles already issued by the
Government.
This is the most probable scenario to occur in the absence of the project activity because there is
a huge appetite of this actors with great economic capacity, the already identified richness of
minerals in the territory, and the fact that the Government keeps issuing mining titles which shows
an inherent promotion of the mining activities.
Scenario 2. This scenario is less probable and not realistic because without the VCUs income
there is no other income source at all, the project implementation requires a significant amount of
economic resources that the indigenous reservations involved in the project activity does not
possess, actually they are facing serious challenges and problems related to basic issues such as
food (severe malnutrition conditions) and health (lack of basic services).
Conclusion: the most realistic, credible and probable scenario corresponds to Scenario 1
this has been chosen as the baseline scenario, in the determination of the baseline scenario it
has been considered relevant national and sectoral policies and particularly the circumstances,
such as historical land uses, practices and economic trends – in particular the circumstances of the
project boundaries due to the richness in minerals of the territory.
Additional Context related to scenario 1:
For a better understanding of the scenario 1 (which has been selected on the step-wise
approach): the following assumptions, scientifically proven, were considered.
Most of the forests in the project area are in a state of climatic development, meaning that the
populations of the vegetation types to be conserved and protected from the threat are in
demographic equilibrium, in other words, the scientific evidence suggests that Changes in species
composition occur very slowly for human perception. The growth and quantity of carbon stored
should therefore be kept constant with a natural level of fluctuations, but in complete equilibrium
within the ecosystems. The birth, recruitment and mortality rates will therefore keep the system in
balance. Only large disturbances such as deforestation will affect this balance. Small disturbances
can be quickly recovered (in the natural time scale) if soil characteristics are conserved and there
are no constant disturbances that prevent such recovery (Swaine et al., 1987, Moore et al., 2018,
Cox et al. 2000).
To understand the scenario of probability of establishment of the mining deforestation agent, the
biggest deforestation agent that threatens the territory (planned deforestation deviation), it is
important to expand the information at physiognomy and physiography level. The territory presents
a domain of the flat regions, with possibly undulating landscapes with the exception of two
geological formations: the Serranía de Naquén and the mountainous area of Caranacoa that
surpass 500 meters of height. There are also rocks or granite hills such as the Mavicure hill (Etter,
2001), defined according to Lobo-Guerrero (2000), as "Precambrian remains of a large formation
of crystalline rocks, which have resisted the erosive processes and remain true. islands of time in
the middle of the jungle ".
In the physiographic description of the units, aspects such as drainage, slope of the land, flood
level, the presence of sands, silts and clays, among other characteristics that tend to be
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 10

8
determinants in the colonization of plant communities. It is the basis of the geomorphological

characterization, and for this reason the earth forms are grouped into simple morphological
assemblages. In the Department of Guainia, the following landscape physiographies are recorded:
Broken hills and mountains: it is also the physiography of the Guayanés shield that includes high
plateaus, tables and heavily broken reliefs with flat, undulating to slightly broken peaks of less than
200 and 1000 m (Etter & Córdoba, 2001).
Residual hills of granite: it is a typical landscape of the Guayanés shield that includes from immense
rocks, called batholiths, that excel in the plain to hundreds of meters of height, until minor rocks
little prominent. They are bare rocks and quite steep slopes of more than 60% and are found both
in the Amazonian region of the Department of Guainía and in the Orinocense region of the
department of Vichada. In some cases, they can develop vegetation in the upper part. It is common
the presence of vegetal formations developed in the base of the granitic body (Martínez & Galeano,
2001, Cárdenas-L. & Giraldo-Cañas, 1997, Córdoba, 1995).
Savannahs: it is the typical landscape of the Orinoquía. The climate of the savannah is
characterized by having a wet season with high rainfall that generates a high groundwater level in
the soil, followed by a very marked dry season, with some months where low rainfall lowers soil
moisture levels to a minimum. In other words, the climate changes abruptly through the year of
flood to drought (IGAC, 1999). These climatic conditions generate xerophytic or extreme
environments, which limit the colonization of woody plants and allow them to develop only extensive
coverings dominated by herbaceous plants, especially Poaceae, which are occasionally interrupted
by woody plant species that grow isolated way. In other cases, in the savanna there is also the
riparian or gallery forest that develops on the edge of the water courses. This physiography appears
in places of the Guayanés shield with climatic characteristics separated from the typical model of a
wet season followed by a dry and long, where the soils dominate very low in nutrients, washed,
with high presence of sands and high-water table during the season rainy (Rudas-Ll. et al., 2002).
Flood-plains, including low terraces: this physiographic formation exhibits successional processes
in its vegetative cover, ranging from the beaches of sandy and frequently flooded banks, to places
of sporadic flooding with cycles of 10 to 20 years. In this continuum of floodplain forests, there is
usually heterogeneity of types that can be explained by several factors, among which are the
phreatic level, the origin of the water and the presence of sands or clays (Rasanen, 1993).
Considering the level of soil drainage, forests can be differentiated with palms, palmares, or
cananguchales (Brazilian word used to define flood palms). These usually develop on poorly
drained substrates. The floodplain forests can be of the type bathed by black waters, called
caatingas or igapó depending on the level of sands, or of the type bathed by white or Amazonian
waters called then várzeas; which generates marked floristic differences. Flood forests occupy a
significant extension of the floodplains of the Amazon, on planes with slopes lower than 1% and
whose heights with respect to rivers do not exceed 9 m in height. These floodable terraces form a
plain that varies with the evolution of the meanders (Urrego 1997, Tuomisto 1993).
Dissected surfaces and non-flooding planes: They are flat surfaces of 0 to 35% slope that can have
flat, flat and flat to slightly undulating surfaces. It is common to find in the literature the description
of this physiography, as a landscape of hills with slopes of 10 - 35 °, however, due to the vigorous
coverage with trees from 30 to 50 meters high and a beginning of a canopy located at more 20
meters high, it is a difficult landscape to measure from the earth's surface, since it is not easy to
differentiate structures beyond 30 meters high. They are found mainly in the distant margins of the
rivers, formed by the wear and washing of nutrients. They are regions of the mainland that do not
flood and have good drainage (Rudas, 2009). Formations with non-flooded forests are the most
abundant in the entire Amazon region, represent 80% of the Amazon area and concentrate the
largest number of families, genera and species, due to their extension (ter Steege et al., 2000 in
Stropp, 2011). These forests are the least studied because they are far from the courses of the
rivers, therefore, they are sub-sampled with respect to the floodplains that are easily accessible
(Cárdenas et al., 2007).
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9
High terraces: occur throughout the Amazon region and is the result of late Holocene and late Pre-
Columbian sub-populations; in other words, they are the result of the formation, accumulation and
transformation of sediment that migrates from the non-floodplain to the alluvial valleys or river
valleys. They are higher than the low terraces and are not flooded by the floods of the rivers. They
are also the result of alluvial deposits that have remained at levels higher than the levees, low
terraces and current basins of the river. They present slopes from 2% to 4% and generally have
good drainage, except for very specific places with poor drainage. As in non-floodplains, the
formation lacks nutrient inputs resulting from floods, which generates regions with soils and
substrates of low fertility that are constantly acidified. They differ from the low flood terraces
because in the latter the floods constantly renew their fertility (Urrego, 1997).
Dykes and barracks-basins: occur at the edges of rivers, are sandy, silty and clay banks. Its
distribution is linked to the changing dynamics of the alluvial planes of frequent flooding. The sands
or even the thicker fragments such as gravel appear in the axes of the fluvial currents where the
maximum speeds are and the silts and clays appear in distant areas of the currents (Puhakka &
Kalliola, 1993).
In the Department of Guainía, the type of vegetation that appears in floodplains, levees, bars and
basins, the most important is the Caatinga flood forest. According to Medina & Cuevas (2011) this
type of forest is the most important in southern Venezuela, in the upper basin of the Negro River,
at the confluence of the boundaries of Brazil and Colombia, corresponding to the Amazon basin of
the department of Guainía. This vegetation pattern is defined as sclerophyllous forest that grows
on white sand soils. It can present heights between 1.5 and 30 meters in height, depending on the
impoverishment of the soil compounds. The caatinga is restricted to the equatorial zone, with
defined edaphic seasons and characteristics, such as an annual precipitation regime of 3000 mm,
recurrent waterlogging on rainy days that affect the water table, the floristic composition of the
oligotrophic species, the very low availability of nutrients, the frequent anoxic regime, the
sclerophyllous regime, the affectation of sequences of dry days and finally a direct association with
rivers of black waters. It has been reported that the species Micrandra sprucei (Klinge & Medina,
1979, Medina & Cuevas, 2011) is restricted to the caatingas as well as Eperua leucantha and
Eperua purpurea. It has been found that the low caatinga has continuous rock only 120 cm deep,
affecting the resistance of the plants to short periods of drought (Aymard, 2009, Medina & Cuevas,
2011). The vegetation of hard and leathery leaves characteristic of these formations is also related
to a high leaf duration (Medina & Cuevas, 2011).
At the geological level it is important to emphasize that to recognize the territory in this component,
the estimated age of the earth of 4,500 million years must be evoked. In this long period of time it
has evolved and changed with different speeds, until achieving the shape that we currently
recognize. Compared with the short life cycles of the organisms that inhabit it, geological changes
occur at immense time scales, in this sense, three events are recognized that contextualize the
reader with its evolution, the first takes place about 3,500 million years ago with the appearance of
life, the second makes about 1,000 million years with the presence of the first multicellular
organisms and a third event only between 250,000 and 160,000 thousand years ago, with the
appearance of man. In this context, it could be inferred that when unicellular and pluricellular life
was just evolving in the earth, the Guayanés shield was formed, the dominant geological formation
of the Department of Guainía, which is between 3,200 and 350 million years old (Urbani, 2010).
This shield, like the rest of the planet and which once formed the super continent known as Pangea,
is recognized as an extensive continental mass of pre-Cambrian solid rock (previous to the
accumulation of fossil formations) with many shared features, but relatively not homogeneous in
composition. Among the shared characteristics, the domain of areas extensively flattened, eroded,
without any marine influence, or large tectonic folds is highlighted.
In South America, there are two shields, the Guayanés shield and the Brazilian shield separated
by the Amazon River. The Guayanés shield is a craton that extends from the east of Colombia to
the southern half of Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana and northern Brazil. It presents
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formations of ages between 1,800 and 350 million years old, it is formed by rocks of sandstones
and quartzites resistant to erosion that influence the whole area of the project and the water courses
that are born in it, these characteristics added to their antiquity determine the Soils formed under
these conditions are very low in nutrient concentration (IGAC, 1999).
The Guayanés Shield portion in Colombia has been described and recognized by experts as the
Mitú Migmatitic Complex. This complex emerges in San José del Guaviare, Serrania de
Chiribiquete, the north-east of the Department of Vaupés and the entire Department of Guainía. Its
landscape forms extensive penile plains with reliefs or variable outcrops. In the west of the
department of Guainía, these have a characteristic pattern of drainages in the form of "v" with
differences between the bottom of the alluvial valley and the peaks up to 60 m high; in the east of
the department, the penile plains are shallower with rounded to flat shapes and valleys of up to 30
meters.
Another outcrop of the Mitú Migmatítico complex is the "Montes islas" or granitoides; immense
spherical rocks that stand out from the penis-plain by presenting rounded tops and steep slopes.
They are characterized by being batholiths or large granite igneous rocks that are found in localities
near the mountainous area of Caranacoa, near Puerto Inírida, among other places. Cerro
Mavecure, located two hours from Puerto Inírida, is the typical example of this formation. Other
reliefs of the complex that stand out in the region of the project are the Serranía del Naquén and
the mountainous area of Caranacoa; outcrops of the so-called Tunui Group, equivalent to the
Roraima group in Venezuela (IGAC, 1999) and with heights of up to 800 m. These mountains and
formations of the Guyanese shield are rich in sandstones that contain various minerals of economic
interest such as gold, diamond and various rare earths. This characteristic is essential at the
moment of calculating the probability of occurrence of mining events.
The Guyanese shield has not changed much in the geological time scale, however, the continental
mass that surrounds it has shown strong changes at this level. Surrounding the Guayanés shield
towards the Andes, the Amazonian region is made up of other geological masses, among which
the following stand out according to the area: the Pebas Formation (or lower Amazonian tertiary)
and the Quaternary alluvial valleys. To understand the deposit environment of the Pebas formation
it is necessary to go back in the geological scale. Nearly 100 million years ago, when the Andes
mountain range had not formed, the Amazonas River did not drain towards the east as it does at
present, but on the contrary it ran in a direction. During the Cretaceous, 95 million years ago the
mountain range of the Andes began to emerge transforming the continent and therefore the
direction of the drainages, in such a way that the basin changed direction; leaving to deliver its
water to the west to deliver them to the north and east of the continent, that is to say in the
Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean respectively. This caused great changes in the accumulation
of sediments for the entire Amazon region. Between 23 and 7.3 million years ago, during the course
of this change in the Miocene, in the Amazon region settled in a brackish environment this
formation, forming for Colombia extensive areas of the center, west and south of the Amazon that
in scale continental would represent the center and west of the entire Amazon account. The Pebas
formation usually emerges on the banks of rivers; It is characterized by turquoise blue color,
crossed by layers of sands and lignites, in addition to abundant fossil shells of brackish water
molluscs that account for the influence of salty waters. This marine influence, evidence that the
North of the South American continent was covered by sea forming a wide area with abundant
mangroves, channels, coastal lagoons, alluvial and palm groves. Towards the end of the Miocene
the marine influence ceased, and therefore the formation of sedimentary lithology, a situation
caused by an acceleration in the uplift of the Andes and especially the Eastern Cordillera. This
forced the waters of the Amazon basin to run east of the continent and flow into the Atlantic Ocean,
configuring its drainage in a similar way to what we know today (Horn, 1993). It should be noted
that, in this formation, so-called "salty" appear, places that are frequently visited by animals that
come to lick the rocks rich in salt concentrations such as phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, sodium
and chlorine resulting from the accumulation of minerals of marine origin (Duivenvoorden & Lips,
1993). The Pebas formation was first described for a population of the Peruvian north-east called
Pevas, but it has also been described for Colombia and called the Amazonian Lower Tertiary, and
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also described for Brazil as the Solimoes formation. The three formations present equivalences of
antiquity between 16.3-10.4 million years and fossils of marine origin (IGAC, 1999).
To finish in addition to the Mitú Migratory Complex and the Pebas Formation, near the courses of
the rivers is the alluvial Quaternary formation of 2.5 million years old to the recent. Before and
during this period, the Amazon River basin, currently draining towards the Atlantic Ocean in
northeastern Brazil, was configured and transporting material from the Andes to the penile plain,
modeling the alluvial physiography as it is currently evidenced (IGAC, 1999).
On the other hand, the previous descriptions configure the dispersion of the enormous mineral
wealth of the subsoil present in the project area, as well as surrounding sectors. Gold, columbite,
tantalite, uranium, iron, diamond and platinum are minerals present with abundance in the region,
for this reason 36 mining titles have been granted to date in about 70,414 ha, and 474 have been
requested for the exploitation of 1'732.385 ha. This shows the interest of the different governments
with strong extractivist components in the economic growth of this region of productivity. This, of
course, is to the detriment of the conservation of the services provided by the region's biodiversity.
It must be borne in mind that currently mining activity in tropical ecosystems is not sustainable,
although the contrary is expressed by state entities and some interest groups. With current
technology in the tropics, mining can be organized and technified, but never responsible for the
environment and less when it occurs in complex and vulnerable ecological systems, such as the
present in the Guayano-Amazonian transition area.
With the entry into force again of the Mining Code of 2001 and resolution 0045 of June 20, 2012 of
the National Mining Agency (ANM), in general terms the possibility of exploitation in strategic mining
areas was opened, which also does not indicate that with strong legislation in this regard, the threat
to this deforesting agent in the region is diminished; however, the final decision on the future of the
region depends on the activities and land use that the indigenous communities that inhabit it wish
to develop. In this sense, the Colombian State through the Political Constitution of Colombia of
1991, legislated about the special regime of indigenous and tribal groups granting them governance
according to the uses and customs of the community. In article 329, chapter IV of the special
regime, it is highlighted that the legally constituted safeguards are collective property and not
alienable. In article 330, it is emphasized that, in accordance with the constitution and laws,
indigenous territories will be governed by councils formed and regulated according to the uses and
customs of their communities and will exercise the functions of ensuring the application of legal
norms on the land uses and the settlement of their territories, where the exploitation of natural
resources will be done without deterioration of the cultural, social and economic integrity of the
communities.
In addition to the granting of the right to self-government of indigenous peoples, Colombia in 1991,
through Act 21, took advantage of Convention 169 of the International Labor Organization (ILO), in
which important concepts, guidelines and principles are developed. guarantors of human rights,
such as prior consultation and the participation of indigenous and tribal peoples in the right to decide
on the priorities for their development, among other guidelines, which are built on the concept of
non-discrimination. For this reason, prior consultation in Colombia has been regulated through
Decree 1320 of 1998 and numerous jurisprudences have been developed to regulate mining
exploitation within indigenous territories (Decree 1320 of 1998).
In this complex scenario, it is undoubted that the floristic and faunal riches, the variety of ecosystem
environments, the richness in the minerals of the subsoil and the social and cultural richness, make
the territory an attractive place for multiple socioeconomic and investigative activities. However,
because the Colombian economic model gives priority to extraction activities on the economic,
climatic and social benefits of ecosystem services, the entrance of numerous large-scale mining
projects is encouraged and sponsored, which creates conflicts with the artisanal mining
exploitation, with the traditional sustainable and millennial land uses and with the same indigenous
society of the area.
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On this aspect, it is necessary to understand the processes that directly influence the illegality and
the conflict in the region. The political-administrative structure of Guainía has Puerto Inírida as the
only municipality along with eight corregimientos. This causes that the resources transferred by the
nation and the state entities and their area of influence are concentrated in the capital of the
Department and in spite of several efforts do not arrive adequately to the whole territory. The
extensive flat and wooded areas of the Guainía, added to the low human population density of 0.56
inhabitants / km2 and the two international borders that extend for 966 km, make it difficult for
government management, characterized by institutional weakness, inefficiency of public policies,
inadequate or inoperative legislation, poor monitoring, information, surveillance and early warning
systems; shortage of financial, physical, human and social resources (Geoamazonia, 2009,
Presidential Program DH, 2007).
Based on these preliminary conditions, the scenario will consider the little deforestation caused by
traditional subsistence agriculture (part of the unplanned deforestation and second major
deforestation agent), only when it is linked to population growth and migration phenomena. region.
As shown in the periods of transformation of land use analyzed (years 1987, 2000, 2005, 2010,
2014, 2016), deforestation amounts remain stable over time in the project areas due to the fact that
the use of the land is linked to the use of indigenous tradition, which is not prohibited in the
governance agreement and the environmental offer. It is not possible to relate scientifically an
increase in deforestation of other Amazonian regions with deforestation present in this territory,
therefore, an analysis of deforestation and degradation outside the project territories is not justified
in the case of deforestation not planned by this deforestation agent. In this transforming agent, the
members of the communities select, cut and burn regions with primary or secondary forest in
recovery, in order to establish the "conuco" or unit of agricultural production, with the purpose of
self-consumption, and the commercialization of the agricultural surpluses for the generation of
income (CGP, 2012). For this reason, it is important to mention that the deforestation factors that
will be subject to evaluation and control by the entities created in the project are those that are
strongly influenced by the growing processes of cultural mix “mestizaje” of the indigenous
populations, which leads to the modification of traditional livelihoods of populations, for those often
framed in illegality (CGP, 2012). In this way, the scenario excludes all the natural savannas and a
round of 80 meters for the sum of all the activities identified since 1987 and 30 meters for all the
rivers where there is no evidence of change over the decades analyzed.
Scenario 2 seeks to face a global scenario on the variability in temperature records on the planet,
caused by climate change. According to Bathiany et al. 2018, the most adverse effects of climate
change will occur in the northwestern and central region of the Amazon. The authors warn of the
imminent loss in soil moisture that the region will have to present a limited water regime dominated
by scarcity, an imbalance in the processes of evaporation and transpiration of plants and therefore
an additional cause for the economic imbalance and of the region, as well as the possibility of
uncovering physical barriers that prevent human migration at present. This work shows the results
of the correction and calibration of the climatic series available from 1850 to the present and used
in about 37 mathematical models that simulate the temperature variability in the planet until 2100,
extends the results until 2300 and relates the said results with the global economic information
available. On the other hand Lovejoy & Nobre, 2018, warn about a maximum allowed interval for
deforestation in the Amazon that should not exceed between 20 and 25% of its original coverage
(this figure according to different sources already exceeds two digits and is at about 17%) critical
interval that if overcome, would make the hydrological connection between the Andes, the Amazon
and the Atlantic would become unsustainable considering that about half of the water in the system
comes from the processes of feedback regulation systems ecosystems of the area, this thanks
again to the phenomena of evaporation and transpiration. In this sense, Arellano, 2018,
emphasizes the increase in deforestation in the Colombian Amazon, caused by a consequence of
climate change, the increase in forest fires. Only in 2018 there were 24 fires that in just 10 days
destroyed about 2,600 hectares in the departments of Caquetá, Putumayo and Guaviare. It should
be noted that the scenario also includes periods of prolonged flooding that can cause death by
drowning of numerous ecosystem elements, but because the technology to control them is still
lacking, its effects will be mitigated through the megaproject of climate change in its reforestation
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component (action that remains outside the project's calculations). The events of deforestation due
to the fall of large areas with tree elements are also considered as loss within the system.
Arellano, 2018, stresses that under a new scenario that also incorporates the same climate change,
it could safely say that the effects of the phenomenon on the Amazon will be even worse than those
already predicted, due to the increase in deforestation and degradation. of the change in the water
regime, for this reason this scenario contemplates this threat and creates the mechanisms through
the agreement of governance and the Megaproject of climate change to develop with the resources
coming from the system a new technological development to face the problem. The territories
conserved with low rates of deforestation -because the environmental supply controls population
growth- should be protected from this enormous threat, and for this it is essential that this aspect
be considered in national commitments. According to the current reference levels needed in the
registration system to deal with climate change, these regions would be left unprotected for some
regulated payment schemes for environmental services, a situation that would of course go against
the new unconventional technological development model that requires the region (Arellano, 2018).
The two scenarios are authentic and are based on the regional context of the territory,
consider historical conditions, biophysical characteristics and relevant scientific news. As
well as the uses of the land, practices and economic trends and laws and national and sector
policies, such as project activities designed as the key issue described in section 1.10 and
compliance with laws, statutes and other regulatory frameworks presented in section 1.11.
Thus, the STEP 1 “Identification of alternative land use scenarios to the project activity” of the
Applicability of the Tool for the demonstartion and Assessment of Additionality in VCS Agriculture,
Forestry and other Land Use (AFOLU) project activities VT0001 Ver. 3.0 has been met.
In the next section (3.1.5) the following three steps of Applicability of the Tool for the demonstration
activities VT0001 Ver. 3.0: will be analyze, which allow, in STEP 2 “Investment Analysis”. The STEP
3 "Barriers analysis". In the STEP 4 "Common practice analysis" - the demonstration and
assessment of additionality will be completed.
3.1.5 Additionality
For the additionality assessment, it was applied the Applicability of the Tool for the demonstartion
activities VT0001 Ver. 3.0:
Step 2. Investment analysis
Sub-step 2a Determine appropriate analysis method
Simple Cost Analysis: as the Project proponents of this VCS AFOLU Project generate no financial
or economic benefits other than VCS related income through the Project activity, a simple cost
analysis is justified. This analysis focuses solely on revenues generated by the project that can be
used for project activities.
Sub-step 2b – Option I. Apply simple cost analysis
The activities made over Conservación de los ecosistemas y el almacén de carbono Región de
transición Guayano Amazónica-Flor de Inírida produce no revenue. The Project Area (PA) will be
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managed for conservation purposes, Its objective is to prevent deforestation by increasing the
carrying capacity of the region due to agricultural activities, open-pit mining, and deforestation
caused by climate change. Costs associated with Project activities implemented, Project
development and VCS Project validation are significant. Additionally, while the Project will incur in
ongoing costs, related to the development of the project, field trips, implementation of early activities
and megaprojects, it will not generate future financial benefits other than VCU related income. The
Project Proponents do not obtain financial benefits by develop other activities different than
conservation, and therefore the outcome of a simple cost comparison shows significant Project
expenditure without financial return by VCS-related income, thus this REDD+ Project will not be
viable in the absence of carbon compensation.
Cash Flow of the REDD+ Project Conservación de los ecosistemas y el almacén de carbono
Región de transición Guayano Amazónica-Flor de Inírida
A cumulative cash flow is presented with the financial resources with which the activities between
2011 and 2016 were executed, and with a projection of the availability of cash by sales of VCUs,
where “cash flow in” exceeds “cash flow out”, establishing the breakeven point and from then it
stays positive. This breakeven point can be achieved on 2017.
For a detailed cash flow, refer to file “Financial Analysis – Simple Cost.xls”
The origin of the resources for the early implementation activities comes from the private capital of
the shareholders.
Step 3. Barrier analysis
The project faced a “Lack of access to capital” Barrier:
The main barrier faced by the project activity was the Lack of access to Financial Resources, from
05 October 2012 to the date of issuance of this document, the project developer looked for financial
resources with at least 35 potential interested entities in 10 different countries. Even when most of
these entities were willing to listen and study the project activity, at the end due to the remote project
location and the involvement of indigenous communities that for them represent a risk they
expressed not to be interested.
It was not until the end of 2016 when an interested a Colombian private company signed an ERPA
and invested to support the indigenous communities and the project developer.
The following documentation will be made available to the DOE:
- Financial Institutions Communication File;

- The nature of the project developer, which is a local private company;
- Company structure;
- Ownership structure; and
- Financial Information.
To determine the documentation provided to the DOE to support the lack of access to capital barrier
was based in the information requirement as described in the Guidelines for Objective
Demonstration and Assessment of Barriers Version 01, Annex 13 of the CDM UNFCCC EB 50.
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Step 4. Analysis of common practices
The presence of protected areas in the project region could be considered as a common practice.
Colombia has organized a complex "National System of Protected Areas" (SINAP) that unites the
set of protected natural areas - whether public, private or community, the scope of national, regional
and local public management - the social actors - agents and administrations- and the management
strategies and instruments that articulate them, with the purpose of fulfilling the biosphere
conservation objectives of the country through the application of diverse strategies (National
Natural Parks of Colombia, 2014).
In the corregimientos of Morichal Nuevo, Pana-Pana and Puerto Colombia in the department of
Guainía, there is the Puinawai National Nature Reserve, declared legally by resolution 123 of
September 21, 1989. It has an area of 1,092,500 hectares. It is located on the igneous-metamorphic
plain of the Guyanese Shield, with the presence of hills and mountain ranges 50 to 200 m high. It
presents mosaics of very varied vegetation that include from savannas of Amazonian type, shrubs
and low forests to well-developed alluvial forests and terra firme. Approximately 80% of the Reserve
overlaps with the indigenous reservations of Cuiarí-Isana and Parte Alta of the Guainía River where
indigenous Puinaves, Kurripacos and Cubeos live. (IDEAM, 2018). This overlap causes the region
to present conflicts of interest, because the indigenous community permanently reclaims its
authority over that exerted by the weak institutional presence.
The management of the RNN Puinawai has been characterized by periods of scarce local and
regional presence and even periods of absence of Park staff in the reserve and its area of influence,
due to security problems. In the last two years, the relationship process with the indigenous
communities of the RNN has been resumed to obtain a stable and lasting presence in the interior
and in the area of influence of the protected area. (National Parks, 2018).
The Fluvial Star of the Inírida, where the Guaviare, Atabapo and Inírida rivers flow into the Great
Orinoco, was designated by the national government in 2014 as a Ramsar site, an international
convention that protects aquatic ecosystems, an area of 253 thousand hectares around the Fluvial
Star of the Inírida. This declaration gives it recognition as a wetland of international importance and
promotes the conservation and rational use of the region's natural resources. It is part of the
wetlands that Colombia has committed to the international community to promote the conservation
and sustainable use of its resources and ecosystem services (Ministry of Environment and
Sustainable Development, 2018). Deforestation and pollution by illegal mining threaten the waters
of the River Star and its diversity, activities that have been increasing due to the lack of
opportunities.
The protected areas within SINAP are still under serious threat of deforestation, in reports of forest
change and other coverage of the Colombian Amazon there are transformations in the coverage in
the ordering figures, called as Legal Status of the Territory (which includes natural reserves)
(SINCHI and Environmental Ministry: "Monitoring of forests and other coverage of the Colombian
Amazon, to scale 1: 100000. Data of period 2012"; IDEAM: Estimate of carbon dioxide emissions
generated by deforestation over 2005 - 2010 period).
Although in the geographical area of the project these apparently similar activities are identified,
there are no activities to protect the forest ecosystems in the project area, there is no evidence of
funded projects that set clear objectives on how to prevent deforestation. Even local communities
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accuse those in charge of protected areas of being responsible for deforestation in the area, due
to their limited capacity for control and management over the territory.
In the region, exists protected areas outside of the project boundaries, which belong to the "National
Park System", which is administered by the "Special Administrative Unit of the National Natural
Park System" (Decree 216 of February 3, 2003), dependent on the National Parks of Colombia
Directorate of the Ministry of Environment, Housing and Territorial Development. In this sense,
these activities differ from the proposed project, among others, in the source of financing,
administration and management, actions by the state, which are not available for the project.
With the specific objective of preventing deforestation and reducing the emission of greenhouse
gases, the country has been carrying out preparatory work (R-PP) for the National REDD+ Strategy,
however, these mechanisms have the objective of developing future REDD projects they are still
in their preparation phase. There is also a space created by a group of Non-Governmental
Organizations that work in Colombia and that have an interest in the development of REDD
strategies, policies, plans and projects in the country, called Mesa REDD Colombia. One of the
purposes of this round table is to promote the development of experiences and pilot projects to
reduce emissions from deforestation and degradation.
The regions of the Colombian Orinoquía and Amazonia are composed of a large majority of lands
titled in the indigenous reserves. In the Guainía there are 29 Indigenous reservations that make up
about 7,146,701 hectares of the department. The following figure shows that in the Department of
Guainía, most of the territory corresponds to indigenous reserves.
Figure No. 10. Legal status of the territory of the Departments of Guainía, Guaviare and Vaupés.
A. Areas of indigenous and reserve reservations. B. Indigenous reserves. Taken from the
Corporation for the Sustainable Development of the North and East of the Amazon CDA, 2007.
Guainía - Guaviare - Vaupés: Action Plan 2007 - 2011.
In the Guayano - Amazonic transition region there are no projects focused on achieving the
reduction of deforestation and forest degradation, or similar initiatives, because the indigenous
reserves do not have the financial capacity to implement REDD + projects due to lack of resources.
Therefore, actions such as the monitoring and control of forests, the implementation of productive,
scientific, economic and social projects, the improvement of local governance, planning and
implementation of land use, all these tending activities. To control the deforestation in the Atabapo,
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Tonina and Cuiarí and Isana reservations, they are not a common practice in the region and will
not occur in the absence of the project.
The development of the project, joints initiative between the indigenous communities of the
Kuripako and Puinave ethnic groups, ancestrally owners of the territory, and -Ciprogress Greenlife,
in the Atabapo, Tonina and Cuyarí reservations that seek to control deforestation and the
degradation of natural coverage in the region, through the payment of ecosystem services, with
which the project activities aimed at strengthening human capacities are carried out; Through the
implementation of orderly socio-economic strategies, the adequate use of land, the management
of its biodiversity and the preservation of cultural identity, is currently the only mechanism to
implement long-term measures for the reduction of deforestation and degradation of the forests in
this region of the country. In conclusion the project activity is not a common practice in the area.
Therefore, actions to protect forests and their biological diversity, and to promote the sustainable
development of local communities, are considered not viable in the absence of the project.
Ecosystem protection and carbon storage project activity does not constitute an economically
competitive land use without carbon finance, since it does not generate other income, that is, it is
unlikely to be carried out without income from carbon credits.
The activities of the ecosystem conservation project and the carbon storage, which strengthen the
development of local capacities, the governability of the territories, the territorial ordering with
benefits for the population, the productive activities, the educational processes, are not a common
practice in the region.
Considering that the project satisfies the three criteria of the VCS tool for the demonstration
and evaluation of additionality, it is determined that the project activity is additional.
3.1.6 Methodology Deviations
The deviation proposed is related to the parameter (N) Number of Sample Plots determination.
As per parameter N of the VCS Module VMD0001 REDD Methodological Module: Estimation of
Carbon Stocks in the Above- and Below Ground Biomass in Live Tree and Noon-Tree Pools (CP-
AB) Ver 1.1., the salmple plots number (N) shall be estimated based on projected sample effort
relative to projections of growth and emissions.
However, due to our estimation is based on a model of calibration of the Baccinii et.al. 2012 carbon
map. This N (N/A) in the strict sense of the word, due the number N is referring to a number of
pixels in to the model calibrated. On the other hand, N is also referring to the number of plots that
is used to find real points to calibrate the Bacinii et. al. 2012 carbon map model. It is important to
highlight that in this case for achieving a very high-resolution carbon map it was not (and it will not)
necessary a high number of plots.
It has been demonstrated that the knowledge about the vegetation dominance allows to significantly
reduce the necessity of samples (number of plots) to describe the physiognomic characteristics of
the vegetation, this approach allows to relate with precision the primary information (i.e. Plot
information) with secondary information (Published Information by third Parties) with the objective
to stratify with precision the strata of the existing vegetation patterns in the project activity area.
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To achieve this approach, it was necessary to determine at a taxonomic level (at species level) the
elements pertaining to the primary information with the aim to relate all the existing information
(plots information and published information) available up to the date.
With this procedure, it is reduced the uncertainty to use the minimum stratification from the
paradigm forest versus non-forest; which is not suitable for tropical forests due to the heterogeneity
presented at taxonomic level and eco-systemic level.
On the other hand, currently scientific groups from worldwide recognized institutions have made a
significant effort to relate the satellite information from high precision sensors like LIDAR
(Geoscience Laser Altimeter System, GLAS) on board NASA’s Ice, Cloud and Land Elevation
Satellite, with vegetation samples around the pantropical world, for this reason, the results from this
effort can be used in the substitution of the necessity of local plots to characterize and monitor the
carbon stock through imprecise methodologies, like those which implies phenotypical
measurements in the plots.
It is important to highlight that despite of the existence of several approaches from this data (LIDAR
Data) it has been chosen to use the most conservative worldwide results from Baccini et. al. 2012.
It has been related an additional step to achieve the spatial calibration from 500 m by pixel to 19 m
by pixel through the use of artificial intelligence (Artificial Neuronal Networks of Back-propagation
type) which relates the values of the Simard Map 2012 about the trees’ height, the pantropical
carbon stock from Baccini et. al. 2012 and the local primary and secondary information; in this way,
it has been obtained a calibrated data source of high precision that substitutes and simplify the field
activities to estimate the carbon stock.
It is important to highlight that the Baccini et. al. 2012 applies information about the carbon stock
distribution obtained through alometric methods.
From the above procedure, it has been achieved to have data of around 307,096,425 discrete units
of 361 m2 (0.0361 ha) that were used to calculate the average of the carbon stock for each
determined stratum. This procedure, is significantly more precise than the obtained through a larger
number of local plots and additionally incorporates information of tropical forests located around
the project area.
On the other hand, for larger areas (like the area of the proposed project activity), and under the
conservation conditions presented, the changes due to the self-dynamic of the ecosystems make
that these formations remain in equilibrium (known in the experts’ language as “Climax Stage”)
unless the identified deforestation drivers occur.
In other words, it would be required millions of field samples to capture the climax behavior of the
region, which is homogenous at largest scale areas (such as the proposed project activity) due to
the birth, dead, recruitment and dynamic of trees remain in equilibrium of carbon stock; with the
satellite images, this behavior is fully captured and calibrated through some field specialized
measurements without the necessity of measurements from a larger number of plots.
Form the above, the proposed deviation is related to the monitoring of carbon stocks due to efforts
will be concentrated in the detailed measurement of the deforestation through satellite images and
other remote methods such as aerial imaging from UAV (Un-tripulated Aerial Vehicle) within the
project boundary instead of the quantification through a larger amount of plots measurements.
3.2 Quantification of GHG Emission Reductions and Removals
3.2.1 Baseline Emissions
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VCS Module VMD0007: Estimation of baseline carbon stock changes and greenhouse gas
emissions from unplanned deforestation (BL-UP)
ΔCBSL,PA,unplanned
PART 2. ESTIMATION OF ANNUAL AREAS OF UNPLANNED DEFORESTATION
Estimation of annual areas of unplanned deforestation based on simple historic
Step 2.1 Analysis of historical deforestation
Periods analyzed 1987, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2014 and 2016.
Figure No. 11 – Diagram of a GLAS footprint (dashed line) with co-located sample plot. All
trees within the plot having a DBH >= 5 cm were measured. Baccini (2012).
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Figure No. 12. Identifying the threats. Total deforestation in project areas between 1987 and
2016. Analysis of satellite images, red forests, clear deforestation and forest degradation.
Periods analyzed 1987, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2014 and 2016
sheet: See Appendix 1. for gross transition rates

sheet: See Appendix 2. Histograms Project area result of the model process
sheet: See Appendix 4. Frequency in hectares for Project Area
sheet: See Appendix 6. Delta of deforestation to land use by migration for Project area
sheet: See Appendix 8. Delta of deforestation to climate change for Project area
sheet: See Appendix 11. Mining population regressions
Step 2.2 Estimation of the annual areas of unplanned baseline deforestation in the RRD
ABSL,RRD,unplanned,t = ARRD,unplanned,hrp / Thrp Equation (3) VMD0007 (BL-UP)

Where:
ABSL,RRD,unplanned,t = Projected area of unplanned baseline deforestation in the RRD in year t; ha
ARRD,unplanned,hrp = Total area deforested during the historical reference period in the RRD; ha
Thrp = Duration of the historical reference period in years; yr
t = 1, 2, 3, … t* years elapsed since the projected start of the REDD project activity
Refer to Table No. 15 Historical coverage.
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Step 2.3 Estimation of annual areas of unplanned baseline deforestation in the project area
ABSL,RR,unplanned,t = ABSL,RRD,unplanned,t * PRRL Equation (4) VMD0007 (BL-UP)

Where:
ABSL,RR,unplanned,t = Projected area of unplanned baseline deforestation in the reference region for location (RRL) in year t; ha
ABSL,RRD,unplanned,t = Projected area of unplanned baseline deforestation in RRD in year t; ha
PRRL = Ratio of forest area in the RRL at the start of the baseline period to the total area of the RRD; dimensionless
ABSL,PA,unplanned,t = ABSL,RRD,unplanned,t * PPA Equation (5) VMD0007 (BL-UP)

Where:
ABSL,PA,unplanned,t = Projected area of unplanned baseline deforestation in the project area in year t; ha
PPA = Ratio of the project area to the total area of RRD; dimensionless
ABSL,LK,unplanned,t = ABSL,RRD,unplanned,t * PLK Equation (6) VMD0007 (BL-UP)

Where:
ABSL,LK,unplanned,t = Projected area of unplanned baseline deforestation in the leakage belt area in year t; ha
PLK = Ratio of the area of the leakage belt to the total area of RRD; dimensionless
ABSL,PA,unplanned = ∑t=1t* ABSL,PA,unplanned,t Equation (7) VMD0007 (BL-UP)
ABSL,LK,unplanned = ∑t=1t* ABSL,LK,unplanned,t Equation (8) VMD0007 (BL-UP)
Where:
ABSL,PA,unplanned = Total area of unplanned baseline deforestation in the project area; ha
ABSL,LK,unplanned = Total area of unplanned baseline deforestation in the leakage belt; ha
ABSL,LK,unplanned,t = Projected area of unplanned baseline deforestation in the leakage belt in year t; ha
PRRL = 1
N/A and its value it would be 1, this because the RRD and RRL are the same areas.
PPA = 1
N/A and its value it would be 1, this because the RRD has the same area that the RRL and because
the PA area was extracted from de RRL after the spatial model of deforestation.
PLK = 1
N/A and its value it would be 1, this because the RRD has the same area that the RRL and because
the LK area was extracted from de RRL after the spatial model of deforestation.
Because the deforestation of the region was calculated in situ the values of P_PA and P_LK
are equal to 1, the correction factor will therefore be calculated in the quantification of
credits for the land use agent considering that the Population projections indicate a growth
in the carrying capacity due to the entry of mining into the region with a 192:20 ratio between
the project area and the leakage area for the years 1 – 30 and 57.6:6. for years 31 to 100.
The relation “between climate change, population increase and the deforestation” means that it
would be an increase 192 times the current population in the project area in respect to an
increase of 20 times the current population existing in the leakage area.
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The relation is conservative due to it is not incorporated the relatives of the mines workers and
the floating population related to other commercial activities.
It is assumed that the migration population has a proved behavior more aggressive than the
communities’ general population; in despite of this, for the deforestation calculation it was used
the communities’ general population (indigenous people) behavior, this results in a conservative
deforestation.
In the deforestation calculation it has not been included potential deforestation from infrastructure
matters.
The relation of 192:20 was used for years 1 to 30, and for conservativeness purposes it has
been used a relation 57.6:6 of for years 31 to 100, that means that it is assumed that 70% of
the related mining population will return to their origin places or to other places with mining
activities.
The reason to use a different proportion for the population for the project area and for the
leakage area, responds to the largest threat of the project which is the mining, if it is true
that currently the largest population is settled in the leakage area for the assessed mining
case, the largest threat will be located in the project area.
PART 3. LOCATION AND QUANTIFICATION OF THREAT OF UNPLANNED

DEFORESTATION
Projected deforestation for deforestation agents: Mining looking for approval, approved mining,
land use by migration and climate change for the project area.
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Figure No. 13. Identifying the threats. Mining: wealth of the subsoil, large threat from deforestation
and degradation in project areas. The areas requested for mining exploitation in the project area
are shown
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Figure No. 14. Threat by current mining titles. Current and archived requests, maximum scenario,
without major infrastructure works. Areas in red would be deforested. Option 1. Income would enter
the reserves through royalties. Option 2. Current income of some areas increased colonists.
Minimum earnings for the community.
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Figure No. 15. Threat by approved mining titles. The red areas would be deforested. Option 1.
Income would enter the reserves through royalties. Option 2. Current income of some areas
increased colonists. Minimum earnings for the community.
Land use for migration

Approved mining (Illegal*)
Mining looking for approval (Illegal*)
Climate change
* In relation to the “Illegal” mining:
It should be explained the matters related to the governance of the collective property of the
indigenous reservations.
The Political Constitution of Colombia of 1991, in the exercise of its sovereign power, and in order
to strengthen the unity of the Nation and ensure its members life, coexistence, work, justice,
equality, knowledge, freedom and peace, within a legal, democratic and participatory framework
that guarantees a just political, economic and social order, and committed to promoting the
integration of the Latin American community, decree, sanction among other aspects, respect for
differences and recognizes the autonomy of ethnic minorities, emphasizing mainly on 10
fundamental issues for their protection.
1. Ethnic and cultural diversity (art 7), 2. Socioeconomic development, 3. Education (art 67), 4. Own
government (art 246 and 330), 5. Participation (arts 40, 171 and 176), 6. Cultural heritage cultural
(art 68), 7. Natural resources and the environment (art 80), 8. Health (art 49), 9. Land (art 329) and
10. Territory (art 286).
The indigenous communities and their safeguards are a special legal and socio-political institution,
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made up of one or more indigenous communities, that with a collective property title, enjoy the
guarantees of private property, own their territory and are governed by the management of this and
its internal life by an autonomous organization protected by the indigenous jurisdiction and its own
normative system, (Art. 21 Decree 2164 of 1995).
Far from being a purely rhetorical statement, the fundamental principle of ethnic and cultural
diversity projects on the legal plane the democratic, participatory and pluralistic character of our
Republic. Indigenous communities - groups of families of Amerindian descent that share feelings
of identification with their aboriginal past and maintain traits and values of their traditional culture,
forms of government and internal social control that differentiate them from other rural communities
(D.2001 of 1988, Article 2) enjoy a special constitutional status. They form a special constituency
for the election of Senators and Representatives (CP arts 171 and 176), they exercise jurisdictional
functions within their territorial scope in accordance with their own norms and procedures, they are
governed by indigenous councils according to their uses and customs in conformity with the
Constitution and the law (CP article 330) and its territories or safeguards are collective property
and of an unenforceable, inalienable, imprescriptible and unattachable nature (CP arts 63 and 329).
The collective property right exercised over indigenous territories is of essential importance to the
cultures and spiritual values of the aboriginal peoples. This circumstance is recognized in
international agreements approved by the Congress of the Republic of Colombia, which highlights
the special relationship of indigenous communities with the territories they occupy, not only
because they are their main means of subsistence but also because they constitute an integral
element of the worldview and religiosity of the aboriginal peoples. Additionally, the constitution
highlighted the fundamental importance of the right to the territory of indigenous communities.
This allows ratifying the fundamental character of the collective property right of ethnic groups over
their territories.
Article 26. United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples:

1. Indigenous peoples have the right to lands, territories and resources that they have traditionally
owned, occupied or otherwise used or acquired.
2. Indigenous peoples have the right to own, use, develop and control the lands, territories and
resources they possess by reason of traditional property or another traditional form of occupation
or use, as well as those that they have acquired in another way.
3. The States shall ensure the legal recognition and protection of those lands, territories and
resources. This recognition will duly respect the customs, traditions and land tenure systems of the
indigenous peoples concerned.
Article 29. Declaration of the United Nations on the rights of indigenous peoples:
1. Indigenous people have the right to the conservation and protection of the environment and the
productive capacity of their lands or territories and resources. The States must establish and
execute assistance programs for indigenous peoples to ensure that conservation and protection,
without any discrimination.
Within the scope of International Human Rights Law, ethnic groups have standards that recognize
and protect fundamental rights such as (OIT) Convention 169 of the International Labor
Organization, ratified by the Colombian State and approved by Law 21 of 1991, It contains several
provisions that express the scope of the right to autonomy of ethnic groups.
Article 2, paragraph 2 (b) of the same Convention establishes the duty of governments to assume
the responsibility of developing with the participation of the peoples concerned, a coordinated and
systematic action in order to protect the rights of ethnic groups and guarantee its integrity, including
measures aimed at promoting the full effectiveness of social, economic, environmental and cultural
rights and respect for its social and cultural identity, its customs, traditions and its own institutions.
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Equally the 1953 of 2014, establishes in numeral 1 of Article 14 as one of the general competences
of the authorities of the indigenous and tribal territories, to ensure the proper ordering, use,
management and exercise of the collective property of the territory according to their worldviews,
within the framework of the political constitution and the law.
The constitutional court in judgment SU - 383 of 2003 indicated that: ...
That the territorial conception of the indigenous and tribal peoples does not agree with the vision of
spatial ordering that the rest of the Colombian nation handles, because the indigenous, the
territoriality is not limited only to an occupation and appropriation of the forest and its resources,
because the plot of the social relations transcends the empirical level and leads to the techniques
and strategies of the management of the environment cannot be understood without the symbolic
aspects to which they are associated and which are articulated with other dimensions that Western
Science does not recognize. The Constitutional Court, in sentence T-445 of 2016, reiterated that
the territorial entities have the competence to regulate the use of land and guarantee the
environmental protection.
The normative compilation constitutes a special regulatory framework for indigenous peoples that
recognizes the existence of traditional systems of indigenous peoples to control, manage,
conserve, safeguard natural, spiritual, tangible and intangible resources of their territories.
It is clear then, that the territories, reservations, in general areas, communities owned by indigenous
people and their authorities have the competence for the administration, protection, preservation
and usufruct of natural resources and the environment.
Once that it has been explained the territories ownership and its territory rights and
property, every mining activity performed without the previous consent of the Indigenous
Reservations shall be considered illegal.
The 11 Indigenous Reservations involved in the project activity have not issued any permit,
approval or authorization; therefore, any mining activity in their territories despite the Government
approval or looking for approval title classes shall be considered illegal.
From the above it has to be clarified that even when the Government has issued mining titles with
status of “approved” or “looking for approval”, any activity without the Indigenous Reservations
Approval / Authorization / Consent shall be considered illegal; therefore, in the applicability criteria
it has been stated the “Illegal Mining”.
PART 4. ESTIMATION OF CARBON STOCK CHANGES AND GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSION
Step 4.1 Stratification of the local area subject to deforestation
Refer to table No. 16.
Step 4.2 Estimation of carbon stocks and carbon stock changes per stratum
4.2.1 Forest carbon stocks
Aboveground tree biomass: Estimation of carbon stocks in aboveground tree biomass

(CAB_tree,i) VCS MODULE VMD0001: Estimation of carbon stocks in the above- and below
ground biomass in live tree and non-tree pools (CP-AB)
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Step 1: Determine the tree dimensions
Refer to Appendix 10.
Step 2: Select an appropriate and validated allometric equation
The same approach of Velázquez & Arellano (2011) was used and the biomass equation of
Overman et al. 1990, with the variables DBH and H (height of the tree), their qualities are explained
in this article.
Moist forest stands

AGB = exp( -2.977 + ln (ρD2H) = 0.0509 x (ρD2H)
Where:
AGB = biomass of trees in kg
D = trunk diameter (in cm)
H = total tree height (in m)
ρ = wood specific gravity (in g/cm3).
range 5–156 cm for D
Source: Chave, J. et al. Tree allometry and improved estimation of carbon stocks and balance in
tropical forests. Oecologia 145, 87–99 (2005).
Refer to Appendix 10.
Step 4: Calculate the mean carbon stock in aboveground biomass
CAB_tree,i = ∑sp=1 Pi CAB_tree,sp,i / Asp,i * 44/12 Equation (2) (CP-AB) VMD0001

Where:
CAB_tree,i = Mean aboveground biomass carbon stock in stratum i; t CO2-e ha-1
CAB_tree,sp,i = Aboveground biomass carbon stock of trees in sample plot sp of stratum i , tC
Asp,i = Area of sample plot sp in stratum i; ha
sp = 1, 2, 3 … Pi sample plots in stratum i
i = 1, 2, 3 … M strata
44/12 = Ratio of molecular weight of CO2 to carbon, t CO2-e t C-1
For detailed calculation and tables refer to the Baseline Emissions Sheet.
4.2.2 Estimation of post-deforestation carbon stocks
4.2.3 Estimation of carbon stock changes per stratum
ΔCAB_tree,i = CAB_treebsl,i - CAB_treepost,i Equation (16) VMD0007 (BL-UP)

Where:
ΔCAB_tree,i = Baseline carbon stock change in aboveground tree biomass in stratum i; t CO2-e ha-1
CAB_treebsl,i = Forest carbon stock in aboveground tree biomass in stratum i; t CO2-e ha-1
CAB_treepost,i = Post-deforestation carbon stock in aboveground tree biomass in stratum i; t CO2-e ha-1
i = 1, 2, 3, … M strata
Step 4.3 Estimation of the sum of baseline carbon stock changes

ΔCBSL,i,t = Aunplanned,i,t * (ΔCABtree,i + ΔCABnon_tree,i + ΔCLI,i ) + (∑t-10tAunplanned,i,t) * (ΔCBBtree,i + ΔCBBnon_tree,i + ΔCDW,i ) * (1/10) + (∑t-20tAunplanned,i,t) * (CWP100,i + ΔCSOC,i ) * (1/20) VMD0007 (BL-UP) Equation (24)
Where:
ΔCBSL,i,t = Sum of the baseline carbon stock change in all pools in stratum i at time t, t CO2-e
Aunplanned,i,t = Area of unplanned deforestation in forest stratum i at time t; ha
CWP100,i = Carbon stock entering the wood products pool at the time of deforestation that is expected to be emitted over 100-years from stratum i; t CO2-e ha-1
ΔCAB_tree,i = Baseline carbon stock change in aboveground tree biomass in stratum i; t CO2-e ha-1
ΔCBB_tree,i = Baseline carbon stock change in belowground tree biomass in stratum i; t CO2-e ha-1
ΔCAB_non-tree,i = Baseline carbon stock change in aboveground non-tree biomass in stratum i; t CO2-e ha-1
ΔCBB_non-tree,i = Baseline carbon stock change in belowground non-tree biomass in stratum i; t CO2-e ha-1
ΔCDW,i = Baseline carbon stock change in dead wood in stratum i; t CO2-e ha-1
ΔCLI,i = Baseline carbon stock change in litter in stratum i; t CO2-e ha-1
ΔCSOC,i = Baseline carbon stock change in soil organic carbon in stratum i; t CO2-e ha-1
i = 1, 2, 3, … M strata
t = 1, 2, 3, … t years elapsed since the projected start of the REDD project activity
ΔCBSL,i,t = Aunplanned,i,t * (ΔCABtree,i + 0 + 0 + 0)
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Step 4.4 Estimation of the sum of baseline greenhouse gas emissions
GHGBSL,E = ∑ t=1 t* Σt=1 M (EFC,i,t + EBiomassBurn,i,t + N2Odirect-N,i,t) Equation (25) VMD0007 (BL-UP)
Where:
GHGBSL,E = Greenhouse gas emissions as a result of deforestation activities within the project boundary in the baseline; t CO2-e
EFC,i,t = CO2 emission from fossil fuel combustion in stratum i in year t; t CO2-e
EBiomassBurn,i,t = Non-CO2 emissions due to biomass burning as part of deforestation activities in stratum i in year t; t CO2-e
N2Odirect-N,i,t = Direct N2O emission as a result of nitrogen application on the alternative land use within the project boundary in stratum i in year t; t CO2-e
t = 1, 2, 3, …t* years elapsed since the projected start of the REDD project activity
Step 4.5 Calculation of net CO2 equivalent emissions
ΔCBSL,unplanned = ΔCBSL,unplanned + GHGBSL,E Equation (26) VMD0007 (BL-UP)
ΔCBSL,PA,unplanned = ΔCBSL,TOT,PA Equation (27) VMD0007 (BL-UP)
Where:
ΔCBSL,unplanned = Net greenhouse gas emissions in the baseline from unplanned deforestation; t CO2-e
ΔCBSL,PA,unplanned = Net CO2 emissions in the baseline from unplanned deforestation in the project area; t CO2-e
GHGBSL,E = Greenhouse gas emissions as a result of deforestation activities within the project boundary in the baseline; t CO2-e
ΔCTOT,PA = Sum of the baseline carbon stock change in all pools up to time t* in the project area; t CO2-e
Estimation of post-deforestation carbon stocks

Approved mining
Mining looking for approval
Climate change
For detailed calculation and tables refer to the Baseline Emissions Sheet.
3.2.2 Project Emissions
Net greenhouse gas emissions in the project case
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ΔCP = ∑∑(ΔCP,DefPA,i,t + ΔCP,Deg,i,t + ΔCP,DistPA,i,t + GHGP-E,i,t -ΔCP,Enh,i,t) Equation (1) VMD0015 (M-MON)
Where:
ΔCP = Net greenhouse gas emissions within the project area under the project scenario; t CO2-e
ΔCP,DefPA,i,t = Net carbon stock change as a result of deforestation in the project area in the project case in stratum i at time t; t CO2-e
ΔCP,Deg,i,t = Net carbon stock change as a result of degradation in the project area in the project case in stratum i at time t; t CO2-e
ΔCP,DistPA,i,t = Net carbon stock change as a result of natural disturbance in the project area in the project case in stratum i at time t; t CO2-e
GHGP-E,i,t = Greenhouse gas emissions as a result of deforestation and degradation activities within the project area in the project case in stratum i in year t; t CO2-e
ΔCP,Enh,i,t = Net carbon stock change as a result of forest growth and sequestration during the project in areas projected to be deforested in the baseline in stratum i at time t; t CO2-e
i = 1, 2, 3 …M strata
t = 1, 2, 3, … t* years elapsed since the start of the REDD project activity
Which can be expressed as follows:
ΔCP = ∑(ΔCP,DefPA,i,t + 0 +0 + 0 - 0)
ΔCP = ∑ΔCP,DefPA,i,t
1 Annual area deforested for Baseline in the Project Area
ABSL,unplanned,i,t (PA) VMD0007, step 3, point 3.4.2
2 Carbon stock in all pools in post-deforestation
Cpost,u,i = CAB_tree,i + CBB_tree,i + CAB_non-tree,i + CBB_non-tree,i + CDW,i + CLI,i + CSOC,PD-BSL,i Equation (6) VMD0015 (M-MON)
Where:
Cpost,u,i = Carbon stock in all pools in post-deforestation land use u in stratum i; t CO2-e ha-1
CAB_tree,i = Carbon stock in aboveground tree biomass in stratum i; t CO2-e ha-1
CBB_tree,i = Carbon stock in belowground tree biomass in stratum i; t CO2-e ha-1
CAB_non-tree,i = Carbon stock in aboveground non-tree vegetation in stratum i; t CO2-e ha-1
CBB_non-tree,i = Carbon stock in belowground non-tree vegetation in stratum i; t CO2-e ha-1
CDW,i = Carbon stock in dead wood in stratum i; t CO2-e ha-1
CLI,i = Carbon stock in litter in stratum i; t CO2-e ha-1
CLI,i = Mean post-deforestation stock in soil organic carbon in the post deforestation stratum i; t CO2-e ha-1
u = 1,2,3,…U post-deforestation land uses
i = 1, 2, 3 …M strata in the in the project case
Net carbon stock changes in all pools as a result of deforestation in the project case
ΔCpools,Def,i,t = CBSL,i - CP,post,i - CWP,i Equation (5) VMD0015 (M-MON)

Where:
ΔCpools,Def,u,i,t = Net carbon stock changes in all pools as a result of deforestation in the project case in land use u in stratum i at time t; t CO2-e ha-1
CBSL,i = Carbon stock in all pools in the baseline case in stratum i; t CO2-e ha-1
CP,post,u,i = Carbon stock in all pools in post-deforestation land use u in stratum i; t CO2-e ha-1
CWP,i = Carbon stock sequestered in wood products from harvests in stratum i; t CO2-e ha-1
u = 1,2,3,…U post-deforestation land uses
i = 1, 2, 3 …M strata
3 Carbon Stock Changes
For detailed calculation, refer to “Project Emissions” sheet.
4 Changes in Carbon Stocks due to deforestation
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ΔCP,DefPA,i,t = ∑(ADefPA,u,i,t * ΔCpools,Def,u,i,t) Equation (3) VMD0015 (M-MON)

Where:
ΔCP,DefPA,i,t Net carbon stock change as a result of deforestation in the project case in the project area in stratum i at time t; t CO2-e
ADefPA,u,i,t = Area of recorded deforestation in the project area stratum i converted to land use u at time t; ha
ΔCpools,Def,u,i,t = Net carbon stock changes in all pools in the project case in land use u in stratum i at time t; t CO2-e ha-1
Net greenhouse gas emissions within the project area under the project scenario
ΔCP = ∑(ΔCP,DefPA,i,t + ΔCP,Deg,i,t + ΔCP,DistPA,i,t + GHGP-E,i,t -ΔCP,Enh,i,t) Equation (1) VMD0015 (M-MON)
Where:
ΔCP = Net greenhouse gas emissions within the project area under the project scenario; t CO2-e
ΔCP,DefPA,i,t = Net carbon stock change as a result of deforestation in the project area in the project case in stratum i at time t; t CO2-e
ΔCP,Deg,i,t = Net carbon stock change as a result of degradation in the project area in the project case in stratum i at time t; t CO2-e
ΔCP,DistPA,i,t = Net carbon stock change as a result of natural disturbance in the project area in the project case in stratum i at time t; t CO2-e
GHGP-E,i,t = Greenhouse gas emissions as a result of deforestation and degradation activities within the project area in the project case in stratum i in year t; t CO2-e
ΔCP,Enh,i,t = Net carbon stock change as a result of forest growth and sequestration during the project in areas projected to be deforested in the baseline2 in stratum i at time t; t CO2-e
i = 1, 2, 3 …M strata
Which can be expressed as follows:
ΔCP = ∑(ΔCP,DefPA,i,t + 0 +0 + 0 - 0)
ΔCP = ∑ΔCP,DefPA,i,t
3.2.3 Leakage
MODULE VMD0010: Estimation of emissions from activity shifting for avoiding unplanned deforestation (LK-
ASU)
ΔCLK-AS,unplanned
sheet: See Appendix 3. Histograms Leakage area result of the modelation process
sheet: See Appendix 5. Freqcuency in hectares Leakage Area
sheet: See Appendix 7. Delta of deforestation to land use by migration for Leakage area
sheet: See Appendix 9. Delta of deforestation to climate change for Leakage area
sheet: See Appendix 11. Mining population regressions
Estimation of Total Leakage Due to the Displacement of Unplanned Deforestation
ΔCLK-AS,unplanned = ΔCLK-A SU-LB + ΔCLK-ASU-OLB + ΔCLK-ASU-PEAT + GHGLK,E Equation (16 )

VMD0010 (LK-ASU)
Where:
ΔCLK-AS,unplanned = Net greenhouse gas emissions due to activity shifting leakage for projects
preventing unplanned deforestation Net CO2 emissions (t CO2e)
ΔCLK-ASU-OLB = Net CO2 emissions due to unplanned deforestation displaced outside the Leakage
Belt (t CO2e)
ΔCLK-A SU-LB = Net CO2 emissions due to unplanned deforestation displaced from the project area
to the Leakage Belt (t CO2e)
ΔCLK-ASU-PEAT = Net CO2 emissions due to peatland drainage from unplanned deforestation
displaced from the project area (t CO2e)
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GHGLK,E = Greenhouse gas emissions as a result of leakage of avoiding deforestation

activities (t CO2-e)
Step 1: Estimation of Baseline Carbon stock Changes and GHG Emissions in the Leakage Belt
Step 2: Estimation of the Proportions of Area Deforested by Immigrant and Local Deforestation Agents
in the Baseline
Step 2.3 Estimation of annual areas of unplanned baseline deforestation in the project area
ABSL,RR,unplanned,t = ABSL,RRD,unplanned,t * PRRL Equation (4) VMD0007 (BL-UP)

Where:
ABSL,RR,unplanned,t = Projected area of unplanned baseline deforestation in the reference region for location (RRL) in year t; ha
PRRL = Ratio of forest area in the RRL at the start of the baseline period to the total area of the RRD; dimensionless
ABSL,PA,unplanned,t = ABSL,RRD,unplanned,t * PPA Equation (5) VMD0007 (BL-UP)

Where:
PPA = Ratio of the project area to the total area of RRD; dimensionless
ABSL,LK,unplanned,t = ABSL,RRD,unplanned,t * PLK Equation (6) VMD0007 (BL-UP)

Where:
ABSL,LK,unplanned,t = Projected area of unplanned baseline deforestation in the leakage belt area in year t; ha
PLK = Ratio of the area of the leakage belt to the total area of RRD; dimensionless
ABSL,PA,unplanned = ∑t=1t* ABSL,PA,unplanned,t Equation (7) VMD0007 (BL-UP)
ABSL,LK,unplanned = ∑t=1t* ABSL,LK,unplanned,t Equation (8) VMD0007 (BL-UP)
Where:
ABSL,PA,unplanned = Total area of unplanned baseline deforestation in the project area; ha
ABSL,LK,unplanned = Total area of unplanned baseline deforestation in the leakage belt; ha
ABSL,LK,unplanned,t = Projected area of unplanned baseline deforestation in the leakage belt in year t; ha

Approved mining
Climate change
ΔCBSL,LK,unplanned = ΔCTOT,LB Equation (28) VMD0007 (BL-UP)
ΔCBSL,LK,unplanned = Net CO2 emissions in the baseline from unplanned deforestation in the leakage belt; t CO2-e
ΔCTOT,LB = Sum of the baseline carbon stock change in all pools up to time t* in the leakage belt; t CO2-e

Approved mining
Climate change
Step 4: Estimation of Unplanned Deforestation Displaced from the Project Area to Outside the Leakage
Belt
Total available national forest area for unplanned deforestation
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AVFOR = TOTFOR - PROTFOR - MANFOR Equation (2) VMD0010 (LK-ASU)

Where
AVFOR =Total available national forest area for unplanned deforestation (ha)
TOTFOR =Total available national forest area (ha)
PROTFOR =Total area of fully protected forests nationally (ha)
MANFOR =Total area of forests under active management nationally (ha)
LKPROP: Proportional leakage for areas with immigrating populations
LKPROP = PROPIMM * (1 - PROPLB) * PROPCS Equation (5) VMD0010 (LK-ASU)

Where:
LKPROP = Proportional leakage for areas with immigrating populations (proportion)
PROPIMM = Estimated proportion of baseline deforestation caused by immigrating population (proportion)
PROPLB = Area of forest available for unplanned deforestation in the leakage belt as a proportion of the total national forest area available for unplanned deforestation (proportion)
PROPCS = The proportional difference in stocks between areas of forest available for unplanned deforestation both inside and outside the leakage belt (proportion)
"5.4.5. Leakage due to the proportion of the baseline deforestation actors who are displaced to
areas outside (Ex ante)"
ΔCLK-ASU,OLB = (ΔCBSL,LK,unplanned - ΔC P,LB) × LKPROP Equation (6) VMD0010 (LK-ASU)

Where: =
ΔCLK-ASU,OLB = Net CO2 emissions due to unplanned deforestation displaced outside the leakage belt (t CO2e)
ΔCBSL,LK,unplanned = Net CO2 equivalent emissions in the baseline from unplanned deforestation in the leakage belt (t CO2e)
ΔC P,LB = Net CO2 equivalent emissions within the leakage belt in the project case (t CO2e)
LKPROP = Proportional leakage for areas with immigrating populations (proportion)
Step 7: Estimation of Total Leakage Due to the Displacement of Unplanned Deforestation
ΔCLK-AS,unplanned = ΔCLK-A SU-LB + ΔCLK-ASU-OLB + ΔCLK-ASU-PEAT + GHGLK,E Equation (16 ) VMD0010 (LK-ASU)
Where:
ΔCLK-AS,unplanned = Net greenhouse gas emissions due to activity shifting leakage for projects preventing unplanned deforestation Net CO2 emissions (t CO2e)
ΔCLK-ASU-OLB = Net CO2 emissions due to unplanned deforestation displaced outside the Leakage Belt (t CO2e)
ΔCLK-A SU-LB = Net CO2 emissions due to unplanned deforestation displaced from the project area to the Leakage Belt (t CO2e)
ΔCLK-ASU-PEAT = Net CO2 emissions due to peatland drainage from unplanned deforestation displaced from the project area (t CO2e)
GHGLK,E = Greenhouse gas emissions as a result of leakage of avoiding deforestation activities (t CO2-e)
Step 3: Estimation of Unplanned Deforestation Displaced from the Project Area to the Leakage Belt
ΔCLK-ASU-LB = ΔCP,LB - ΔCBSL,LK,unplanned Equation (1) VMD0010 (LK-ASU)

Where:
ΔCLK-ASU-LB = Net CO2 emissions due to unplanned deforestation displaced from the project area to the leakage belt (t CO2e)
ΔCP,LB = Net greenhouse gas emissions within the leakage belt in the project case (t CO2e)
ΔCBSL,LK,unplanned = Net CO2 emissions in the baseline from unplanned deforestation in the leakage belt (t CO2e)
3.2.4 Net GHG Emission Reductions and Removals
Emission Reduction Calculation MODULE VMOOO7: REDD+ Methodology Framework

(REDD-MF)
NER REDD
Total net GHG emission reductions of the REDD project activity up to year t* (NER REDD+)
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NER REDD = ∆C BSL-REDD - ∆CWPS-REDD - ∆CLK-REDD Equation (2) VM0007 (REDD-MF)

Where:
NER REDD = Total net GHG emissions reductions of the REDD project activity up to year t (t CO2e)
∆C
BSL- = Net GHG emissions in the REDD baseline scenario up to year t (t CO2e)
REDD
∆CWP
S- = Net GHG emissions in the REDD project scenario up to year t (t CO2e )
REDD
∆CLK-
= Net GHG emissions due to leakage from the REDD project activity up to year t (t CO2e)
REDD
VM0007 (REDD-MF), 8.4 Summary of GHG emission reduction and/or removals, 8.4.2 REDD
(Equation 1 results equivalent to Equation 2 results NERREDD
Calculation of VCS buffer
BufferTOTAL = BufferPlanned + BufferUnplanned + BufferDegrad−FW/C + BufferWRC + BufferARR Equation (7) VM0007 (REDD-MF)
Where:
BufferTOTAL = Total permanence risk buffer withholding (t CO2e)
BufferPlanned= Buffer withholding for avoiding planned deforestation project activities (t CO2e)
BufferUnplanned
= Buffer withholding for avoiding unplanned deforestation project activities (t CO2e)
BufferDegrad−FW/C
= Buffer withholding for avoiding degradation through extraction of fuelwood project areas (t CO2e)
BufferWRC = Buffer withholding for WRC project activities (t CO2e)
BufferARR = Buffer withholding for ARR project activities (t CO2e)
BufferUnplanned
= [[ΔCBSL,Unplanned - ∑(EFC,i,t + N2Odirect,i,t) - (ΔCP,Unplanned - ∑(EFC,i,t + N2Odirect,i,t]] * Buffer% Equation (9) VM0007 (REDD-MF)
Where:
BufferUnplanned
= Buffer withholding for avoiding unplanned deforestation project activities (t CO2e)
ΔCBSL,Unplanned
= Net GHG emissions in the baseline from unplanned deforestation (t CO2e)
ΔCP,Unplanned= Net GHG emissions within the project area under the project scenario (t CO2e)
EFC,i,t = Emission from fossil fuel combustion in stratum i in year t
N2Odirect,i,t = Direct N2O emission as a result of nitrogen application on the alternative land use within the project boundary in stratum i in year t (t CO2e)
Buffer% = Buffer withholding percentage
i = 1, 2, 3, …M strata
t = 1, 2, 3, …t * time elapsed since the start of the REDD+ project activity
Buffer withholding percentage (15%) was calculated based on the project’s overall risk
classification using T-BAR. (AFOLU Non-Performance Risk Tool VCS Version 3, Procedural
Document 19 October 2016, v. 3.3)
Uncertainty analysis
UncertaintyREDD,BSL,t*
= √ [UncertaintyREDD,BSL,RATE,t*2 + UncertaintyREDD,BSL,SS2] Equation (6) VMD0017 (X-UNC)
Where:
UncertaintyREDD
= ,BSL,t* Cumulative uncertainty in REDD baseline scenario up to time t (%)
UncertaintyREDD
= ,BSL,RATE,t* Cumulative uncertainty in the baseline rate of deforestation up to time t (%)
UncertaintyREDD
= ,BSL,SS Total uncertainty in the combined carbon stocks and greenhouse gas sources in the REDD baseline case (%)
t = 1, 2, 3, …t* time elapsed since the start of the project activity (years)
UncertaintyREDD_BSL,t* =0%
Calculation of buffer
Equation (9) VM0007 (REDD-MF)
Calculation of Verified Carbon Units
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VCUt = (Adjusted_NERREDD,t2 - Adjusted_NERREDD,t1 ) - BufferTotal Equation (13) VM0007 (REDD-MF)

Where:
VCUt Number of Verified Carbon Units at year t = t2 - t1 (VCU)
Adjusted_NERREDD,t2 Total net GHG emission reductions of the REDD+ project activity up to year t2 adjusted to account for uncertainty (t CO2e)
Adjusted_NERREDD,t1 Total net GHG emission reductions of the REDD+ project activity up to year t1 adjusted to account for uncertainty (t CO2e)
BufferTotal Total permanence risk buffer withholding (t CO2e)
Full and detailed calculation and results are available in the excel version (Due to the large
extension of the document). The following assumptions have been used for the emission reduction
calculation:
- Calculation is based in the historical deforestation rates and the possible effects of climate change
in a without-project scenario;
- For the illegal mining deforestation driver, it was applied a block type estimation;
- The population increase effect over the land use by migration deforestation driver was based in
the extension and intensity of the illegal mining deforestation driver using an indigenous behavior
instead of an occidental behavior with the aim to present a conservative approach;
- Related to the mining deforestation driver (approved mining and looking for approval mining, both
illegal) there is available evidence on the dynamics of deforestation in a period of approximately 30
years, this evidence is based on historical satellite information available for proxy areas (Areas with
mining in regions with similar characteristics). For this reason, there are no projections of the mining
deforestation driver beyond the year 2046. Please note that the baseline will be re-assessed every
10 years; and
- In addition to the above statement related to the mining deforestation driver, the initial ERs peak
arises due to the behavior of the deforestation driver mining, i.e. technification in the open pit
mining, which is illegally fomented by the government. The large deforestation peaks occur from
day 1 of the mining activity and these, according to the satellite evidence, tend to diminish with the
passing of time, achieving some increments throughout the life period of the evaluated mining
project; however, according to the evidence, these upswings never have the magnitude of the first
transformations. It is important to mention that the approved mining deforestation driver has a great
effect on this behavior because, given the existence of concession titles, it is expected that without
the project scenario they will be executed in the first 30 years. For the category looking for approval
mining executions beyond the 30 years could be presented for the scenario without project;
however, with the evaluations carried out by experts in the field, these projections would require
more sophisticated simulations than those allowed by the VM0007 methodology.
3.3 Monitoring
3.3.1 Data and Parameters Available at Validation
VMD0015 REDD METHODOLOGICAL MODULE: METHODS FOR MONITORING OF GHG

EMISSIONS AND REMOVALS (M-MON)
Data / Parameter: 1 Regional Forest Cover / Non-Forest Cover Benchmark Map

Data Unit: Ha
Map showing the location of forest land within the reference region
Description:
at the beginning of the project crediting period, showing the
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stratification and location of forest and non-forest areas in the

Reference Region RRD at the beginning of the accreditation
Source of data: Landsat satellite images
Justification of choice of data or
"Landsat" images have adequate spatial resolution corresponding
description of measurement
to 30 meters. Scale 1:70,000
methods and procedures applied:
The job was made in several resolution of pixels with an average
of 30 meter by pixel, resolution enough for working at 1:50,000
Any comment: scale, but due to the extension of the territory, around of 4,300,000
hectares the maps it will be presents in a handling scale.
1:160,000.
Used in equations: (M-MON) 3 ,8
Data / Parameter: 2 Project Forest Cover Benchmark Map

Data Unit: Ha
Map showing the stratification and location of forest areas in the
Description:
Project area at the beginning of the accreditation (100% forested)
Source of data: Landsat satellite images
"Landsat" images have adequate spatial resolution corresponding
Justification of choice of data or to 30 meters and an approximate scale of 1:70,000, is a tool
description of measurement available to the public.
methods and procedures applied: Frequency: At a minimum every ten years prior to baseline
renewal
Where forest land contains more than one forest class, the map
must be stratified into forest classes using module X-STR.
Any comment:
This map is stratified in 9 classes of forest and coverages,
identifying in a 8 bit scale matrix. Pixel resolution 19*19 meters
Used in equations: (M-MON) 3, 8
Data / Parameter: 3 Leakage Belt Forest Cover Benchmark Map

Data Unit: Ha
Map showing the location of forest land within the leakage belt
Description: area at the beginning of each monitoring period. Only applicable
where leakage is to be monitored in a leakage belt
Remote sensing in combination with GPS data collected during
Source of data:
ground truthing.
The minimum map accuracy must be 90% for the classification of
forest/non-forest in the remote sensing imagery.
Justification of choice of data or If the classification accuracy is less than 90% then the map is not
description of measurement acceptable for further analysis. More remote sensing data and
ground truthing data will be needed to produce a product that
methods and procedures applied: reaches the 90% minimum mapping accuracy.
Frequency: At a minimum every ten years prior to baseline
renewal
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Any comment:
This map is stratified in 9 classes of forest and coverages,
identifying in a 8 bit scale matrix. Pixel resolution 19*19 meters
Used in equations: (M-MON) 3
Data / Parameter: 4 Ai
Data Unit: ha
Description: Area of stratum i
Source of data: Classification maps with several techniques
Frequency: At a minimum every ten years prior to baseline
renewal
Ex-ante it shall be assumed that strata area will remain constant
Any comment:
N/A
Data / Parameter: 5 ARRD,unplanned,hrp

Data Unit: Ha
Total area deforested during the historical reference period in the
Description: RRD. Total deforested area during the term of reference (until
2016) in the RRD.
Value taken from the Landsat satellite images, used by the
Source of data:
Deforestation Model
Justification of choice of data or "Landsat" images have adequate spatial resolution corresponding
description of measurement to 30 meters. Frequency: At a minimum every ten years prior to
methods and procedures applied: baseline renewal
Any comment: Monitored for the purpose of baseline revisions
Used in equations: (BL-UP) 3
Data / Parameter: 6 CF
Data Unit: t C t-1 d.m.
Description: Carbon fraction of dry matter
Default value 0.47 t C t-1 d.m. can be used, or species-specific
Source of data: values from the literature (e.g. IPCC 2006 INV GLs AFOLU
Chapter 4 Table 4.3)
This value is part of the plots used for the calibration of the
Bacinni et. al 2012 carbon map.
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It is important to highlight that this value was used in the biomass

Any comment:
values information for some samples.
Data / Parameter: 7 CFj

Data Unit: t C t-1 d.m.
Description: Carbon fraction of biomass for tree species j
Species- or family-specific values from the literature (e.g. IPCC
Source of data: 2006 INV GLs AFOLU Chapter 4 Table 4.3) shall be used if
available, otherwise default value of 0.47 t C t-1 d.m. can be used.
The fraction used it will be always reviewing with the IPCC
disponible literature.
This fraction is a constant for this reason it would be not
Any comment:
monitorable
Used in equations: (M-MON) 11, 35, 37
Data / Parameter: 8 Dj
Data Unit: t d.m. m-3
Description: Basic wood density in t d.m. m -3 for species j
The source of data shall be chosen with priority from higher to
lower preference as follows:
(a) National species-specific or group of species-specific (e.g.
from National GHG inventory);
(b) Species-specific or group of species-specific from
neighboring countries with similar conditions. Sometimes (b) may
be preferable to (a);
Source of data:
(c) Global species-specific or group of species-specific (e.g.
IPCC 2006 INV GLs AFOLU Chapter 4 Tables 4.13 and 4.14).
Species-specific wood densities may not always be available and
may be difficult to apply with certainty in the typically species rich
forests of the humid tropics, hence it is acceptable practice to use
wood densities developed for forest types or plant families or
species groups.
description of measurement In the project data calculation, it is not used this parameter.
Any comment: N/A
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Data / Parameter: 9 Dmn

Data Unit: t d.m.m-3
Description: Mean wood density of commercially harvested species

The source of data shall be chosen with priority from higher to
lower preference as follows:
(a) Averaged national and commercial species-specific (e.g.
from National GHG inventory or site-specific measurements);
(b) Averaged commercial species-specific from neighboring
countries with similar conditions. Sometimes (b) may be preferable
to (a).
(c) Averaged regional commercial species-specific (e.g. Table
Source of data: 4.13 IPCC National Guidance for Greenhouse Gas Inventories
AFOLU Section).
(d) Regional average (0.58 t d.m.m-3- tropical Africa; 0.60 t
d.m.m3- tropical America; 0.57 d.m.m-3- tropical Asia) from Brown,
S.
1997. Estimating Biomass and Biomass Change of Tropical
Forests: a Primer. For the Food and Agriculture Organization of
the United Nations. Rome, 1997. FAO Forestry Paper - 134. ISBN
92-5103955-0.
description of measurement In the project data calculation, it is not used this parameter.
Any comment: N/A
Data / Parameter: 10 fj (X,Y)

Data Unit: t d.m. tree-1
Allometric equation for species j linking measured tree variable(s)
Description:
to aboveground biomass of living trees, expressed as t d.m. tree-1
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Allometric equation for species j linking measured tree variable(s)

to aboveground biomass of living trees, expressed as t d.m. tree-1
Equations must have been derived using a wide range of
measured variables (e.g. DBH, Height, etc.) based on datasets
that comprise at least 30 trees. Equations must be based on
statistically significant regressions and must have an r2 that is ≥
0.8.
The source of equation(s) shall be chosen with priority from higher
Source of data:
to lower preference, as available, as follows:
(a) National species-, genus-, family-specific;
(b) Species-, genus-, family-specific from neighboring
countries with similar conditions (i.e. broad continental regions);
(c) National forest-type specific;
(d) Forest-type specific from neighboring countries with similar
conditions (i.e. broad continental regions);
(e) Pan-tropical forest type-specific
such as those provided Tables 4.A.1 to 4.A.3 of the GPG-
LULUCF (IPCC 2003) or in Pearson, T., Walker, S. and Brown, S.
2005.
Sourcebook for Land Use Land-Use Change and Forestry
Projects.
Winrock International and the World Bank Biocarbon Fund.
57pp. Available at:
http://www.winrock.org/Ecosystems/files/WinrockBioCarbon_Fu
nd_Sourcebook-compressed.pdf or in Chave, J., C. Andalo, S.
Brown, M. A. Cairns, J. Q. Chambers, D. Eamus, H. Folster, F.
Fromard, N. Higuchi, T. Kira, J.-P. Lescure, B. W. Nelson, H.
Ogawa, H. Puig, B. Riera, T. Yamakura. 2005. Tree allometry
and improved estimation of carbon stocks and balance in
tropical forests. Oecologia 145: 87-99. Species-, genus- and
family-specific allometric equations may not always be available
and may be difficult to apply with certainty in the typically
species rich forests of the humid tropics, hence it is acceptable
practice to use equations developed for regional or pantropical
forest types, provided that their accuracy has been validated
with direct site-specific data (per guidance below). If a forest-
type specific equation is used, it must not be used in
combination with species-specific equation(s) (i.e. it must be
used for all tree species).
Justification of choice of data or This Parameter is used in the Chave equation
Any comment: It is important to highlight that despite that there is information

original of this parameter, the project is not designing to make a
permanent monitoring of this parameter. On the other hand, the
project use several secondary information disponible in the
literature.
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VM0007 REDD+ Methodology Framework (REDD-MF)
Data / Parameter: 11 ∆CBSL,unplanned

Data unit t CO2e
Net greenhouse gas emissions in the baseline from
Description
unplanned deforestation
Equations (REDD-MF) 3
Source of data Module BL-UP
Value applied It will be calculating during the monitoring fase
description of measurement See module BL-UP
methods and procedures applied
Purpose of Data Calculation of baseline emissions
Comments N/A
VMD0001 ESTIMATION OF CARBON STOCKS IN THE ABOVE- AND BELOW GROUND BIOMASS IN
LIVE TREE AND NON-TREE POOLS (CP-AB)
Data / Parameter: 12 D:RAD

Data unit Dimensionless
Ratio of DBH to plot radius, specific to prism Basal Area Factor
Description
(BAF) employed in point sampling
Equations (CP-AB) 3
Source of data
Value applied:
In the project data calculation, it is not used this parameter.
methods and procedures In the project data calculation, it is not used this parameter.
applied
Purpose of Data
In the project data calculation, it is not used this parameter.
Comments N/A
Data / Parameter: 13 fj (X, Y)
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Data unit t. d.m. tree-1

Allometric equation for non-tree species l linking parameters such
Description as stem count, diameter of crown, height, or others to
aboveground biomass of an individual
Equations (CP-AB) 1
Whenever available, use allometric equations that are species
specific or group of species-specific, provided the equations have
been derived using a wide range of diameters and heights, based
Source of data on datasets that comprise at least 30 individuals.
Project participants may create project location specific equation
where appropriate.
The project has used the plot data with the purpose of calibration
the Bacinii et. al. 2012 carbon map. This measurement is always
Value applied:
used in the project with this aim. This parameter is variable in
relationship with each species.
It is necessary to verify the applicability of existing equations
used.
Allometric equations can be verified either by:
1. Review of source data from which equation was derived and
confirmation that the source data is representative of the species
and conditions in the project and covers the range of potential
sizes. Or
2. Destructive Sampling
• Selecting at least five individuals covering the range of sizes
existing, and felling and weighing the aboveground biomass to
determine the total (wet) mass of the stem and branch
components;
• Extracting and immediately weighing subsamples from each of
the wet stem and branch components, followed by oven drying at
Justification of choice of data or 70oC to determine dry biomass;
description of measurement • Determining the total dry weight of each individual from the wet
methods and procedures weights and the averaged ratios of wet and dry weights of the
applied stem and branch components.
If the biomass of the harvested individual is within ±10% of the
mean values predicted by the selected allometric equation, and is
not biased, then mean values from the equation may be used.
Otherwise, the equation must be re-parameterized to conform to
the validation data before using, or another equation selected.
To create a new allometric equation:
Follow guidance in:
Pearson, T., Walker, S. and Brown, S. 2005. Sourcebook for
Land
Use, Land-Use Change and Forestry Projects. Winrock
International and the World Bank Biocarbon Fund. 57pp.
Available at:
http://www.winrock.org/Ecosystems/files/WinrockBioCarbon_Fun
d_Sourcebook-compressed.pdf
This Parameter is used previously to the application of the
Purpose of Data
Chave equation
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The project has used the plot data with the purpose of calibration
Comments the Bacinii et. al. 2012 carbon map. This measurement is always
used in the project with this aim.
VMD0010 ESTIMATION OF EMISSIONS FROM ACTIVITY SHIFTING FOR AVOIDING UNPLANNED

DEFORESTATION (LK-ASU)
Data / Parameter: 14 ∆CBSL,LK,unplanned

Data unit t CO2e
Net CO2 emissions in the baseline from unplanned deforestation in the leakage
Description
belt
Equations (LK-ASU) 1, 6
Source of data Module BL-UP
Value applied N/A
Justification of choice of data
or description of
See module BL-UP
measurement methods and
procedures applied
Purpose of Data Calculation of leakage emissions
Comments N/A
Data / Parameter: 15 CLB

Data unit t CO2e ha-1
Area-weighted average aboveground tree carbon stock for forests available for
Description
unplanned deforestation inside the Leakage Belt
Equations (LK-ASU) 4
Source of data ERs Leakage sheet Excel table
Value applied 467.60 t CO2-e/ha
Justification of choice of data
Calculate from field measurements using module CP-AB. As forests in the
or description of
leakage belt are deforested, the area weighted average must be recalculated
at each monitoring period.
procedures applied
Comments This parameter has not to be monitored
Data / Parameter: 16 COLB

Data unit t CO2e ha-1
Area-weighted average aboveground tree carbon stock for forests available for
Description
unplanned deforestation outside the Leakage Belt
Source of data Literature, field surveys
Value applied 623.20 t CO2-e/ha
Justification of choice of data Either:
or description of 1. Calculate directly from field measurements using module CPAB
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procedures applied 2. Use numbers derived from peer-reviewed literature that are nationally or
at least regionally appropriate
Areas included in the calculation of COLB shall be limited to areas demonstrated

to be suitable for agriculture or livestock ranching. Demonstration shall be
through existing areas of agriculture or livestock ranching on adjacent lands
with the same soil type and climate. Areas unsuitable for agriculture or
livestock such as areas that are excessively dry, flooded or nutrient poor shall
be excluded.
The available national forest area and MANFOR and PROTFOR will change
over time. The area-weighted average must be recalculated at least every 5
years.
Comments This parameter has not to be monitored
3.3.2 Data and Parameter Monitored
VMD0015 REDD METHODOLOGICAL MODULE: METHODS FOR MONITORING OF GHG

EMISSIONS AND REMOVALS (M-MON)
Data / Parameter: 17 Project Forest Cover Monitoring Map

Data Unit: Ha
Map showing the location of forest land within the project area at
the beginning of each monitoring period. If within the Project Area
Description:
some forest land is cleared, the benchmark map must show the
deforested areas at each monitoring event
Source of data:
ground truthing
If the classification accuracy is less than 90% then the map is not
Justification of choice of data or acceptable for further analysis. More remote sensing data and
description of measurement ground truthing data will be needed to produce a product that
Frequency: Must be monitored at least every 5 years or if
verification occurs on a frequency of less than every 5 years
examination must occur prior to any verification event
Any comment: must be stratified into forest classes using module X-STR.
Data / Parameter: 18 Leakage Belt Forest Cover Monitoring Map

Data Unit: Ha
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Map showing the location of forest land within the leakage belt area
Description: at the beginning of each monitoring period. Only applicable where
leakage is to be monitored in a leakage belt
Source of data:
ground truthing
If the classification accuracy is less than 90% then the map is not
Justification of choice of data or acceptable for further analysis. More remote sensing data and
description of measurement ground truthing data will be needed to produce a product that
Frequency: Must be monitored at least every 5 years or if
Any comment: Where forest land contains more than one forest class, the map
Data / Parameter: 19 ADefPA,i,u,t

Data Unit: Ha
Description: Area of recorded deforestation in the project area in stratum i
converted to land use u at time t
Source of data: Remote sensing imagery
Justification of choice of data or Frequency: Must be monitored at least every 5 years or if
description of measurement verification occurs on a frequency of less than every 5 years
methods and procedures applied: examination must occur prior to any verification event
Any comment: Ex-ante, an estimation shall be made of deforestation in the with
project case. If the belief is that zero deforestation will occur within
the project boundaries then this parameter may be set to zero if
clear infrastructure, hiring and policies are in place to prevent
deforestation.
Data / Parameter: 20 ADefLB,i,u,t

Data Unit: Ha
Description: Area of recorded deforestation in the leakage belt in stratum i
converted to land use u at time t
methods and procedures examination must occur prior to any verification event
applied:
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Any comment: Ex-ante, an estimation shall be made of deforestation in the

leakage belt in the with-project case. The area of deforestation
shall be made conservatively equal to:
𝑡
(∑ (1 − 𝑃𝑅𝑂𝑃𝐼𝑀𝑀 ) ∗ 𝐴𝐵𝑆𝐿,𝐿𝐾,𝑢𝑛𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑛𝑒𝑑,𝑡 ) ∗ (1 − 𝑃𝑅𝑂𝑃𝐿𝑃𝐴 )
𝑡=1
PROPIMM Estimated proportion of baseline

deforestation caused by immigrating
population; proportion
(Calculated in LK-ASU)
ABSL,LK,unplanned,t Project rate of unplanned baseline
deforestation in the Leakage Belt Area at
year t; ha. yr-1
(Output parameter from BL-UP)
PROPLPA Estimated proportion of baseline
deforestation agents given the opportunity
to participate in leakage prevention
activities; proportion (proportion shall be
conservatively estimated and justifiable.
Leakage prevention activities must be
planned to fully replace income, product
generation and livelihood. Projects have the
option ex-ante to conservatively set
PROPLPA as equal to 1).
t 1, 2, 3 …t years elapsed since the start of
the
project activity
Data / Parameter: 21 ADistPA,q,i,t

Data Unit: Ha
Area impacted by natural disturbance in the project stratum i
Description:
converted to natural disturbance stratum q at time t; ha
Remote Sensing imagery combined with ground verification or GPS
Source of data:
coordinates
Minimum monitoring unit shall be equal to a minimum of 11 Landsat
Justification of choice of data or pixels or one hectare.
description of measurement Frequency: Must be monitored at least every 5 years or if
methods and procedures applied: verification occurs on a frequency of less than every 5 years
Ex-ante, estimations of emissions from natural disturbances shall

Any comment:
be based on historic incidence of such event in the Project region
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Data / Parameter: 22 ARRL,forest,t

Data Unit: Ha
Description: Remaining area of forest in RRL at time t

methods and procedures applied: examination must occur prior to any verification event
Any comment: This parameter not apply owing to the project does not measure
this varible N/A
Used in equations: This parameter not apply owing to the project does not measure
this varible N/A
Data Unit / parameter: 23 CAB_tree_dest, i

Data Unit: t CO2-e ha-1
Description: Carbon stock in aboveground tree biomass assumed to be killed
per unit area resulting from the creation of the skid trail in stratum i
Source of data: CP-AB and documentation stating maximum size tree able to be
killed during skid trail creation
Justification of choice of data or To calculate the aboveground tree biomass assumed to be killed, a
description of measurement subset of the field measurements collected to calculate the baseline
methods and procedures applied: CAB_tree,i shall be created. This subset shall include all trees below
the maximum size tree assumed to be killed during the skid trail
creation.
The methods in CP-AB shall then be used to estimate the biomass
of trees able to be killed during skid trail creation. Documentation
must be provided to determine the maximum sized tree (based on
the variables used to calculate aboveground biomass for a species
in CP-AB, such as DBH) that are able to be destroyed during the
creation of the skid trail.
Documentation may include management plans or documented
evidence of the maximum size tree the machinery used to create
the skid trail is able to push over and kill.
Alternatively, it can be assumed that Ctree_AB_dest,i = Ctree_AB,i in the
baseline
Frequency: the maximum size tree assumed to be killed during skid
trail creation must be monitored at least every 5 years or if
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 14

8
Any comment: This parameter not apply owing to the project does not measure
this variable owing to it is not present in the region area. N/A
Data Unit / parameter: 24 ABSL,PA,unplanned,t

Data Unit: Ha
Annual area of unplanned baseline deforestation in the Project Area
Description:
at year t
Module parameter originates in: BL-UP
Corresponding information shall be included in the VCS PD
Any comment:
Data Unit / parameter: 25 CBSL,i

Description: Carbon stock in all pools in the baseline in stratum i
Module parameter originates in: BL-UP,
Any comment:
Used in equations: (M-MON) 5, 24, 27
Data Unit / parameter: 26 CAB, tree,i

Carbon stock in aboveground biomass in trees in the project case in
Description:
stratum i .
Module parameter originates in: CP-AB
The project use this parameter for calibrating the Carbon from the
Any comment:
pantropical map to the scale of the region.
Used in equations: (M-MON) 6, 24, 29 + (BL-UP) 16
VM0007 REDD+ Methodology Framework (REDD-MF)
Data / Parameter: 27 ∆CWPS-REDD

Data unit: t CO2e
Net GHG emissions in the REDD project scenario up to year
Description:
t*
Equations (M-REDD) 2
Source of data: Module M-REDD
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9
Description of measurement
methods and procedures to be See module M-REDD
applied:
Frequency of monitoring/recording: See module M-REDD
QA/QC procedures to be applied: See module M-REDD
Purpose of data: Calculation of project emissions
Calculation method: See module M-REDD
Comments: N/A
Data / Parameter: 28 ∆CLK-AS,unplanned

Data unit t CO2e
Net greenhouse gas emissions due to activity shifting for
Description
projects preventing unplanned deforestation
Equations (M-REDD) 4
Source of data Module LK-ASU
Value applied N/A

description of measurement See module LK-ASU
methods and procedures applied
Purpose of Data Calculation of leakage
This parameter not apply owing to the project does not
Comments
measure this varible N/A
VMD0007 REDD METHODOLOGICAL MODULE: ESTIMATION OF BASELINE CARBON STOCK

CHANGES AND GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS FROM UNPLANNED DEFORESTATION (BL-UP)
Data / parameter: 29 Pop i,t

Data unit: Number of individuals per population census unit i in year t
Used in equations: (BL-UP) 10,11,12
Description: Periodic population census data
Source of data: Official sources or through independent representative surveys

Due to a spectrum of information that have the maximum and minimum number
Measurement
of workers in a mine there is not necessary to apply this parameter every 10
procedures (if any):
years.
Monitoring frequency: Must be updated every 10 years
Census data must have equally accurate representation of both rural and urban
populations. Census techniques must apply general good practice as outlined in
QA/QC procedures: United Nations 2007. Principles and Recommendations for Population and
Housing Censuses. Revision 224
Any comment: Owing to this parameter is relating to the labor force (miner employees’
population) of open pit mining with deforestation caused at time t = 30 (maximum
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 15

0
evaluated value) and that this relationship is calculated for several proxy areas, it
is important to take account that this relationship is present of several periods of
time with its respective area transformation is counted. With this information it
was possible to calculate through linear regressions the possible behavior of the
30-year population spectrum. The above means that this parameter remains
permanent.
Data / parameter: 30 DPj

Data unit: ha * # of individuals-1
Area of unplanned deforestation in year t produced by change in population in
Description:
the interval t-1 to t for subset of RRD j
Source of data: Representative surveys or analysis of imagery and population data
Due to a spectrum of information that have the maximum and minimum number
Measurement
of workers in a mine there is not necessary to apply this parameter every 10
years.
The information is very precise due to the report of the miner employees
QA/QC procedures:
according to several companies in the sector.
N/A. It is important to emphasize that this value is used from the point of
equilibrium (stable deforestation) of deforestation caused by the most
conservative agent in the transformation of the area (indigenous community,
historical deforestation). For this reason, is expected that to maintain the
Any comment:
conservative point of view, A low value must be optimal for estimating
deforestation. This value,to be related to the mining population (labor force), will
be useful for estimating deforestation caused by migration from illegal mining.
through this characteristic, this parameter must not be measured.
Data / parameter: 31 Di
Data unit: ha
Description: ha forest cleared by household i in past 10 years
Source of data: Representative surveys

Measurement This parameter not apply owing to the project does not measure this varible N/A
QA/QC procedures: This parameter not apply owing to the project does not measure this varible N/A
Any comment: N/A
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 15

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Data / parameter: 32 P1,i

Data unit: # of individuals
Description: number of people in household i immigrating in the past 10 years

Any comment: N/A
Data / parameter: 33 P2,i

Data unit: # of individuals
Description: number of new children born to household i since immigrating and in the past 10
years
Any comment: N/A
Data / Parameter: Any spatial feature included in the spatial model that is subject to changes
34 over time (Factor Maps) Model maps, based in Dinamica ego and Octave
Data unit Depending on the spatial features selected
Used equations: This does not apply
Description Factor Maps
Source of data According to field verification and geographic information systems (SIG)
Measurement
Update of digital maps
procedures (if any)
Monitoring
It will be updated each time the baseline is revisited (every 10 years)
frequency:
If secondary information, revision of reliable sources will be made; if primary
QA/QC procedures:
information will be obtained according to IDEAM protocols.
Any comment: Without comment
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2
Data / Parameter:
Baseline Deforestation Maps
35
Data unit: Depending on the spatial features selected
Used equations: This does not apply

Maps showing the location of deforested hectares in each year of the baseline
Description:
period
Source of data Landsat satellite image.
Measurement
Update of digital maps
procedures (if any)
Monitoring
It will be updated each time the baseline is revisited (at least every 10 years)
frequency:
Quality assessment using field GPS points taken in and confronted by the
QA/QC procedures:
confusion matrix described in the PDD.
Any comment: Without comment
Data / parameter: 36 Risk Maps

Data unit: This parameter not apply owing to the project does not measure this varible N/A
Used in equations: This parameter not apply owing to the project does not measure this varible N/A
Description: A Risk Map shows, for each pixel location l, the risk, or “suitability”, for
deforestation as a numerical scale (e.g. from 0 = minimum risk to some upper
limit representing the maximum).
Source of data: This parameter not apply owing to the project does not measure this varible N/A
Measurement Update of digital maps
Monitoring frequency: Must be updated each time the baseline is revisited (at least every 10 years)
Any comment: N/A
Data / parameter: AAU

37
Data unit: %
Used in equations: (BL-UP) Part 2, Section 2.1.4
Description: The accuracy assessment of the rate of unplanned deforestation (equals 90% or
more)
Source of data: Existing maps or models, expert consultation, literature
Measurement Multi-criteria analysis implemented in a Geographical Information System
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 15

3
QA/QC procedures: This parameter is based in the expert knowledge opinion.

Any comment: This parameter is based in the expert knowledge opinion.
Data / parameter: 38 Correct

Data unit: ha
Description: Area correct due to observed change predicted as change
Source of data: Spatial model of deforestation location
Measurement Area estimation through spatial intersection of the observed area and projected
procedures (if any): to start HRP area.
QA/QC procedures: By FOM model validation.
N/A
Any comment:
Data / parameter: 39 ErrA

Data unit: ha
Description: Area of error due to observed change predicted as persistence
Any comment: N/A
Data / parameter: 40 ErrB

Data unit: ha
Description: Area of error due to observed persistence predicted as change
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 15

4
Any comment: N/A
Data / parameter: 41 FOM

Data unit: This parameter not apply owing to the project does not measure this varible N/A
Description: Figure of Merit
Source of data: Calculated using equation 10.
procedures (if any): This parameter not apply owing to the project does not measure this varible N/A
Any comment: This parameter not apply owing to the project does not measure this varible N/A
Data / parameter: 42 LB
Data unit: Ha
Used in equations: 6 (LK-ASU), to calculate PLK
Leakage belt area. Map showing the location and stratification of forests within
Description:
the leakage belt. (100% forest at the beginning of the project)
Source of data: Landsat satellite images.
Measurement
Methodology described in the PD.
Quality Assurance / Map with high precision of definition build up through interpretation of satellite
Quality Control images at scale 1:50.000.
Monitoring frequency: It will be updated each time the baseline is revisited (at least every 10 years).
Quality assessment using field points GPS taken in and confronted by the
QA/QC procedures:
confusion matrix described in the PDD.
The stratification is based on the high-level characterization of the vegetation
Any comment:
class conducting for an expert in vegetation science with specialized knowledge.
Data / parameter: 43 PA
Data unit: Ha
Used in equations: (BL-UP) 1,2
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Unplanned deforestation project area. Map showing the location and

Description: stratification of forests within the project area (100% forest at the beginning of
the project).
Source of data: Mosaic of Landsat satellite images
Measurement
Methodology described in the PD.
Monitoring frequency: It will be updated each time the baseline is revisited (at least every 10 years)
The stratification is based on the high-level characterization of the vegetation
Any comment:
class conducting for an expert in vegetation science with specialized knowledge.
Data / parameter: 44 PLK

Data unit: Dimensionless
Description: Ratio of the area of the leakage belt to the total area of RRD
Source of data: Landsat Satellite images
Value established in 1 because the RRD and RRL have the same area and
Measurement
because the PA and LK areas were cut after the mathematical model of
deforestation.
Quality Assurance /
Through the accuracy assessment.
Quality Control
Monitored at least once every 10 years (when the baseline is revisited)
Any comment:
Shall be estimated at time zero, this estimate shall be used for ex-ante purposes
Data / parameter: 45 PPA

Data unit: dimensionless
Description: Ratio of the Project Area to the total area of RRD
Source of data: Landsat Satellite images.
Value established in 1 because the RRD and RRL have the same area and
Measurement
because the PA and LK areas were cut after the mathematical model of
deforestation.
Quality Assurance /
Through the accuracy assessment.
Quality Control
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 15

6
Monitored at least once every 10 years (when the baseline is revisited). It was
Any comment:
estimated at time zero, this estimate was used for ex-ante purposes
Data / parameter:
PRRL
46
Data unit: dimensionless
Ratio of forest area in the RRL at the start of the historical reference period to the
Description:
total area of the RRD
Source of data: N/A
Measurement Due to RRD and RRL have the same area and because the PA and LK areas
procedures (if any): were cut after the mathematical model of deforestation.
Monitoring
Must be updated each time the baseline is revisited (at least every 10 years)
frequency:
Quality Assurance / Due to RRD and RRL have the same area and because the PA and LK areas
Quality Control were cut after the mathematical model of deforestation.
Monitored at least once every 10 years (when the baseline is revisited)
Any comment: Shall be estimated at time zero, this estimate shall be used for ex-ante purposes
N/A
Data / parameter:
RRD
47
Data unit: Ha
Used in equations: (BL-UP) 4 (to calculate PRRL), 5 (to calculate PPA), 6 (to calculate PLK)
Description: Geographic boundaries of the reference area for projection of rate of deforestation
Source of data: Remote sensing data
Measurement Landsat satellite images over the project area
procedures (if any): RRD and RRL have the same area and location
Monitoring Annual monitoring shall be adapted every 10 years in the evaluation of the
frequency: baseline.
Any comment: The same area that RRL
Data / parameter:
RRL
48
Data unit: Ha
Used in equations: (BL-UP) 4 (to calculate PRRL), 5 (to calculate PPA), 6 (to calculate PLK)
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 15

7
Description: Geographical boundaries of the reference region to locate deforestation.

Source of data: Landsat satellite Images and existing digital maps
Measurement
RRD and RRL have the same area and location
Monitoring
It will be updated each time the baseline is revisited (at least every 10 years)
frequency:
Any comment: The same area that RRD
Data / parameter: 49 Thrp

Data unit: Yr
Description: Duration of the historical reference period in years
Source of data: Landsat imagenes
Measurement Interpretation of satellite imagenes
Quality Assurance / All imágenes have mesured with the same methodology of interpretation with
Quality Control the purpose of assessment the same coverage class.
Any comment: 28 years analized
Data / parameter: 50 CAB_tree,i

Data unit: t CO2-e ha-1
Used in equations: (CP-AB) 12,13
Description: Carbon stock in aboveground biomass in trees in stratum i
Module parameter
CP-AB
originates in:
Any comment: Result of calibrated carbon map model.
Data / Parameter:
Project Forest Cover Monitoring Map
51
Data unit ha
Used in equations (BL-UP) 3
Map evidence stratification and location of the forest in the Project Area at the
Description
beginning of each verification period. It shows if there deforested areas within
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 15

8
the project area.

Source of data: Obtained from satellite images and field verification points and observations.
The project is going to use a satellite system and drone technology for following
the changes in the vegetation strata with the purpose of monitoring any
Measurement
variations caused by the deforestation. In case there are deforested areas the
procedures (If any):
mechanisms designed in the Governance Framework Agreement and the Mega
projects, they would must work out for dwindling the adverse effect of the event.
Permanent surveillance of the images sources and control mechanism designed
Monitoring
in the Mega projects and GFA documents. Verification of deforested areas will
frequency:
be permanent during the year.
Quality Assurance /
Permanent verification of the area of the project surfaces.
Quality Control
Any comments Stratification is the same as the one used at the beginning of the term.
Data / Parameter:
Leakage Belt Forest Cover Monitoring Map
52
Data unit ha
Used in equations (BL-UP) 3, 8
Map evidencing the stratification and location of the forest in the Leakage Belt at
Description the beginning of each verification period. It must be evidenced if there are
deforested areas.
Source of data Satellite images and field verification of deforested areas if any (GPS).
The project is going to use a satellite system and drone technology for following
the changes in the vegetation strata with the purpose of monitoring any
Measurement
variations caused by the deforestation. In case there are deforested areas the
procedures (If any):
mechanisms designed in the Governance Framework Agreement and the Mega
projects, they would must work out for dwindling the adverse effect of the event.
Permanent surveillance of the images sources and control mechanism designed
Monitoring
in the Mega projects and GFA documents. Verification of deforested areas will
frequency:
be permanent during the year.
Quality Assurance / Permanent verification of the area of the project surfaces. Also, through the
Quality Control accuracy assessment.
Any comments Stratification is the same as the one used at the beginning of the term.
VMD0001 ESTIMATION OF CARBON STOCKS IN THE ABOVE- AND BELOW GROUND BIOMASS IN
LIVE TREE AND NON-TREE POOLS (CP-AB)
Data / Parameter: 53 Asp

Data unit ha
Description Area of sample plots in ha
Equations (CP-AB) 2
Source of data Recording and archiving of number and size of sample plots
methods and procedures to be Description of the samples and plots is into PD document
applied
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9
Monitoring must occur at least every ten years for baseline

Frequency of renewal.
monitoring/recording Where carbon stock enhancement is included monitoring shall
occur at least every five years
Quality and advantages of the method is describing into the PD
QA/QC procedures to be applied
and Bacinii et.al. 2012
Obtein field measurements about carbon stocks in field for
Purpose of data
calibration model.
Calculation method Description into the PD and Bacinii et.al. 2012
Where carbon stock estimation occurs only for determination of
the baseline this parameter shall be known ex-ante. Where part of
project monitoring, ex-ante the number and area of sample plots
Comments shall be estimated based on projected sample effort relative to
projections of growth and emissions.
Data / Parameter: 54 N
Data unit Dimensionless
Description Number of sample points
Equations (CP-AB) 4,8
Source of data Recording and archiving of number of sample points
Method is describing into the PD and Arellano. 2012 and Arellano
methods and procedures to be
& Rangel 2015.
applied
Quality and advantages of the method is is describing into the PD
and Arellano. 2012 and Arellano & Rangel 2015.
Owing to the estimation is based on a model of calibration of the
Baccinii et.al. 2012 carbon map. This N (N/A) in the strict sense of
the word, due the number N is referring to a number of pixels in to
the model calibrated. On the other hand, N is also referring to the
Purpose of data number of plots that is used to find real points to calibrate the
Bacinii et. al. 2012 carbon map model. It is important to highlight
that in this case for achieving a very high-resolution carbon map it
was not (and it will not) necessary a high number of plots.

project monitoring, ex-ante the number of sample plots shall be
estimated based on projected sample effort relative to projections
of growth and emissions.
Comments
Owing to the estimation is based on a model of calibration of the
Baccinii et.al. 2012 carbon map. This N (N/A) in the strict sense of
the word, due the number N is referring to a number of pixels in to
the model calibrated. On the other hand, N is also referring to the
number of plots that is used to find real points to calibrate the
Bacinii et. al. 2012 carbon map model. It is important to highlight
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 16

0
that in this case for achieving a very high-resolution carbon map it

was not (and it will not) necessary a high number of plots.
Data / Parameter: 55 DBH

Data unit cm
Description Diameter at breast height of a tree in cm
Equations (CP-AB) 1,3
Source of data Field measurements in sample plots
Typically measured 1.3m aboveground. Measure all trees above
some minimum DBH in the sample plots. The minimum DBH
Description of measurement varies depending on tree species and climate; for instance, the
methods and procedures to be minimum DBH may be as small as 2.5 cm or as high as 20 cm,
applied but for humid tropical forests 10 cm is commonly used. Minimum
DBH employed in inventories is held constant for the duration of
the project.
renewal.
Frequency of
Standard quality control / quality assurance (QA/QC) procedures
for forest inventory including field data collection and data
management shall be applied. Use or adaptation of QA/QCs
already applied in national forest monitoring, or available from
published handbooks, or form the IPCC GPG LULUCF 2003, is
recommended.
This parameter is used in the allometric equations for calibrate
Purpose of data
Bacinnii carbon map
Diameter ribbon besides laser measure, calibration with Simard
Calculation method
et. al. 2011.
project monitoring, ex-ante DBH shall be estimated based on
projections of growth.
As above into the body of the PD document is explained, the

vegetation in the project area is in Climax stage and besides the
project areas are huge. The Project was designed for estimating
Comments and monitoring the deforestation through a strict control of this
areas through satellite and images alert system, due to the
magnitude of the project areas the variability of this variable it will
be insignificant (growth, mortality, recruitment and birth rates are
in equilibrium) for this reason there is no reason for monitoring it.
Despite of this the project it will increment the point of samples for
getting better the calibration model in the review of the baseline
period.
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Data / Parameter: 56 Asf

Data unit m-2
Description Area of one sampling frame
Equations (CP-AB) 10
Source of data Recording and archiving size of sampling frame plot
Bacinnii carbon map
applied
Quality and advantages of the method is is describing into the PD
and Arellano. 2012 and Arellano & Rangel 2015.
Purpose of data
Bacinnii carbon map
Calculation method The method is described into PD and Bacinii et.al. 2012
Comments Shall be known ex-ante.
Data / Parameter: 57 Ar
Data unit Hectares
Total area of all non-tree allometric method sample plots in
Description
stratum i
Equations (CP-AB) 12
Recording and archiving size of non-tree allometric method
Source of data
sample plot
Description of measurement This parameter not apply owing to the project does not measure
methods this varible N/A
This parameter not apply owing to the project does not measure
and procedures to be applied
this varible N/A
this varible N/A
Purpose of data
this varible N/A
Calculation method
this varible N/A
Comments project monitoring, ex-ante the number and area of sample plots
shall be estimated based on projected sample effort relative to
projections of growth and emissions. N/A
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Data / Parameter: 58 H
Data unit m
Description Total height of tree
Equations (CP-AB) 1
Source of data Field measurements in sample plots
Bacinnii carbon map
applied
occur at least every five years. N/A
Visual estimation besides laser measure, calibration with Simard
et. al. 2011.
Purpose of data
Bacinnii carbon map
Visual estimation besides laser measure, calibration with Simard
Calculation method
et. al. 2011.
project monitoring, ex-ante height shall be estimated based on
projections of growth.
As above into the body of the PD document is explained, the

vegetation in the project area is in Climax stage and besides the
project areas are huge. The Project was designed for estimating
Comments and monitoring the deforestation through a strict control of this
areas through satellite and images alert system, due to the
magnitude of the project areas the variability of this variable it will
be insignificant (growth, mortality, recruitment and birth rates are
in equilibrium) for this reason there is no reason for monitoring it.
Despite of this the project it will increment the point of samples for
getting better the calibration model in the review of the baseline
period.
VMD0010 ESTIMATION OF EMISSIONS FROM ACTIVITY SHIFTING FOR AVOIDING UNPLANNED

DEFORESTATION (LK-ASU)
Data / Parameter: 59 MANFOR

Data unit: Ha
Description: Total area of forests under active management nationally
Source of data: Official data, peer reviewed publications and other verifiable sources
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A demonstration is required that areas will be protected against deforestation.

Such a demonstration shall include the existence of forest guards in sufficient
numbers to prevent illegal colonization and an active management plan
detailing harvest plans and return intervals, and/or evidence that the
Description of measurement concession owner has previously evicted illegal colonists/squatters from the
methods and procedures to forest areas. According to procedures applied by “Registro Único de Áreas
be applied: Protegidas – RUNAP (http://runap.parquesnacionales.gov.co/reportes) -
Parques Nacionales Naturales de Colombia - Ministerio de Ambiente y
Desarrollo Sostenible”
Ex-ante it can be assumed that MANFOR shall remain constant.
Frequency of It will be monitored when verification occurs (annual or bi-annual); examination
monitoring/recording: must occur prior to any verification event
QA/QC procedures to be This information was provided for a national entity and the precision of this
applied: information is based on the quality of its processes.
Purpose of data: Calculation of leakage emissions
Calculation method: National and oficial information
Comments: This measure is gotten through the mining proxy information system
Data / Parameter: 60 PROTFOR

Data unit: ha
Description: Total area of fully protected forests nationally
Source of data: Official data, peer reviewed publications and other verifiable sources
Such a demonstration shall include either:

methods and procedures to Such a demonstration shall include either:
be applied: 3. Evidence that the government has immediately acted to evict any and all
illegal squatters
Colombian laws to establish protected forest areas and surveillance Ex-ante,
because it can be assumed that PROTFOR shall remain constant.

applied: information is based on the quality of its processes
Calculation method: According to national data, consulted in the corresponding period of monitoring
Comments: National and oficial information
Data / Parameter: 61 TOTFOR

Data unit: ha
Description: Total available national forest area
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Official data, peer reviewed publications, remotely sensed imagery (coarse

Source of data:
scale imagery is appropriate) or cadastral maps and other verifiable sources
Limited to forest areas within 5km of roads and rivers suitable for conversion to
agriculture / livestock
methods and procedures to
be applied: According to procedures applied by IDEAM - Ministerio de Ambiente y
Desarrollo Sostenible” to define total forests in Colombia.
applied: information is based on the quality of its processes
Calculation method: According to national data, consulted in the corresponding period of monitorin
Comments: National and oficial information
Data / Parameter: 62 ∆CP,LB

Data unit: t CO2e
Description: Net greenhouse gas emissions within the leakage belt in the project case
Equations (LK-ASU) 1, 6
methods and procedures to See Module M-REDD
be applied:
Frequency of
See module M-REDD
monitoring/recording:
QA/QC procedures to be See Chapter 9.3 of REDD-MF or other VCS methodology that uses this
applied: module.
Calculation method: ERs Leakage sheet Excel table
N/A
ΔCP,LB is estimated adding to “Net CO2 emissions in the baseline from
Comments: unplanned deforestation in the leakage belt (ΔCBSL,LK,unplanned,i,t)” a
proportion of 8% of “Net CO2 emissions in the baseline from unplanned
deforestation in the Project Area (ΔCBSL,PA,unplanned,i,t)
Data / Parameter: 63 PROPIMM

Data unit: Proportion
Estimated proportion of baseline deforestation caused by immigrating
Description:
population
Equations (LK-ASU) 5, 7, 8
The source of data shall be chosen with priority from higher to lower
preference as follows:
1. Official data (government) (DANE 2005)
Source of data:
2. Peer-reviewed published sources
3. Other verifiable sources
4. PRA
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5
Estimated as proportion of the area deforested according to the past census

(2005) by population that migrated into the Leakage Belt and Project Area
methods and procedures to
according to the past census (2005) (all areas within 2km of the boundaries
be applied:
of the project area and the leakage belt shall be considered here).
Frequency of It will be monitored when verification occurs (annual or bi-annual);
monitoring/recording: examination must occur prior to any verification event
QA/QC procedures to be
See Section 9.3 of REDD-MF
applied:
According to national data (DANE), consulted in the corresponding period of
Calculation method:
monitoring
Comments: This measure is gotten through the mining proxy information system
Data / Parameter: 64 PROPRES

Data unit: Proportion
Estimated proportion of baseline deforestation caused by population that has
Description:
been resident for ≥5 years
Equations N/A
The source of data shall be chosen with priority from higher to lower
preference as follows:
1. Official (government) data
Source of data:
2. Peer-reviewed published sources
3. Other verifiable sources
4. PRA
Estimated as proportion of the area deforested in the past 5 years by
population resident in the Leakage Belt and project area for ≥5 years (all
Description of measurement areas within 2km of the boundaries of the project area and the leakage belt
methods and procedures to shall be considered here).
be applied:
Ex ante it can be assumed that PROPRES will remain constant during the
baseline period
Must be monitored at least every 5 years or if verification occurs on a
Frequency of
frequency of less than every 5 years examination must occur prior to any
verification event
QA/QC procedures to be See Section 9.3 of REDD-MF or other VCS methodology that uses this
applied: module.
Calculation method: N/A
Comments: N/A
Data / Parameter: 65 ADefLB,i,t

Data unit: ha
Area of recorded deforestation in the leakage belt in the project case in
Description:
stratum i in year t
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6
be applied:
Frequency of
See Module M-REDD
See section 9.3 of REDD-MF
applied:
Calculation method: This data is given by GIS analysis.
Comments: This measure is gotten through the satellite and drone monitoring system
Data / Parameter: 66 ADefPA,i,t

Data unit: ha
Area of recorded deforestation in the project area in the project case in
Description:
stratum i in year t
Source of data: See Module M-REDD
be applied:
Frequency of
See Module M-REDD
See section 9.3 of REDD-MF
applied:
Calculation method: This data is given by GIS analysis.
Comments: This measure is gotten through the satellite and drone monitoring system
Data / Parameter: 67 Leakage Belt Forest Cover Benchmark Map

Data unit: Ha
Map showing the location of forest land within the leakage belt area at the
Description: beginning of each monitoring period. Only applicable where leakage is to be
monitored in a leakage belt
methods and procedures to See module M-REDD
be applied:
Frequency of
See module M-REDD
QA/QC procedures to be See Section 9.3 of REDD-MF or another VCS methodology that uses this
applied: module.
Calculation method: N/A
Comments: N/A
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7
3.3.3 Monitoring Plan
The different components of the project are monitored to verify the effectiveness of their
implementation. In the governance agreements, a known body was created for the project
as Technical and Scientific Advisers of the project, which is classified into two groups: The
external reference group and the internal reference group, its functions are described in the
Governance Framework Agreement.
The project is designed so that indigenous communities can position members within the
technical advisors, a situation that can happen immediately depending on the certified
experience of its members.
Regarding the characteristics of scientific technical monitoring, the project has the
following structure to achieve detailed information of the region and thus evaluate, monitor
and correct the changes presented and transformations found in the territories of the
project.
The primary and gross information obtained from the satellite sensors, on the dynamics of coverage
in the region, the vegetation indexes during different periods of time during the monitored year
together with information from field surveys feed models based on Recurrent Automated Neural
Networks (RNA), whose main function is to detect threat probabilities, that allows the external and
internal groups, to register and plan the necessary mitigation actions to be carried in their
jurisdiction in the shortest possible time. This always in joint action with the indigenous communities
living in the project regions. It is important to emphasize that one of the challenges of the
implementation of the project are the communication barriers over large areas of territory, for this
reason the megaprojects of means of transport, connectivity and territorial communication and
media, scientific and ethnic documentary will seek in time To face this task, to make more effective
the response of the project participants to any physical, political or territorial threat within the project,
as well as to try to mitigate the adverse impacts of deforestation in the area of leakage.
The entire process will follow the calibration recommendations of the information suggested by
Arellano & Rangle (2015). To assess the threat caused by climate change, the climate scenarios
(resolution 500 x 500 m) of WORLDCLIM, published by Hijmans et al. (2005), by means of the
incorporation of punctual information of climatological stations located on site, published by the
IDEAM, as well as product of the climatic models. This procedure is intended to improve the
resolution of the regional distribution of records in the proposed work scale.
The methodology used to achieve the inputs of this fundamental modeling in the monitoring
processes comes from the synthesis and progress of various projects and published research
(Arellano 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2015 and 2016) and has been part of different projects These
include the registration of new regional natural parks, delimitation of “páramos” and wetlands and
specialized academic products. Part of the methodological explanation is transcribed in order to
illustrate the procedure used.
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Diagram 185 summarizes the methodological procedure used to generate a baseline at a scale of
1: 5000; however, for this project it is expected to generate inputs with the ratio 1: 10000. According
to the needs of the project, the cartographic information on coverage and vegetation will be
updated, improved and calibrated. All the processes carried out in this methodology are elaborated
in GRASS 7.2.1 of free distribution and the results will be homologated to the shape file or
geodatabase formats, compatible with the ARCGIS 10x software. In general, the process starts
with the acquisition through the page http://glcfapp.umiacs.umd.edu:8080/esdi/index.jsp of scenes
of the bands · 3N and 3B free from the VNIR sensor (Visual Near Infra Red) of the Japanese
satellite ASTER and supplied by NASA through this link, or in its absence of the GDEM model
available for free on the network. The overlapping of these allows to generate control points and a
DEM scene of up to 15 meters of vertical resolution; However, due to some atmospheric
phenomena, the coverage of this model is never 100 percent, which is why we must resort to the
classic digital elevation model of 30 meters or elevation points from ENVISAT to obtain typical
control points that help in the solution of inconsistencies presented by the ASTER images. When
higher resolution is required, calibration information will be captured in situ in order to calibrate
higher resolution digital elevation models. The sum of the XYZ ground control points from the two
sources are taken to a .TXT file and through a 5-meter KRIGING interpolation are converted back
to a .DEM file containing the final digital elevation model used in the production of three important
inputs.
The r.terraflow and r.contour algorithms (GRASS 7.2.1) are applied to the built digital elevation
model. The first calculates the flow, the accumulation and the watersheds through the XYZ grid of
the model by means of a mathematical cost algorithm. The basic foundation of r.terraflow lies in
the evaluation of the values of each neighboring pixel, choosing as a trace the lower elevation
values by evaluating its neighbors in 3 x 3 pixel windows starting automatically at the highest places
in the model. The second one generates level curves every 15 meters by means of the analysis of
iso-points and isolines. The results are raster images of which are extracted through typical vector
construction processes, the water network, watersheds and level curves (See diagram 1). Other
GRASS processes used for the generation of the vectors are v.digit, v.clean, v.build and v.out.gdal
which are very extensively explained in the literature. It should be noted that the results generated
are completely compatible with the most widely used platforms such as MAPINFO, ARCINFO,
ARGIS, ILWIS or ERDAS. Diagram 2 summarizes the methodology used for the generation of the
coverage layer and vegetation types through processes in GRASS 7.2.1 To generate information
at a scale of 1: 25000, it is necessary to acquire a high-resolution satellite image. The method used
will consist of the combination of inputs previously spectrally enhanced. The first input, a
multispectral image of the recent year that will contain information from at least four bands, two of
which belong to the near infrared bands, which will be combined through the analysis of principal
components to a mosaic of high resolution panchromatic of year similar (figure 5.1). The result will
be taken by r.region (GRASS 7.2.1) to a georeferencing and sub-region system (subset) in order
to delimit and generate the working area limit. The proposals for delimitation of the areas should
therefore contain a larger area of analysis in order to infer important relationships in the territories.
In general, mosaics or resulting products must be orthorectified using i.ortho.photo using the
comparison technique with control points in high resolution images and the DEM generated in the
previous step of the methodology. For the manipulation of the histograms and for the classification
supervised by spectral seed, the export module of GRASS 7.2.1 r.out.gdal will be used. The
detailed methodology in enhancement and definition of vectors follows the guidelines and
procedures of Arellano 2008.
85 File: Diagram 1, monitoring diagram
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9
Figure No. 16. Expected result of the process of enhancement and combination of spatial resolution
between an image with 15 x 15 meters in the size of the pixel and a photographic mosaic of 0.64 x
0.64 meters of pixel of similar date. The result is a multiband image with resolution 0.64 x 0.64
meters pixel. This scalar relationship will be searched for the monitoring of several settlements
susceptible to transformation.
All the punctual information was extrapolated and related at the regional level through advanced
mathematical modeling techniques (Arellano, 2012, 2015), for the detailed determination of
vegetation patterns for the areas of influence of the project.
The monitoring will present the map of land cover, for the evaluated periods, if a date does not
present satellite information by atmospheric interference it is possible to use an interpolation
between two extreme periods with real satellite or photographic information, that is to say that the
monitoring system is designed to allow the interpolation of evidences between two periods with
information and in this way apply the same CO2 quantification process. It is important to emphasize
the approach of -Ciprogress Greenlife- with several companies in the satellite sector in order to
improve the monitoring system and generate a system of alarms in real time over the region,
however, this is a component that will be implemented in the future and will be part of the
Megaproject Climate Effect on the REDD + project. The monitoring process will additionally seek
to record the changes on a certain vegetation pattern, this in the permanent search of the project
to improve the information on the natural capital of the region.
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In order to improve regional information on natural capital and consolidate a better monitoring
system, maps are being constructed that incorporate the interpretation of high resolution regional
satellite images with timely information on vegetation. The above following the methodologies of
incorporation of the information on the vegetation patterns proposed by Arellano & Rangel (2009,
2010, 2015) and based on the methods for the study of the vegetation of Rangel-Ch., J.O. & A.
Velázquez (1997).
To this end, the analysis at the level of phytosociological associations and communities is being
improved and the adjustments to these are being calibrated based on vegetation structural
information. The plots will be monitored in the field and more sieve points will be established to
improve the calibrations.
The proposed monitoring system uses inputs and primary information under the highest quality
standards. For this, the following tasks are being carried out:
Compile, analyze and validate, with criteria of Geographic Information System (GIS) the existing
secondary digital cartographic and documentary information, corresponding to different documents
and projects.
Approve, convert and edit the processed digital information to the same SIG (raster or vector)
management format.
Approve and unify the thematic typologies and cartographic units relevant in terms of the
characterization and zoning of the integrity of the landscape in each of the maps considered for the
work areas.
Verify and validate the existing incongruities at the level of continuity and splices of the different
levels of information processed for the work areas, and select the base system of UTM map
projection WGS84 ZONE 19 for all regional information.
Review of vector mathematical topologies and correct frequent errors in digital formats.
Use specialized processing techniques that allow the information to be conveyed to the
cartographic projection systems, UTM 19 N, used in physical cartography and the different thematic
maps incorporated into the system, usually from secondary sources of information.
Consolidate the topographic digital base for analysis and modeling.
The products built for the monitoring system will have a strict quality control, through the systematic
capture of land control points and the construction of confusion matrices to validate the results by
means of the Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) method. in English).
Apply techniques of spectral and spatial enhancement to improve the evaluation of the
physiographic, geomorphological, vegetation and land use, oriented to discrimination through
pictorial-morphological features in satellite images, relief patterns and drainage, through which it is
possible to detect differences and detail the limits between units as much as possible, in order to
control the changes with precision.
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Perform the characterization of coverage and the modeling of ecosystems based on Arellano
(2012) and Arellano & Rangel (2015), with which biological distinctiveness is incorporated;
Phytosociological classification of vegetation, characterization and its relationship with physical
characteristics of the territory.
The analyzes that relate the structure of the vegetation in its different levels will be carried out in
order to determine its status, use and offer.
3.3.4 Dissemination of Monitoring Plan and Results (CL4.2)
The project activity promotes the open and transparent communication of those involved in it
through the General Assembly; however, in order to achieve effective control, monitoring and
follow-up of petitions, suggestions, complaints or claims, the following communication channels are
valid:
Physical (analogous) filing in the project area: The petition, suggestion, complaint or grievance
must be filed in letter form on its own behalf or anonymously in one of the local offices set up for
administration in the territory of the REDD + project or failing that sent to the address of the
Community Counselor of the project.
Physical (analogous) filing in Bogotá D.C.: The petition, suggestion, complaint or claim must be
filed in the postal section 260161 or, failing that, sent to the address of the project's Community
Counselor.
Electronic (digital) filing: The petition, suggestion, complaint or claim must be filed by electronic
mail to the electronic address of the flordeinirida@ciprogress.com project or on the website
www.ciprogress.com.
In addition to this the governance agreement promotes the SOCIALIZATION OF PROGRESS AND
SCOPE OF THE PROJECT through the following instruction incorporated in the governance
document.
Once the planned activities within the Megaprojects have been launched, the quarterly reports
produced by the monitoring activities and issues related to the REDD+ Council meetings, the
community will be socialized through the local offices prepared for the administration in the territory.
of the REDD + project and will be discussed in their entirety at the meetings of the General
Assembly. When the information does not imply or affect the confidentiality agreements, other
socialization mechanisms will be used, such as La Chagra magazine and the electronic means
provided by the project developer for this purpose.
All descriptive and scientific documents resulting from the development of the REDD + project,
including the Project Description and monitoring reports, final, internal and external will be provided
to the client. Some will be subject to warnings and confidentiality clauses in order to protect
intellectual property, the methodologies of the project developer (the agent) and the knowledge of
the authors.
It will be recognized (with authorship or co-authorship) by the project developer (the agent), the
active and real participation of the members of the indigenous communities (the principal) in the
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possible scientific and technical products coming from the implementation of the megaprojects. If
the possible scientific-technical development implies a commercial advantage, it will be recognized
under the mechanism agreed upon for this purpose between the parties.
3.4 Optional Criterion: Climate Change Adaptation Benefits
The project does not seek to be validated to the Gold Level for climate change adaptation benefits.
3.4.1 Regional Climate Change Scenarios (GL1.1)
Not applicable.
3.4.2 Climate Change Impacts (GL1.2)
Not applicable.
3.4.3 Measures Needed and Designed for Adaptation (GL1.3)
Not applicable.
4 COMMUNITY
4.1 Without-Project Community Scenario
4.1.1 Descriptions of Communities at Project Start (CM1.1)
The project86 is located in the Guainía in the south-east of Colombia, this department has an area
of 72,238 km2 which is equivalent to 6.3% of the national territory and has 15.1% of the Colombian
Amazon (Salazar C., Gutiérrez R., & Franco A., 2006); it is considered the department with the
highest percentage of surface in territories of collective property of indigenous peoples in the
country, with 95% of its total area under this figure. (Restrepo González, 2012); According to the
last census carried out in 2005, it is estimated that 64.9% of the population self-identifies as
indigenous (National Administrative Department of Statistics-DANE), although other sources such
as the Government of Guainía (2016) mentions 80%. In general terms, this zone has a multicultural
character where two very different types of territoriality are manifested: one defined by its
indigenous tradition where a traditional and particular concept of territory is elaborated (Journet,
1981) and another established by the Colombian state, that decreed a political administrative
division with a single municipality (Inírida), 8 departmental Corregimientos: Barranco Minas,
Cacahual, Garza Morichal, La Guadalupe, Mapiripana, Paná Paná (Campo Alegre), Puerto
Colombia and San Felipe, 8 police inspections and the jurisdiction of 27 reservations or territories
of indigenous communities, this being the dominant territorial figure, its political and administrative
unit are the cabildos led by a traditional authority as Caciques or Captains and are inserted in the
aforementioned official political-administrative figures (Municipality and township) departmental),
whose authority is a mayor and an elected governor gone popularly. (Salazar C., Gutiérrez R., &
Franco A., 2006) Regarding the number of settlement sites of communities Salazar et al. (2006)
86 File: Community
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3
Mentions that there are more than 200 distributed throughout the department following the path of
rivers and pipes.
Other forms of state management present in the department are: the large Amazon Forest Reserve
of national order declared under Law 2 of 1959 and which covers 94.7% of the department, from
which an area of 126,405 adjacent hectares has been subtracted to the urban areas of Inírida and
Barranco Minas, and a corridor parallel to the south margin of the Guaviare River, and which
overlaps with all the indigenous reserves (Restrepo Gonzáles, 2012), there is also the Puinawai
Natural Reserve protected natural area, (agreement No. 048 of 1989 of the INDERENA), under the
jurisdiction of the Special Administrative Unit of the National Natural Parks System of Colombia,
which is considered the second most extensive in the country with an area of 1'092,500 ha (15.12%
of the departmental area) and that also overlaps with indigenous reservations, which has generated
some conflict scenarios (Etter, 2001); and finally, the wetland complex of the Fluvial star of Inírida
designated as Ramsar Wetland, under decree Decree 1275 of July 8, 2014, of the Ministry of
Environment and Sustainable Development-MADS. Each of these figures has its own management
plan that restricts, allows and / or conditions different activities.
The project area is in the jurisdictions of eleven (11) indigenous reservations; due to the large
project area and the diversity of ecosystems and communities present, the protection of the Cuiarí
and Isana Rivers was chosen as a pilot area, where progress was made in the characterization of
the communities and the socialization of the project.
The information gathered for the development of the social baseline of the pilot area of the REDD+
project is presented below.
Methodology: The collection and analysis of the information for this research was developed in the
phases: A preliminary, in which secondary information related to the area, the present communities
and their historical context was reviewed and collected, different scientific publications and official
documents were consulted. governmental and non-governmental organizations, among others;
There were also approaches with the communities and organizations of this territory. According to
the analysis of this information and prior agreement with the communities, the decision was made
to select the shelter of the Cuiarí and Isana rivers as a pilot area for the characterization and
socialization of the project.
A pre-field phase in which the methodology and tools were designed and planned to achieve this
characterization. A multidisciplinary team was formed, with the participation of researchers from
different areas, the social team, community representatives and the project director, who chose as
methodological tools: surveys and the elaboration of social cartography.
The field phase was carried out in the month of June of 2015, the 15 communities present in the
project area were visited, this with previous authorization of the captains of each, the housing
surveys were carried out with the help of an interpreter and each participant was asked to consent
to use this information. In each community a socialization activity of the project was developed for
the inhabitants and local authorities. A social mapping work was also carried out and, additionally,
photographs and coordinates were taken of places that were considered relevant by the social
team, the communities or with a direct impact on the project's guidelines (environmental risks, social
activities, territorial distribution of the reservation, others).
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Once the information was collected, it was systematized and organized in the Access® program
for further processing and analysis, during this phase we had access to a census carried out by the
local authorities of the shelter updated to the year 2015, so that some gaps in the information from
the surveys was supplemented with this census. The information was analyzed by community and
grouped by each river basin visited: of the Isana river and the Cuiari river, which in turn is subdivided
into the communities distributed in the Yarí and Cuiari rivers proper, this because each basin
presents conditions different environmental factors which directly influences the social and
economic activities of the communities.
Survey: According to the interdisciplinary work of the technical and social team, 7 surveys were
formulated and conducted on the following topics: I. Socio-economic Survey, II. Survey on
availability of the fish resource, III. Survey on the availability of housing water resources, IV. Survey
on life cycles and room rhythmic patterns, V. Survey on education, VI. Survey on health, and VII.
Survey on project leaks. The surveys were conducted in each of the communities visited, were
conducted by housing and participated some people over 16 years.
Social cartography: Three maps were made per community:
1) Zoning of places of daily use (locomotion), economic activities (hunting, fishing, sowing, among
others) and places of protection (sacred sites).
2) Description of the community (social, community and physical infrastructure, access and
coverage of public and social services).
3) Spatial context (Natural resources, distribution and territorial risks).
Census: The local authorities of the reservation carried out in 2015 a census of their own for each
of their communities.
Results:
Territorial planning:
The shelter of the Cuiarí and Isana rivers was created in the year of 1989 with resolution 083 of the
INCORA, in favor of the communities of the people Kuripako. It is located in the jurisdiction of the
departmental corregimientos of Puerto Colombia, Morichal and Paná Paná; it has an area of
919,915 ha of which 595,915 (64.3%) are in the project area. (Appendix 1). According to the
information gathered, there are 19 communities in the reserve, of which 15 are within the pilot area,
8 in the Isana River basin, 4 in the Cuiarí River basin and 3 in the Yarí channel. Table 3
The figure of indigenous reservation is a legal and sociopolitical institution of special character
recognized by the Colombian state, conformed by an indigenous community or bias, that with a title
of community property (collective), owns its territory and is governed for its management and of
their internal life, by an organization adjusted to the indigenous jurisdiction or its cultural patterns
and traditions. (Judgment, 07); it has the objective of facilitating the fulfillment of the social and
ecological function of the property on the part of the communities, according to their uses or
customs, to the preservation of the ethnic group and to the improvement of the quality of life of its
inhabitants. These territories are cultural constructions defined by historical, cultural and belonging
ties, which seek to perpetuate indigenous thought, identity and organization. (INCODER, 2011, in
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Niño L., 2013). This shelter is characterized by the refusal to settle settlers, the impossibility of
developing outside activities without the consent of local authorities and the development of
decision and control mechanisms to deal with conflicts of interest (DRP, 2013, in Niño L., 2013).
The Kuripakos are an indigenous people belonging to the Arawaks linguistic family, they inhabit
the basin of the Alto Negro-Guainia River and the Orinoco- strategic zone of the Amazonian
northwest, at the confluence of the Orinoco and Negro rivers, they have occupied several millennia
an extensive territory in the current border area between Colombia, Venezuela and Brazil. They
are found in the Venezuelan state of Amazonas and in Brazil, they mainly occupy the Isana River
in an area demarcated as indigenous land, in the Aliary and São Gabriel da Cachoeira, state of
Amazonas (Ortiz Gómez, 2011). They are characterized by having undergone important processes
of cultural change, which influenced their way of perceiving nature, of relating to it and with other
social actors, with evangelization and the introduction to the market economy being the main factors
of transculturation (Triana, 1985; 1987; Salazar et al 2006; Sánchez, 2007).
Demographic characteristics:
The total area of the project partially covers the rural area of the municipality of Puerto Inírida and
the corregimientos of Puerto Colombia, Paná Paná, Morichal and the whole of Cacahual. According
to the censuses and projections of the DANE, a population of 17,928 inhabitants is estimated for
the year 2013; The age structure shows a "pagoda" type pyramid (Figure 1), characterized by a
broad base that rapidly decreases towards the vertex, which describes young populations with high
birth rates and low levels of development (Niño, 2013).
For Figure No. 17. Population pyramid of the municipality and corregimientos covered by the
project, year 2013 (DANE, 2005 in Niño, 2014.)
The largest number of individuals is in children under five years of age and in those between 10
and 15 years of age, this structure shows a predominantly young population with 37.1% of the
population constituted by children under 15 years of age, although other studies carried out on
indigenous people in the Colombian Amazon estimate the proportion of this age group at 45%
(Piñeros and Ruiz, 1998). The tendency towards the "rectangularization" of the base of the pyramid,
corresponding to those under 20 years, could obey to the interaction of phenomena such as the
decline in fertility in recent years and the decrease in infant and juvenile mortality; in turn, the rapid
"narrowing" of higher age groups could be the result of exposure to high rates of migration and
mortality of these cohorts. The calculated structural demographic indicators (below table) describe
a young population, highly progressive, underdeveloped, dispersed and predominantly male. The
masculinity index of the population considered higher in nine men per 100 women with respect to
the estimated index for the country (97.5), which could be explained by higher rates of female
migration or mortality and lower declaration or registration of women by cultural factors; This
behavior is similar to that shown by the rural population of the country, in which there is a high
emigration of young adult women to the cities to be employed in domestic work. The ratio of children
under five years of age for every 100 women of childbearing age is a structural indicator of fertility
independent of the declaration or registration of births. It is observed that this indicator is 12 times
higher in the population considered in relation to the one calculated at the national (3.5); although
it is approximately half of that reported for the indigenous population of the Colombian Amazon,
which reaches 76.2 children under the age of five for every 100 women of childbearing age. The
generational change of productive ages is considerable when considering that the proportion of
people entering the productive age is approximately seven times higher compared to those who
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6
leave this age, posing serious challenges in the development of productive activities within the
project area (Niño, 2013).
Demographic
Value Interpretation
indicator
Population density 0,4 Number of inhabitants per square kilometer.
Middle Ages 24,8 Average age in the population.
Age that divides into two equal parts the population
Median age 20,3 whose inhabitants have been ordered according to
age.
Number of elderly people (> 65) per 100 children
Index of aging 10,2
and young people (<15).
Number of demographically non-autonomous
Dependency
69,2 people (<15 and> 65) per 100 people who must
demographic index
have them with their activity (15-64).
Number of people belonging to the 25 oldest active
Index of structure of generations (40-64) per 100 people of the 25
42,3
the active population younger active generations (15-39).
Number of people about to leave the productive

Replacement index
age (60-64) for every 100 who are about to enter
of the population in 14,6
(15-19).
active age
Index of the Number of newly born (0-4) per 100 women of

number of children 50 childbearing age (15-49).
per fertile woman
Index of Number of men for every 100 women.
106,8
masculinity
It is greater than 160, the population is considered
Friz Index 242,3
young.
The population is progressive: in relation to group
72,8(<15)
Sundbarg Index 15-49, the percentage of those under 15 exceeds
24,5(>50)
the percentage of those over 50.
24,5(5-14) The population is young, the percentage of group
Burgdöfer Index
12,6(45-64) 5-14 is greater than that of 45-64.
Number of people aged 35-64 who could eventually
Generational Index
608,6 take care of 100 elderly people (> 65) in the
of Elders
population.
Table No. 16. Structural demographic indicators of the municipality and corregimientos covered
by the project, year 2013 (based on DANE, 2005 in Niño, 2013).
The dependent population (children and the elderly) is directly affected by the level of income or
attainment of resources by the productive population, where the repercussion of deaths, premature
disabilities and emigrations of economically active people have a high social and economic cost in
all the population, since for every 100 people who die, are incapacitated or migrate, 69.2 individuals
are left in distress; This dependency index is greater than 9.8 individuals than the one estimated
for Colombia. The population considered young, described by the average age of 0.6 years is lower
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than that estimated for the country, in the Burgdöfer index, it is observed that the proportion of
young population doubles the older population. In turn, this population has a progressive or marked
positive growth, reflected in the proportion of children under five years per fertile woman, in which
there are 12 children over the proportion calculated at national level (38 children under five years
for every 100 women of childbearing age, in addition, the Sundbarg index establishes that the
proportion of people of childbearing age triples the older population that is no longer fertile (DANE,
2005, Niño, 2010).
The indicators of the population dynamics of the Colombian Amazon shows that fertility is greater
than that of the national context, calculated at 2.3 children per woman; although it is lower than that
estimated for the Amazonian indigenous people of Colombia, who reach a total fertility rate of 6.9
children per woman, a figure observed four decades ago for the country. The high fecundity is
reflected in the crude birth rate of the Amazonian population, which is 10 children over the birth rate
for the country, calculated at 18.9 births per thousand inhabitants; although it is below 12 births
estimated birth rate for the indigenous population of the Colombian Amazon (41.0). The high fertility
rates could be explained by the importance of the reproductive function in indigenous women, the
absence of contraceptive methods and the loss of demographic self-control mechanisms; in turn,
high fertility is associated with short intergenic intervals, high parity and fertile elderly women that
lead to high-risk births for mothers and children, which added to the inaccessibility to health services
make the indigenous female population in reproductive age and of newborns a group of high
vulnerability. (Niño, 2013). Mortality in the first year of life is considered a good indicator of access,
use and effectiveness of health services, level of development and socio-economic conditions of
the population, infant mortality in the population of the Colombian Amazon is two and a half times
the estimated infant mortality rate for the country, calculated at 17.1 deaths of children under one
year of age per thousand live births; although in comparison with the infant mortality of indigenous
population of the Colombian Amazon, estimated at 63.3, it is lower in 21 deaths per thousand live
births. Infant mortality presents differences between sexes; while in Colombia, and in general for
modern populations, men (19.3) have a higher mortality rate than women (12.3), among the
indigenous population of the Colombian Amazon this phenomenon is contrary, since the The infant
mortality rate is lower in men than in women, which has been correlated with lower economic activity
of women, establishment of exogamic housing upon marriage and the payment of dowry to the
father of the bride. Mortality in the Colombian Amazon is similar to the estimated mortality for the
country (5.8 deaths per thousand inhabitants) and corresponds to approximately half of the deaths
reported in the indigenous population of the Amazon in Colombia, calculated in 10.0 deaths. per
thousand inhabitants, which is considered high because it is a young structure population. The
difference between the crude birth rate and the mortality rate allows us to estimate the natural
growth rate, this rate of population growth in the Colombian Amazon is 10 individuals greater than
the estimated growth rate for the country, calculated at 13.1 people per every thousand inhabitants;
however, it is less about 8 people than the growth rate registered for the Colombian Amazonian
indigenous people (31.0). Life expectancy at birth in the Colombian Amazon is four years below
the estimated 75.2 years for the Colombian population; However, it is 15 years above the life
expectancy of the Colombian Amazonian Indians, calculated at 56.6 years. The life expectancy of
men compared to that of women is lower in the three populations considered, although this
difference has the greatest amplitude in the case of the Colombian Amazonian population, where
women (75.4) surpass men ( 65.2) for 10 years in life expectancy; in the country this difference is
greater in women (78.5) than in men (72.1) for approximately six years, and in indigenous
communities the difference in life expectancy of men (55.4) and women (57.8) decreases to less
than two years (DANE, 2005, Piñeros and Ruiz, 1998 in Niño, 2013).
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According to the estimate of the Office of Indigenous Affairs of the Government of Guainía of the
settlements, families and number of inhabitants in the reservations considered in the project for the
year 2012 (Table 2); it does not coincide with the projection made by DANE based on the 2005
census, since the projected population is greater than 273 individuals in Atabapo, 279 fewer in
Tonina and more than 1,378 people in the estimation of Indigenous Affairs in Cuiarí and Isana.
These wide differences could be due to high rates of emigration of individuals or entire families to
Venezuela and Brazil, given the proximity of their borders, in search of economic activities that
allow them to improve their income, soils of better conditions for the establishment of crops or use
of natural resources. It is estimated that 94.1% of the population of these resguardos live with
unsatisfied basic needs, without access to public services, 20.6% of the population over the age of
five is illiterate and 22.5% of the elderly 15 years have this same condition; 46.0% of the population
has reached the level of primary education and 20.1% has reached the secondary level (CPG,
2013, DANE, 2005 in Niño, 2013).
Guard Settlements Families Individuals
Atabapo 14 235 1.620

Tonina 16 263 1.050
Cuiarí e
18 170 800
Isana
Total 48 668 3,470
Table No. 17. Population estimate of some reservations in the project area for 2012. Office of
Indigenous Affairs of the Government of Guainía.
It is important to mention that in the departments of the Colombian Amazon there is an important
difference between the census and the reconciled population, according to the DANE (2007), the
method of intercensal demographic conciliation is an indirect method that has been used to
evaluate and correct the information census regarding the volume and composition of the
population, is based on the analysis of the behavior of the demographic components, fecundity
mortality and migration, from the census information and identifying the trends of demographic
dynamics. 26.3% of the inhabitants of the region were never counted and instead were charged
during the conciliation process, a percentage much higher than the 3.7% registered at the national
level, this can be explained by high rates of census omission, that for the Guainía are calculated at
46.3%, this is not only an exclusive problem of the last national census carried out in 2005, since
this area continues to be systematically excluded from the periodic surveys, which is why there is
much less statistical information compared to the rest of the country. (Roca, Bonilla, & Sánchez
Jabba, 2013).
As for the pilot area, the census carried out by the local authorities in 2015 reported a total
population of 673 inhabitants and 132 families, in the 15 communities visited (table below)
No. No.
Community Woman Men
Inhabitants Families
Isana 279 59 134 134
1 Belén de Arara 15 4 6 9
2 Berrocal Isana 12 3 4 8
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3 Guacamaya 35 7 17 18
4 San Pedro 11 2 * *
5 Puerto Guainía 33 6 15 18
6 Punta Tigre 130 26 69 61
7 Yabacana 30 8 15 15
8 Venadito 13 3 8 5
Caño Yarí 99 19 49 50
9 Amanaven 39 9 18 21
10 Caracas del yarí 47 7 22 25
11 Carayurú 13 3 9 4
Cuiarí 295 54 146 149
12 Amanadona 43 9 21 22
13 Berrocal Cuyarí 99 20 49 50
14 Sabanitas 66 9 29 37
15 Sejal 87 16 47 40
TOTAL 673 132 329 333
Table No. 18. Number of inhabitants per community present in the pilot project area (Rios Cuiarí
and Isana Resguardo), according to the 2015 Census (Ciprogress Greenlife, 2015). * No
information.
For Figure 18. Population structure of the pilot area of the project (Reserving of the Cuiraí and Isana
rivers) Census 2015. (Ciprogress Greenlife, 2015).
The census conducted presents some information gaps, it is unknown to which age category 100
women and 72 men belong. The information of the community of San Pedro in the Isana river basin
is not discriminated by sex.
Population surveyed:
A total of 128 surveys were conducted, 38 participants were women (29%) and 90 (70%) men, the
low participation of women may be due to cultural factors and their role in each community. 100%
of respondents self-identified as indigenous of the Kuripako ethnic group. (Table 4). All surveys
were carried out by the company's social team, with the support of an interpreter and prior
authorization of the respondent.
Ethnic
No. Hab.
ID Community Women % Men % group -
Respondents
Indigenous
Isana 52 23 18% 29 22% 52
1 Belén de Arara 2 1 1% 1 1% 2
2 Berrocal Isana 2 0 0% 2 2% 2
3 Guacamaya 1 0 0% 1 1% 1
4 San Pedro 2 0 0% 2 2% 2
5 Puerto Guainía 9 6 5% 3 2% 9
6 Punta Tigre 23 9 7% 14 11% 23
7 Yabacana 10 5 4% 5 4% 10
8 Venadito 3 2 2% 1 1% 3
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Caño Yarí 20 3 2% 17 13% 20

9 Amanaven 8 2 2% 6 5% 8
Caracas del
10 yarí 5 1 1% 4 3% 5
11 Carayurú 7 0 0% 7 5% 7
Cuiarí 56 12 9% 44 34% 56
12 Amanadona 10 1 1% 9 7% 10
13 Berrocal Cuiarí 16 4 3% 12 9% 16
14 Sabanitas 16 4 3% 12 9% 16
15 Sejal 14 3 2% 11 9% 14
TOTAL 128 38 29% 90 70% 128
Table No. 19. Population surveyed in the pilot area of the project. (Ciprogress Greenlife, 2017).
Cultural Information:
The Kuripako are an indigenous group belonging to the Arawak linguistic family. They inhabit the
area of the upper basin of the Negro-Guainía River and its tributaries Isana and Cuiarí. It is one of
the 102 indigenous groups that inhabit Colombia; for that reason, the Kuripako conserve the
dominion on their territory, protected by the National law under the figure of Indigenous Resguardo
(Political Constitution of Colombia, 1991). The figure of Resguardo is the fundamental indigenous
right to collective ownership over the territory, as well as involves the exercise of the autonomy of
its inhabitants over decision-making and the governance of their resources. The three reservations
considered in the Cuiari-Isana, Atabapo and Tonina Resguardos project house individuals from the
Kuripako village, with Atabapo being the only one of these, in which members of the Puinave people
and others also inhabit in a smaller proportion (Salazar et al, 2006).
Culture is understood as the social factor that determines the collective patterns of this indigenous
people, that is to say, "the context within which social events, modes of conduct, institutions, and
institutions have meaning - they are interpreted by social actors. social processes. "(Geertz,
Clifford, 1973) These collective patterns or modes of behavior that were shaped by the holistic
relationship of the social group with the exogenous factors that make up its space (geographical
conditions, relationships with other human groups) Then, when referring to the Kuripako culture, it
is the behavioral identity of the indigenous people.Finally, the cultural phenomenon is the
conjuncture of the ancestrality of the indigenous people, in exchange for the current
identity.Therefore, the following report describes these collective patterns " current generalizations
"of the Kuripako people.
Among the Kuripako, the dynamics of interaction with nature in the long term have to do with the
territoriality and demography of the ancestry groups: clans, patrilineages and family groups, which
strengthen alliances and exchange relationships (Rojas Sabana, 1997). The annual cycle of food
exchange festivities, Púudali, was determined by the biological times of the jungle. That to this day
the Púudali has been replaced by evangelical meetings called Holy Supper and Conference
(IBIDEM).
The Kuripako people formerly had a mobility by the river, they were fluvial seminomadas. It can be
said that they were indigenous people who had a worldview associated with the waters and their
changes. This can be identified by the clan classification system that corresponds to different
constellations that are visible when there is a moon change. That is why that expert identity in
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fishing arts, and knowledge of pipes and species that inhabit them. Also, this mobility is visible by
the temporary camps that the Kuripako have on the riverbanks. There are also temporary resting
places on the trails of the jungle. Overnight places for hunters and fishermen.
It should also be noted that this indigenous people knew the arts of agriculture, that is why they
manage the biological space-temporality of species and climate. Although their ancestral figures
were replaced by figures of Christianity, they retain cosmogonies associated with the territory. The
origin, sacred sites, their ancestral sacredness exists; although they do not practice around this
sacredness. But there are practices that are still used on a daily basis, such as the management of
plants. This town has a broad ethnobotanical knowledge, and the knowledge in the construction of
enceres (material culture) is still intact.
Material culture of daily use such as sebukan, wapa, catumare, etc. But what stands out most is
his pottery work; with which they make their homes and stoves for cooking. These stoves are the
most representative artisan work of the Kuripako people.
Context:
The transformation and adaptation of social dynamics in the Kuripako territory has been linked to
extractive booms such as rubber, pendare. Followed after the strong missionary presence. Also,
for several decades the influence of the construction of the nation-states, (Colombia and Brazil)
have determined important migrations for the Kuripako people.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the extraction of Balata in Brazil attracted many indigenous
people from the Isana River to the "white" population centers of the Negro River. Later, the rubber
shops in Colombia at the beginning of the 20th century, produced migrations from Isana to the
Papunagua River. Rubber Rush experienced its boom between 1879 and 1912, experiencing,
sometime later, a revival between the years of 1942 and 1945 (Crizón, et al., 2001, Salazar, et al.,
2006, Shultes).
From the 40s, the Kuripako reach the high and medium Inírida by working the fibers and found
greater commercial opportunities (Journet, 1980, Crizón, et al., 2001). In this way they knew new
lands where they settled, and their social organization is reconfigured towards sedentarism in stable
towns, which according to Etter, et al. (2001) "can put sustainability at risk".
In 1944 the process of Protestant evangelization led by Sofía Muller begins. That she was the
representative of the Mission of the New Tribes, of the Summer Institute of Linguistics (Muller,
2013). The evangelical influence determined a radical change in the customs of the indigenous
groups of the region, emphasizing those aspects that were related to mythology, traditional beliefs
and rituals, interrupting the generational transmission of knowledge. (Journet, 1980, Etter et al,
2001).
"[...] from 1945 the sectarian evangelization introduced by the American missionary (sic) Sofía
Müller began. This was the worst type of acculturation, since with it the culture was mutilated, the
myths disappeared, and with this the Kurripakos were losing their magico-religious conceptions,
their traditional political relations, which were replaced by the institutionalization of the terror of the
"condemnation". More recently, the official education of the Colombian State also influenced, with
its particular theoretical / practical framework that contributes to the disorientation of the Kurripako
Indian. These have been the three patterns: the settler cauchero, the evangelical settler and the
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settler educator. The first of them undid the settlements and subjected the Indians to the system of
indebtedness and to the economic and political "Law of Terror". The second incorporates the
indigenous to a foreign system, making use of the "Law of Spiritual Terror", while the third
disorientes him when facing two different cultures ". (Zucchi, et al., 2000) (Zucchi, Alberta, and
Vidal, Silvia, History and Ethnicity in the Amazon Northwest, Venezuelan Institute of Scientific
Research and Publications Council of the University of Los Andes, Mérida, Venezuela, 2000).
The most important practice of the evangelizing project was the literacy and translation of biblical
passages into indigenous dialects. Through syllable tables (Laubach Literacy Method), the
participants were taught to read and write in their own language.
"Their language (Kuripako) had not been written before and they did not know of any of
their relatives who knew how to read."
"... Thus the Kuripakos evangelized the Puinaves, these the Piapocos, who in turn
evangelized the Guahibos; The Sálivas and the Cubeos were also reached. "
"I think that something crucial in the flourishing of the churches and the evangelization of
other tribes was to delegate authority to the indigenous leaders to govern them
themselves."
(Sofia Muller, 2013)
Currently, all the communities of the Cuiarí-Isana Resguardo are evangelical. The highest religious
authority is the Pastor, who has extensive knowledge of the new testament and is in charge of
officiating all the ceremonies related to the exercise of the faith. They have abandoned traditional
ritual practices and are very strict with prohibitions against alcohol and tobacco.
The language and religion have held together the population that also has very strong blood links
(relatives in different communities). Geographical barriers also group the population within the
shelter, since it shares the territory and the way to take advantage of natural resources. The daily
community meetings to share the food are essential to maintain the union, as well as the religious
meetings. Currently, all the communities of the Cuiarí-Isana Resguardo are evangelical. The
highest religious authority is the Pastor, who has extensive knowledge of the new testament and is
in charge of officiating all the ceremonies related to the exercise of the faith. They have abandoned
traditional ritual practices and are very strict with prohibitions against alcohol and tobacco.
The language and religion have held together the population that also has very strong blood links
(relatives in different communities). Geographical barriers also group the population within the
shelter, since it shares the territory and the way to take advantage of natural resources. The daily
community meetings to share the food are essential to maintain the union, as well as the religious
meetings.
From 1985 on another important population period begins (Etter, et al., 2001). Mining activities,
both official and spontaneous, have contributed to immigration, which comes from various places
including Brazil, and thus constitutes a floating population with different characteristics.
Socioeconomic Information:
Right to territory (collective property)
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The indigenous Kuripako people have been territorially protected by the granting of the Cuiari and
Isana shelter. This space is a collective property legally constituted in the name of the Kuripako
people. However, what does that mean about collective ownership? Well, first of all according to
articles 63 and 329 of the Constitution. Indigenous peoples in Colombia have the right to be
recognized and respected as inalienable and indefeasible for the territories they ancestrally inhabit.
Why? The Constitutional Court has explained it in the following way:
"The collective property right exercised over indigenous territories is of essential importance to the
cultures and spiritual values of the aboriginal peoples. This circumstance is recognized in
international conventions approved by Congress, which highlights the special relationship of
indigenous communities with the territories they occupy, not only because they are their main
means of subsistence but also because they constitute an integral element of the worldview and
the religiosity of the aboriginal peoples. Additionally, the Constituent emphasized the fundamental
importance of the right to the territory of indigenous communities.
"Without this right, the previous ones [cultural identity and autonomy] are only formal
recognitions.The ethnic group requires to survive the territory in which it is settled, to develop its
culture, it presupposes the recognition of the right of ownership over the traditional territories
occupied and the that configure their habitat. (Judgment T - 188 of 1993)
It is then in this strong link between territory, culture and autonomy that the importance of law falls.
On January 8, 2009, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Indigenous Peoples
in Colombia published an important report in which the public was presented with an alarming
situation in terms of extension, adjudication and other problems derived from land and natural
resources at the national level. Textually stated the following:
"During the last decades, Colombia has advanced in the recognition of the territorial rights of the
indigenous peoples in the country. Currently there are 710 titled indigenous resguardos, located in
27 departments and 228 municipalities of the country, which occupy an extension, according to the
Government, of approximately 34 million hectares, which is equivalent to 29.8% of the national
territory. "
"Several representatives of indigenous peoples, however, point out that a large number of hectares
purchased and delivered are not productive or do not correspond to the cultural needs of the people.
Only 7.68% of the indigenous reserves (a space of 1,290,000 hectares) are in the agricultural frontier
zone and these are inhabited by approximately 65% of the indigenous population. The rest of the
hectares are located in areas of the Amazon rainforest, savannas of the Orinoquía and desert in the
Guajira".
Despite counting the indigenous communities in Colombia with a significant portion of the national
territory, 22% (according to the T-129 of 2011, MP Jorge Iván Palacio) or 29.8% according to the
source consulted, it is absolutely necessary to Understand the situation to consider at least the
following two points: 1. According to the report of the United Nations Rapporteur, about 70% of this
territory is not in possession of the indigenous communities 2. Only 7, 68% of the collective territories
is apt for the development of agriculture.
The reservation was legally constituted on September 26, 1989 with resolution 083 of 1989 issued
by the INCORA (Current INCODER) on behalf of the Kuripako people. The total legally constituted
area is 926,500 hectares.
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But this portion of land presents an area of overlap with the Puinawai National Nature Reserve that
was created -conveniently- on September 21, 1989 (only 5 days before the creation of the reguardo).
According to information provided by National Natural Parks of Colombia (PNNC) there is 38.2% of
the total area of the reservation that is overlapped with the Puinawai Reserve; which would mean
that 353,923 hectares are under the jurisdiction of PNNC. That limit certain traditional activities and
subsistence economies of the indigenous Kuripako.
In addition, there are communities that have the total area of their territoriality within the Puinawai
Reserve, which clearly supposes a contraction in the value of the fundamental ethnic right to
collective property and autonomy. This has generated discomfort in terms of subsistence economies
such as some artisanal mining foci - warning that there is illegal mining - and forest exploitation -
constructions, conucos -. Ancestrally this territory was divided by three types of spaces: the mythical,
the daily and the economic. (Yi-Fu Tuan, 1997) What is the classification suggested by this author
to describe the territorialities of an individual -in this case the Kuripako -? This division of space is
important because some of these ways are currently preserved, which helps to understand the
Kuripako cultural patterns. These spaces are clearly visible in the organization of the communities;
its structures and distribution.
On the other hand, there is no geopolitical division of communities, which is why territory is conceived
as a space of self-determination, without restrictions or exclusive management of some individuals.
The Kuripako can be established anywhere in the shelter, they can exercise any economic activity
in the place they want.
Right to housing and drinking water
Below is the analysis of the situation of the rights to decent housing and drinking water. For this we
must necessarily begin by clarifying what we concretely understand by these concepts. On the
fundamental right to housing, the Constitutional Court, welcoming the concept of General Comment
number 4 of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights of the United Nations,
considered that:
"(...) housing can not, from a material point of view, be equated to the existence of a simple roof
that prevents rain and excessive heat or cold. Housing should be understood as a place that offers
security to the person in the face of environmental inclemencies and a point from which he can
project his private life and in society. The above implies that housing, to be understood adequate,
must gather elements that ensure its habitability, that is, that the house complies with the minimum
requirements of hygiene, quality and space, required for a person and their family to occupy it
without danger to their physical integrity and health. "Sentence T - 473 of 2008 (bold outside original
text)
On different occasions, the Court has manifested itself in the same sense,
"The right to decent housing, it must be observed, is not reduced to a right to own the dwelling in
which it lives. This is one of the options, clearly linked to long-term financing plans. On the contrary,
decent housing is projected on the human need to have a place of housing, whether own or foreign,
that has the characteristics to carry out in a dignified way the life project. "Sentence T-958-2001.
(bold outside the original text).
Accepting the postulates of the Constitutional Court, this study on housing seeks to answer the
question of whether the Kuripako people in the Cuiari-Isana reservation have or do not have the
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possibility of accessing a house with adequate conditions of habitability, hygiene, quality and space,
where there are no risks to physical integrity, health and particularly if it offers possibilities to carry
out the life project in a dignified manner. To comply with this, we must include the state in which the
essential public services are located; electric power, gas, aqueduct and basic sanitation.
On the right to water and its relationship with the aqueduct and basic sanitation service, the Court
considered that:
"It is evident that there are numerous legal arguments that allow the right to potable water to be
considered as a fundamental right, particularly when, through it and its effective access to the
provision of the aqueduct service, one of the purposes is being achieved. essentials of the State
as it is the solution of the unsatisfied basic needs of the people and because with the guarantee of
this right other fundamental rights are protected as transcendental as life in decent conditions and
health (...) Related to the right to drinking water also there is the right to basic sanitation and to
have an infrastructure that allows the proper disposal of the sewage that is generated after the use
of drinking water. "(Sentence T-055 of 2011.)
The other essential public services have not yet been expressly and directly recognized as
fundamental rights, however it is worth clarifying that both domiciliary gas and electric power enjoy
constitutional protection when it is intended in connection with the violation of rights to the life,
dignity and health of Colombians. (Judgment T-055 of 2011.)
Living place
The Kuripako village was formerly organized in malocas or family houses. Its traditional social
distribution was characterized by the existence of five phratries linked to a mythical territory, which
followed a semi-nomadic pattern of habitation, dependent on the agricultural cycle (Grünberg, 1995,
ICCH, 2000). Currently, they are organized in settlements formed by family units - brothers and
cousins with their wives and children - which in turn constitute the economic nucleus of production.
The settlements or communities are homogeneous in their infrastructure. In general, they are
located on sandy ravines on the river bank. This facilitates access to the water resource and
prevents possible flooding in growing time. In addition to the main river, communities are
surrounded by canals and streams that are also used by people for water consumption.
Family units or housing complexes are mostly inhabited by 5-6 individuals. However, there is a 25%
(according to graph 3) of individuals who do not know how many people live in their own home;
because there is a mobility of individuals by the communities of the shelter that make it difficult to
quantify the real number of inhabitants of a housing complex. Many individuals have a stay
determined by the temporality of environmental, school, economic, health, etc. cycles.
For Figure No. 19. Number of people per housing complex (Refer to housing information table).
In almost all communities there are plastic tanks for the collection of rainwater, which in the rainy
season becomes the main source of water for consumption.
The communities are built on previously prepared land. First, all the vegetation and the topsoil of
the soil are removed. On the sand, the houses are built around a central plaza. The houses are all
similar, with an entrance door and windows on the walls protected by plastic vents. The walls and
floors can be painted with kaolin and the ceilings are made of palm leaf (caraná) tied, rarely woven,
although at the moment the use of zinc roof tiles is becoming more frequent. The structure of the
houses is made with fine woods from the jungle (Laurel, arrayan, ceiba). And above they are filled
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to make the walls with adobe / mud that maintains the structures with a lower temperature than the
environment, during the day. 80% of the homes of the respondents were built with these materials
from the region, but the percentage could be higher because the concept of "traditional housing" is
sometimes confusing for some members of the communities.
Each dwelling belongs to a family unit and can be constituted by several structures including the
kitchen, the dwelling place and the cassava cactus; where the processing of bitter yucca (main food
in the diet of this town) is carried out. The housing structures have one or two rooms separated by
a wall and the floors are covered with mud.
For Figure No. 20. Type of housing
In addition to family dwellings, each community has a communal pot or canteen, where the
population meets twice a day to share food. Generally, mingao or yucuta (drinks made from
cassava). There is also one church per community for religious worship that is celebrated 3 times
a week in the morning and in the evening. A soccer field and a central square. Each community is
made up of one, two or three large families that share the territory and the place of settlement is
divided by sector.
The organization of the communities obeys to a logic of lacustrine society (or amphibious society,
-Orlando Fals Borda-) that is ordered in relation to the Cuiari-Isana rivers. For the biological time of
the river determines the moments of obtaining food, of obtaining water resources, and of mobility
and relationship with other communities. Rivers are the great communication roads and
communities are their connecting nodes. At spatial level almost all the communities have a
rectangular organization, grouping the houses around the central square. In larger communities, a
dispersed distribution of dwellings can be observed, but always taking as a center the community
pot.
On the other hand, there is also an organization based on natural borders (rapids). Which
determine the economic activities of the communities. It is an agricultural, social, food edge; as for
example of the conucos of a community they are not made beyond the raudal. That is why the
importance of water protection has two facets, the first as a catalyst agent of the internal social
dynamics of the shelter, and the second is that it establishes the survival of the Kuripako.
The water that supplies the houses and their inhabitants is obtained from the rivers and pipes
surrounding the communities. Rainwater is also collected in tanks, buckets and pots. There is no
water purification treatment. It should be noted that the consumption water of the rivers is where
personal clean-up activities are carried out; washing utensils; animal grooming (Peeling, cleaning
and gutting).
For Figure No. 21. Graph of access to public services.
Finally, figure above indicates the percentage of respondents who have access to electricity and
aqueducts (septic tank). It should be noted that these services are not provided by the state but are
obtained by own initiative of some members of the communities. Energy is provided by private-
owned power plants and solar panels, not by any state system to provide these basic services.
Right to food sovereignty
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We have not mentioned much more about the income of the population and especially about the
situation of poverty. The study of the fundamental rights to the vital minimum and food security is
then carried out in the Cuiari-Isana Indigenous Reserves. To do this, we will begin by exposing the
concept of each right in order to justify the way in which we approach its study.
On the vital minimum the Constitutional Court has conceptualized:
"The vital minimum has been defined in several failures as that portion of income indispensable
and irreplaceable to meet basic needs and thus allow a decent livelihood of the person and his
family; without an adequate income to that minimum it is not possible to assume the most basic
expenses, such as those corresponding to food, health, education or clothing, in such a way that
their absence seriously and directly affects human dignity ". (Judgment T - 1001 of 1999)
In a very similar sense, he again pronounced:
"The constitutional principle of human dignity, on which the social state of law is established, serves
as a foundation for the right to the vital minimum, whose object is not other than to guarantee the
most basic material conditions, without which the person risks perishing and to become a being
who succumbs to the impossibility of independently assuring his own subsistence ". (Judgment T -
581 of 2011.)
Now, how to know with certainty when a person enjoys this right and when not? Where is the limit?
On this point there are no absolute truths however the jurisprudence has tried to resolve this issue
by stating that "The concept of vital minimum, must be evaluated from the point of view of
satisfaction of the minimum needs of the individual, for which it is necessary to make a evaluation
of the circumstances of each specific case, making an assessment that is directed more towards
the qualitative than the quantitative, verifying that whoever alleges their violation has the
possibilities of enjoying the satisfaction of needs such as food, clothing, health, education, housing
and recreation, as mechanisms to realize their right to human dignity. "(Negrillas out of original
text). Judgment T - 581 of 2011.
This has three significant consequences for our analysis: The first is that by embracing the Court,
we will privilege the qualitative field over the quantitative one, so we do not ask ourselves how much
money families get each month, nor how much the salary is of those who enjoy employment, in
other words no study of the capital income of the population will be found (if this income exists).
The second is that as we must understand the specific case of the Kuripako people, it does not
have major formal sources of employment. For that reason, in order to analyze the right to the vital
minimum, we will not approach the concept of work as much, but we will analyze other forms of
income generation; the conucos, the crafts, the fountains of rebusque (mining, hunting). Finally, the
third consequence for our analysis is that to know if the inhabitants of the shelter meet their
minimum living we will support studying another right that for indigenous peoples is particularly
important: Food sovereignty.
This right was defined in the document Conpes Social 113 as follows: "Food security is the sufficient
and stable availability of food, access and timely and permanent consumption of these in quantity,
quality and safety on the part of all people, under conditions that allow their proper biological use,
to lead a healthy and active life ".
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In this way we can affirm that there is food security at the moment in which people have access to
basic foods in quantity, quality and continuity. It is worth clarifying that the Constitutional Court has
not expressly defined or expressed the scope of this right expressly, however it has been
pronounced on numerous occasions protecting it and recognizing its importance, the most
important of which is Auto 004 of 2009. The Departmental Development Plan 2012-2015 "Nuevo
Futuro" of Guainía develops the Catumare plan to guarantee compliance with the fundamental right
to food security. However, due to the field information collected, this program does not reach the
Cuiari-Isana rivers reservation, despite the strong economic investment that exists in the
development of Catumare economic system.
An economic system is the subsistence activities that are determined by networks of production
forces, means of production and the surplus of production. That is why in the following economic
activities (fishing, hunting, agriculture) they will be described and analyzed; first the forces of
production that is the description of the activity; the means of production, equipment and work tools;
and finally, the surpluses that determine the patterns of collective and social behavior. (Bourdieu,
1994) To determine how the economic system catalyzes these collective patterns, the meaning
and meaning of the activities must be associated with the ancestral differential character of the
Kuripako. For precisely this sense and meaning is that it will determine the collective behavior of
the indigenous (Levi-Strauss, 1958). That is why in the analysis of the economic system of societies
provides the understanding that determine the relationships with the geographical space, in addition
to the social actions of a people that reproduce by these relationships.
The subsistence activities, as in the whole region, are marked by the ecological calendar: dry
season (December-April) are dedicated to fishing and hunting while preparing the conuco by cutting
and burning the land before the so-called "growing" of heron "(November). During the rainy season
itself (May-November), they collect wild fruits (González Ñáñez, 2007).
The production system is "based on a type of itinerant tomb-and-burn horticulture that is

complemented by hunting, fishing and fruit harvesting" (Arango and Sánchez, 2004, Sánchez,
2007). But for the purposes of the report, each economic task will be analyzed as a different
production system. For this reason, the production activities can be minutely detailed.
In the 129 surveys carried out in the Cuiari-Isana rivers social expedition, the following data on the
occupation of the population were shown:
For Figure No. 22. Occupation.
Figure above shows the total number of respondents and the percentages of occupation, where it
is observed that most of the population is engaged in agriculture with 87% and secondly, fishing
with 66% as the main source of protein. It is also important to note that although timber activity has
52%; refers to the use of wood for the manufacture of houses, canoes and everyday skins. Of this
52% there is a minimum percentage that if they are dedicated to the commercialization of wood.
In fact, it can be said that these occupation activities have a subsistence character, and commercial
production for its commodification is little in relation to production. The craftsmanship that is
understood as a commercial activity does not have this quality in this territory, it is rather an
everyday activity. In this sense, an occupation does not exclude another occupation, that is, it is
probable that an individual can be a farmer, fisherman, hunter, artisan and logger.
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The survey also refers to the knowledge practiced in the territory of the reservation. That is why the
subsistence economic systems are determinants of the daily patterns -culture-. For the activities
that are carried out for subsistence are generators of micro-trade relations. And in very specific
cases if there is a more extensive commercial exploitation.
So what Graph 6 shows is that there is a dependence of the natives on the physical environment;
because all of the subsistence inputs of the respondents leave the jungle. Well, the forest is the
natural pantry of the Kuripako. What suggests the need for data to determine if this dependence is
sustainable in the long term, because the stories of the indigenous point to the pantry is exhausted
because "it is increasingly difficult to fish, find bush meat. It touches to go further "(Testimony of an
indigenous Kuripako). Currently there is no dramatic deterioration of the fauna, but if the use of
forest resources - even ancestral - is done without sustainability, it is more likely that they will also
wear out.
Agriculture
Although everyone in the community has the same rights to the land and can freely take advantage
of natural resources, each family unit operates independently and is the sole owner of the house
and its farming plots. It is usual that around the house there are small gardens planted with useful
plants such as chili, cilantro, cashew and lemon. And as it was identified in graph 6, agriculture is
the activity that the Kuripako Indians devote the most to.
The conuco is the traditional agricultural production system in the area and follows the pattern of
slash-and-burn, characteristic of the Amazonian peoples (Journet, 1980, Grünberg, 1995, Salazar,
et al., 2006, Sanchez, 2007; 2007). Families use the area assigned to agricultural activity on
average three years and the recovery period of that area is approximately eight years (CDA, 2004).
However, every year a new plot (2-3 ha) is opened to plant mainly cassava. The choice of the place
and the preparation of the land (cleaning and burning) are male tasks. From the sowing, the care
and development of all the agricultural tasks are in the hands of the women of the family (Crizón,
et al., 2001). This work is done individually where each woman responds by their own conucos.
However, this division of labor that was used ancestrally has already been distributed, men and
women perform tasks indiscriminately.
For Figure No. 23. Conucos by inhabitants.
This figure shows that 37% of respondents have two conucos being the highest percentage,
followed by those who have three conucos with 33%.
The conuco is the permanent source of food for the Kuripako, so the planning of the planting of the
conuco is done two years before; Selection of the land, preparation of the land, preparation of the
seed. In this sense, in order to guarantee food, the natives always have several conucos, which
sometimes vary in the cultivated food. So it is very common for a conuco to find certain types of
food and in another, different products.
The data of several conucos also indicate that there are inhabitants of the reservation who have
found in the conuco an alternate economic source. As they market their products within the
communities, and especially to educational institutions that constantly need food for students.
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For Figure No. 24. Conucos to be done soon.
Figure above shows that 38% of respondents plan to carry out two conucos, the highest
percentage. Unlike the popular culture that thinks that the indigenous only thinks about the now
without any consequences. The Kuripako - contrary to this thinking - if they have an estimate of
how they planned the agricultural activity. But in real terms the following concerns arise: Is there
enough land suitable for the agricultural expansion -inevitable- of the Kuripako? What effects will
this agricultural expansion have on the jungle? So what should be planned are ways to prevent and
mitigate the expansion of the conuco. It is evident that the indigenous people have to continue
doing this activity because it is their permanent source of food; but with an efficient use of the soil
the excessive growth of the conucos will be mitigated. Preventing in addition, the extensive felling
of the forest, to make effective use of the soil, practices of the responsible management of the soil
are needed. Fertilizers, form of exploitation, times and rest of the soil, etc.
For Figure No. 25. Total area of conucos per inhabitants.
Figure above shows that the hectare is the highest percentage with 32% and followed by half a
hectare with a percentage of 29%. Hectares. According to Graph 9, respondents state that 118.5
hectares of the shelter are currently being used in agriculture, conuco. The total area of the Rios
Cuiari and Isana indigenous reservation is 926,500, which means that the land used for the sowing
of conucos corresponds to 0.02% of the total area of the shelter. The data of the survey has yet to
be confirmed, but it must be borne in mind that these data do not consider the terrain of abandoned
or already exploited conucos, likewise the soils suitable for agriculture are very few; the exact data
of productive land is also needed to analyze in its real dimension the consequences of the
expansion of the conuco. However, according to these data, the option of making effective use of
the land is done to prevent possible effects on the forest. Although the use of land for agriculture is
minimal.
Each family maintains several conucos simultaneously to guarantee the permanent production of
cassava, have fruit trees and other complementary foods in their diet such as: banana (Musa
paradisiaca), sweet potato (Ipomoea batata), yam (Dioscorea spp.), Chontaduro (Bactris
gasipaes), sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum) and fruit trees to a lesser extent such as lulo
(Solanum quitoense), guama (Inga sp.), caimo (Chrysophyllum caimito), avocado (Persea
americana), umarí (Poraqueiba sericea), tree bread ( Artocarpus altilis), royal palm (Roystonea
regia), guava (Psidium guajava), cacao (Theobroma cacao), copoazú (Theobroma grandiflorum),
caimarona (Pourouma cecropiifolia), coconut (Cocos nucifera), orange (Citrus sinensis) and mango
( Mangifera indicates). The pineapple is grown in large quantities both in the conuco and in specific
plots near the community. However, despite the diversity of cultivated species, one of the main
characteristics of the soils of the area is their low level of fertility (oligotrophy), product of the existing
parental materials, which are mainly acidic rocks (Etter, et al. , 2001, Salazar, et al., 2006); this
condition means that production is scarce and that new cultivation plots must be opened constantly,
knocking down native forest to supply the community's food needs. In addition, the exhaustion of
the soils around the settlements has led to the fact that the conucos are now very retired. There
are even people who must travel by boat on the river to reach their plots.
According to the surveys carried out in the field (129) in total, the following data were obtained
regarding the species that are grown in the conucos:
For Figure No. 26. Main planting species.
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In the figure above, it can be seen that the wild Yucca is planted by 100% of the respondents, as
the main product of the sown species, the high percentage of the Banana with 93%, Aji with 94%,
Lulo and Caña with 88% Making a parallel with the information that throws the bibliographic review
can affirm the majority of products that saw the investigations long ago are still present. Maybe you
cannot find some fruit trees that did exist before - the case of guava and orange - but the nutritional
sustenance is the same. This means that there is a food line or basket that is maintained, these
species adapt to the physical and social conditions of the Kuripako nutritional complex. Graph 10
also indicates that there is a variety of species suitable for conuco -cultivation- which, by making it
more efficient, would guarantee the collective right to food sovereignty.
In addition to the crops in the conuco, on the banks of the river, all the communities present
extensive fields of açaí (Euterpe oleracea) and canagucho (Mauritia flexuosa) in smaller proportion.
These palms, like the different varieties of ceje (Oenocarpus bataua), present in the area, are used
by people who prepare juices or extract oil from the fruits.
However, the Kuripako 's diet is based on the products derived from bitter yucca (Manihot
esculenta), mainly mañoco (roasted yucca flour) and cassava (cassava cake). In the Isana River,
more than 50 varieties of cassava are grown, which are recognized by the settlers according to
their color, size and consistency (Journet, 1980).
For Figure No. 27. Production of wild yucca.
Figure above shows that 61% of the respondents harvest between 0 to 50 kilos of cassava. Without
having references that place the Kuripako as a culture of wild yucca, it must be understood that the
basis of their diet and daily life revolves around this product. The data and the field observation
show the effects of the production-harvest relation of the wild cassava. What make this product the
most important in the diet of the Kuripako people. It should also be noted that the wild yucca is a
cosmogonic product (spiritual, ancestral) of the indigenous cultures of the Orinoquia and Amazonia.
However, there is no concrete basis for the Kuripako being sacrally connected to the food. But in
its actuality if it is an agent that determines social and commercial patterns of everyday life.
The commercialization of products that appears in the following figure, corresponds to a

phenomenon determined by the systems of barter and access to basic products. Although this
ultimately corresponds to a commercial action, it cannot be analyzed from the exchange object of
money acquisition. 1. Because the geographical area does not allow it. 2. There is not enough
surplus to understand this phenomenon as capital accumulation. 3. Commercialization is often by
goods -exchange of products-. And 4. What is sold does not leave the territory, it is a micro-trade
of the shelter. This means, you cannot understand the following graph as a stable trade or
determinant of economic activities, but as a subsistence trade and access to products.
In the figure (Figure No. 28) it is observed that 82,688 kilos of wild cassava are harvested being
the crop of greater production, it is also one of the highest percentages of commercial producers
with 39% and these trade means 4949 kilograms of cassava representing 6% of the Total harvest,
this harvest is associated every time they go to conuco (they handle different harvest periods, they
go when the stock ends).
However, it should be noted that the indigenous people are not very receptive to commercialize the
wild yucca. In fact, this good is the most precious and most consumed in the daily food supply of
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the Kuripako Indigenous. And in the market this food is the most wanted to do business operations;
that's why the offer is high, looking for purchase-sale, in barter. But their need in the daily diet
makes the offer large and the prices rise. And that the brave yucca becomes scarce at certain times
of the year.
For Figure No. 28. Percentage of producers and totals produced.
Figure above shows that 89% of the respondents produce 82,688 kilograms of wild yucca and the
remaining 11% do not respond, regardless of the quantity harvested from the crops.
For Figure No. 29. Traded volumes by harvest.
Figure above shows that 39% of the producers sell 4,949 kilograms of wild yucca and 40% market
bananas, which are the most marketed products
The seeds of the products harvested in the conuco. They are mostly remnants of previous crops.
What ensures a survival of traditional products, also guarantees the choice of the best quality and
reproduction of that quality -of seeds-. Likewise, the continuity of our own products ensures the
sustainability of the conuco with all its ancestral forms. Management of space, climate, harvest,
social distribution of work.
It is important to understand that the totality of seeds used within the Reservation are from the
shelter. Because the 1% that it buys does to other indigenous people who have more seed, they
do not buy seeds that are exogenous to the territory. No products other than those traditionally
planted by the Kuripako. What is commercialized is the surplus of the production system, mainly
used in this case to acquire the basic means for planting and harvesting the conuco.
Those who can market more products of the value of the means of production use it to obtain
gasoline or other desirable waxes in the region. All the products that enter the region exceed the
commercial value of what is found in the market, the reason: the geographical location of the
reservation.
For Figure No. 30. Acquisition of seeds.
Figure above shows that 91% of respondents use their own seeds for their crops.
To understand the economic system, one must also identify the means of production. In this case
according to graph 16; the ax and the machete are the means used for agricultural production.
These media suggest a challenge for the Kuripako people because they are not typical of the region
and constitute an economic urgency to access these tools. Then it is inferred that there is a surplus
of some of the economic activities, because this surplus, among other things, must be used to buy
the means of production (tools). Then the data pose the scenario that even though access to tools
in this region is so difficult, the indigenous people have figured out how to access them. So, the
question is what is the way to access these tools economically? Is it the state, the government,
NGOs, legal, illegal or indigenous economies? Likewise, the acquisition of tools is explained to the
extent that you look at figure above where the quantity and commercialization of species produced
in the conuco are exposed.
For Figure No. 31. Tools that the inhabitants possess.
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Likewise, the above figure shows that Hacha and El Machete are the most frequent tools among
the respondents. The means of production of the conuco are basic for the peasant population, but
for the indigenous in this area they have a specific achievement.
For that reason, although it is said that the products of the conuco are of self-consumption there is
a surplus that is used for mainly to obtain these means that facilitate the production and make
efficient the production forces of this economic system. Although it is a primitive economic system
it is efficient to the extent that these instruments can reach the hands of the Kuripako.
Fishing and hunting
Fishing and hunting are male activities, usually individual. But in summer time family expeditions
are usually organized in which camps are built on the beaches of the river. During these days the
fishing and hunting activities are carried out in groups. These expeditions are made to supply -of
animal protein- for large gatherings in the communities.
But fishing and hunting activities are rarely developed in a group manner. There are factors such
as evangelization, demographic growth, the low amount of fish and animals. That they produce that
nowadays that this type of activities that ancestrally was done in group are no longer carried out in
this way.
For Figure No. 32. Fishing.
According to the surveys carried out in the countryside, the Kuripako population said that they
started fishing activities since they were small. And that they develop these activities throughout
their lives, that is why fishing is like a school in Kuripako everyday life.
For Figure No. 33. Fishing experience.
In the figure above, you can see the months where the Kuripako have more abundance in the
fishing activity. The preference is equivalent to the months in which more fish are taken that
coincidentally correspond to the months of drought. Where the river is more "dry" and facilitates
fishing activity.
For Figure No. 34. Months of fishing preference.
For Figure No. 35. Frequency of fishing per week.
The fishing activity although differs in preference for the time of year. In the dry months, the
Kuripako prefer to fish in the morning hours, whereas in the rainy months the Kuripako prefer to do
this activity at night. This is framed within a logic of the relationship between biological times and
the way of obtaining fish. That is to say, that the circumstances of the dry and rainy seasons
determine the forms and arts of the fishing activity. The arts refer to the means (boat, hooks, traps,
flashlight, etc.).
For Figure No. 36. Preference in the day for the fishing activity.
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Fishing activities are determined to a large extent by fishing methods or gear. Then fishing should
be understood as a mode of production and the arts as the means to constitute that production.
Then the survey data show that currently the media used by the Currripaco people are those that
appear in figure below. It is important to note that there are traditional and conventional media -
currently-; The hook corresponds to the fishing gear preferred for fishing activities. Followed by
several means used since ancient times by the indigenous people, mostly traps and weapons made
of plant material.
For Figure No. 37. Means of fishing.
Fishing is an art craft perfected by the Kuripako. They use mixed methods of catching fish;
traditional arts, traps, and use of hooks nets, meshes. It is an activity that takes place almost daily
because in the Cuiari and Isana rivers the fish food supply is small. In addition, the fish are not of
great importance, which means that the fishing action must be done constantly.
For Figure No. 38. Means of fishing activity (Canoe).
One of the main means to carry out the fishing activity is the canoe, in the figure above it is observed
how the great majority of Kuripako Indigenous surveyed have a canoe. It should be noted that this
figure is significant because although it does not raise the proportional relationship of canoe equal
fisherman. If exemplifies the importance of fishing in the subsistence of the indigenous. And
qualitatively the individuals if they affirm that in their majority the canoes are used for the fishing
activities. Then this means -the canoe- represents the most important one to carry out the capture
of fish daily.
The following data that the survey shows in relation to the fishing activities is the possession of the
indigenous motor for their canoes. To be an area where the vital means of transport is fluvial, the
number of engines is low, to this we add that they are motors with low mobility and load capacity.
This is understandable by fuel prices; But the need to go fishing more and more away from
traditional areas leads to the use of motors to carry out this activity.
For Figure No. 39. Horsepower of motors.
The following data correspond to the species of fish that are caught by the fishing activity. Taking
the errors of the survey it can be affirmed that there is not much variability of species. This is
supported by the qualitative information raised in the field. In it was known that the supply of fish
that inhabit the rivers is small. This offer corresponds to the amount of fish and the different types
that live there -very few classes -.
For Figure No. 40. Species product of fishing activity.
The traditional hunt was done with blowgun and harpoons that were covered with curare-poison.
But now hunting is done with firearms and hunting dogs. Not all men are engaged in this activity,
but those who practice it are excellent connoisseurs of the jungle and animals. In this same sense,
it should be noted that it is an activity that takes place at night. That is why the hunter's expertise
is guided by the location of the pipes and rivers.
Trueque (Trading scheme)
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Cassabe and mañoco were the main products used by the Kuripako in their barter relations with
the other peoples of this region (González Ñáñez, 2007) and are currently a source of income for
local people. The exchange of these products for meat and other foods is common within the
community. Sometimes the exchange takes place with other communities such as Campo Alegre
in the Cuiarí River, where the mining activity attracts people from outside the shelter, whose feeding
depends on the mañoco and the cassabe they can buy. However, transportation in the area is very
limited. The presence of streams along the river and the high cost of fuel ($32,000 - $35,000 /
gallon), make mobility difficult within the reservation and towards the nearest urban centers where
there are greater possibilities of commercialization for these products.
The cassabe, the mañoco and some crafts, mainly basketry, are products with great commercial
potential for these communities although the price they receive in the local market is very low: $
4000 for 1 kilo of mañoco and $ 3000 for a cassabe cake. Barter is an internal micro-economic
alternative that arises because of the geographic location of the communities. The high cost of
migrating products means that marketing is done with the products that are produced in the region.
Using these already created networks generates a sustainability of the inhabitants of the shelter.
To this is added that the departmental agenda of the CDA states that the source of income of 90%
of the population of the department of Guainía are the resources managed by the department for
projects, royalties, and the general system of participations. What leaves barter activity as a
commercial form of subsistence.
Transport
Transportation has been the limiting factor of these commercial activities so far. To get to Mitú or
Puerto Inírida, the nearest urban centers in Colombian territory; The river trip takes several days
and involves several streams. By land, the only way to get there is by walking and this takes four
days to Mitú and seven to Puerto Inírida. Inside the Resguardo there are two landing strips from
where you can take the products by plane (Camanaos and Campo Alegre), but this means is very
expensive and implies, in any case, transportation from the communities to the runway.
Although in the Departmental Development Plan 2012-2015 "New Future" of Guainía. In his
diagnosis, he mentions aerial tracks in Venado-Isana, Punta de Tigre and Campoalegre. According
to the information gathered in the field, this is false, the only track with which the receipt is available
is that of Campoalegre.
The effectiveness of affirmative actions on the population of the Resguardo are subject to the
problems of mobility and telecommunications. It could be said that there are no communication and
transportation networks. Only Compartel exists in two communities of the reservation (Punta de
Tigre and Campoalegre); one in each river. And the fluvial and aerial transport does not have
commercial routes reason why its cost becomes unthinkable for the members of the communities.
To this is added that the price of gasoline placed in the communities is approximately 32,000 –
35,000 pesos per gallon. And considering that there are no formal sources of employment in the
shelter fossil fuel is a luxury.
In this sense, the most common means of transport - apart from walking - is the outboard motor of
5, 5.5, 6 or 6.5 horsepower; better known as rabeta. Which is mainly used for fishing activities and
travel to other communities. This means of transport is preferred to travel long distances due to the
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low fuel consumption of these small engines. It should also be noted that when the distances are
not long the displacement is by barge rowing, and mobility by trails-on foot.
In some communities there are larger engines between 15 and 40 horsepower that are mostly
community boats that serve the educational service, health, community meetings or commissions
that occasionally reach the shelter. It can be said that this is the dynamics of internal mobility of the
Cuiari-Isana rivers.
Now to transport itself out of the territory is even more complicated. Exhausting trails of several
days exist that have as final point the capitals of Mitu (Department of Vaupés) and Puerto Inírida
(Department of Guainía). To get to Mitú from the Isana river, an approximate time of three days of
constant trail is spent. And for Puerto Inírida the road is more extensive because they invest a few
days on foot, and another on a tractor. That is why the most efficient way to enter this territory from
the population centers is by air transport; but its cost is much higher logically. In addition, the fact
that there are no routes means that the arriving planes are express journeys. These trips are not
within the economic reach of the inhabitants of the reservation, so the only ones who board these
planes are seriously ill, or leaders who are subsidized by the state or some private company. To
this problem is added that the air infrastructure (airstrips) is not in good condition so very few
aviation companies arrive in these territories. What further blocks the area, and raises costs even
more by the relationship of supply and demand. The planes that arrive are small and cannot carry
more than five hundred (500) kilos between passengers and merchandise. Causing that the few
items of basic need that reach the Cuiari-Isana rivers have a high cost.
The subject of telecommunications is no less dramatic. There are only two connection nodes
outside the receipt. These same nodes can also communicate to the Cuiari-Isana rivers. But the
costs of the Compartel are also high, the minute costs around two hundred (200) pesos; that for
the internal economy is very high. There is also an inter-community communication mode that is
efficient. The department of Guainía has delivered to the majority of radiotelephone communities
that allow internal communication of the receipt. That produces a fairly good internal
communication; The only drawback is that this form of communication is not constant because
these radiotelephones operate on batteries. And these batteries can only be charged during the
day by means of solar panels. This limits the internal communication to the hours of the day.
Mining
"By verbal information of the active miners, by the end of 1980 [in the Serrania de Naquén] there
were about 5,000 people and for 1981 there were approximately 8,000 individuals dedicated to the
exploitation of gold, today [1998] about 300 people work directly in the mining activity, the number
of exploiters increases in the summer seasons ". (López, 1998) Alberto Lobo-Guerrero, Geology
and mining vocation from the east of the country. 2nd engineering seminar of the Orinoquia and
the Piedmont foothills, Villavicencio, 2005
Currently the activity that represents the highest economic income in the area is gold and coltan
open-pit mining. Alluvial gold mining is used in the area. Which implies felling of the forest of the
banks of the rivers by the construction of camps and preparation of the fertile plain (C. I. P. 2015).
This activity is controlled and carried out mainly by "whites" through the use of rafts for the dredging
of the bed of rivers and pipes. These "machines" give work to 4 miners and a cook who, after a
week of work, distribute the production that reaches 30 grams per week. This represents an
average of 7 grams per person per week. In situ, each gram can be sold for a value that ranges
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between $ 50000 and $ 70000 or is exchanged for merchandise with merchants that supply the
area. In Campo Alegre, the basic necessities reach very high prices (1 bar of soap of clothes $
4000, 1 kilo of salt $ 7000, 1 kilo of sugar $ 5000, 1 kilo of meat $ 30000, 1 trousers $ 60000, 1 t-
shirt $ 25000) and generally they are exchanged for the gold that is extracted from the mines. In
1996-1997 there were between 30 and 50 rafts extracting gold; This number has varied a lot over
time depending on the success of the activity and the siege of the authorities that try to control an
activity that is illegal (Etter, et al, 2001, CDA, 2007). From the interviews conducted during the DRP,
the main sites where illegal mining is practiced within the project area are inferred: Cerro Tigre,
Merey community of the Atabapo reservation, Maimachen, Serranía del Naquén, Baquiro and
Chipital (DRP, 2012).
Right to education
Education is an essential part in the development of any human group and the way in which it is
provided, is an indicator that allows measuring the conditions in which its people live.
The Colombian Constitutional Court has expressed the importance of the right to education - and
has recognized its fundamental nature - as follows:
"In reiterated jurisprudence this Corporation has specified that the right to the effective enjoyment
of education is that which refers to the possibility that all people have to link to a public or private
institution to support access to knowledge, science, technology and other disciplines, goods and
values of culture in society. (...) (...) This Corporation has recognized the fundamental right to the
effective enjoyment of education despite not being expressly recognized in the Constitution,
because it is essential core includes one of the main factors of access to information and
development. only individual but collective, since the well-being of the human being and his
environment is sought in all possible areas. In the same way, it has been established by
jurisprudence that this right constitutes a means through which the individual is effectively and
effectively integrated into society, therefore, it is evident that it belongs to the category of substantial
rights of citizens. " (Sentence T - 056 of the year 2011.)
Under this perspective, we have decided to start from what was considered by the Court to study
the fundamental right to education in such a way that it includes what is the real possibility of the
inhabitants of the access to a teaching institution and its problems -quality, coverage, etc.-but
additionally we will try to answer if that service contributes effectively to integrate the individuals to
the Kuripako people, bringing them closer to knowledge, science, technique, culture, the ability to
carry out their life project and the strengthening of the community as a subject collective.
Education
Nowadays, Kuripako men write and read in their dialect; and almost all in Spanish too. Women
have a minor education, do not study Spanish and although many of them understand it, few speak
it and almost none can read or write.
For Figure No. 41. Languages.
Figure above indicates that there is an ancestral and daily rootedness of the Kuripako language.
What has guaranteed the survival of the dialect over time; Neither evangelization, extractive booms
nor emerging economies have impaired the use of the Kuripako o language. That is why almost
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the total population is bilingual, they handle their Kuripako, and also Spanish, to a greater extent.
Being a border territory (with Brazil) there is also a significant number of individuals who handle
Portuguese.
But what is the coverage and access to education in the shelter? What is the ethnocultural
education program for a differential population? The first one could say that there is a total coverage
for primary school, and although access is difficult, there are no exact data on school drop-out.
Although Graph 27 shows that there is a perception among respondents who do not know the
educational services of school institutions. The need to create an educational offer for high school
is evident. As young people who want to continue their studies are forced to leave their community
and often the shelter. What brings consequences for the globalizing phenomena of identity.
For Figure No. 42. Educational level provided by educational centers.
It is also important to note that although the local registries present a total coverage of the
educational services of the Primary level. There is a ramification of movement by the communities
that offer these education programs, including settlements in the department of Vaupés and in the
country of Brazil. That is why the majority tendency to go to the large communities that offer these
services. The percentage of 42% who does not know / does not respond corresponds in its majority
to people who no longer take the educational offer; they no longer attend any type of school
classroom.
For Figure No. 43. Places where indigenous people move to receive educational services.
For the second question we could say that education with a differential approach has not been
applied in the Cuiari-Isana shelter. There is no educational curriculum that includes the uses and
customs of the Kuripako people. We must remember that the education of the resguardo is in the
hands of the Cuiari-Isana rivers, it is in the hands of the Vicariate of Guainia, which strengthens the
evangelization of this indigenous people. Therefore, it is also important to ask if it is necessary to
take up knowledge about the ancient Kuripako sacredness. This would surely not be accepted by
the members of the communities who feel the Christian religion as their foundation of life. Therefore,
rather than replacing the mythological beliefs, a curricular plan is proposed that includes current
practices -which are also ancestral- such as the survival of language, knowledge about the use of
plants (Medicine and botany) and animals (Hunting and fishing); crafts such as crafts, and
construction arts.
Right to health
The right to health is recognized by the Colombian legal system; however, the State has modified
its definition, limits and scope on numerous occasions. The constitutional court ruled on these
changes identifying the following periods:
"(I) In an initial period, establishing the connection with fundamental rights expressly contemplated
in the Constitution, equalizing aspects of the essential core of the right to health and admitting their
protection through tutela action; (ii) In another, pointing out the fundamental nature of the law in
situations in which persons subject to special protection, such as children, the disabled, the elderly,
among others, are in danger or violation; (iii) Currently, arguing the fundamentality of the right to
health in regard to a basic area, which coincides with the postulates contemplated by the current
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Constitution, the block of constitutionality, the law, jurisprudence and mandatory plans of health, all
in order to protect a life in decent conditions, no matter who the person who requires it. " (Judgment
T-037 of 2010.)
In another recently issued ruling the Constitutional Court came a little closer to the definition and
scope of the right to health.
"Health is a fundamental right and is, in addition, a public service as well as being provided by
individuals. Healthcare entities must guarantee it in all its facets -preventive, restorative and
mitigating and must do so in an integral manner, in relation to the physical, functional,
psychological, emotional and social aspects. Within the guarantee of the right to health includes
several facets: a preventive facet aimed at preventing the occurrence of the disease, a reparative
facet, which has curative effects of the disease and a mitigating facet aimed at cushioning the
negative effects of the disease. In the latter case, a recovery is no longer sought because it can not
be achieved. It is, rather, to attenuate, as far as possible, the physical ailments that it produces and
to contribute, also as far as possible, to the psychological, emotional and social well-being of those
affected by the disease. In this sense, the mitigating face fulfills its objective insofar as it can be
achieved to cushion the negative effects of the disease, guaranteeing a benefit for people from the
physical, psychic, social and emotional point of view. "(Sentence T -548/11.)
For this study we have tried to embrace this principle of integrality mentioned by the Court so we will
not understand the right to health restrictedly as the possibility of accessing the service but we will
try to expand it in the following way: First, the ways will be discussed in which traditional medicine
coexists with Western medicine; Then, some strategic issues of the health area will be analyzed in
such a way that the reader will find a comparative perspective in which a dialogue is observed in
relation to the different realities.
Health
The current situation of the Cuiari-Isana rivers health reserve is deficient. Basically, because there
is no access to any first level hospital. Also, because there is no tacit coverage on problems that
require a specialist; The care is first aid and basic. Provided by the health posts that there are in a
few communities. The only side where you can send from the shelter is from the Campoalegre
community.
As Graph 24 shows, the community of Campoalegre is where the largest number of emergencies
are attended by 43%, followed by the Punta Tigre community with 21%. This is also due to the spatial
logic of the distribution of the communities of the resguardo, since in these two communities - the
largest of their rivers - there are permanent health posts with their respective nursing assistants.
Although the health post of Campoalegre is able to handle more emergencies than Punta Tigre. For
example, quickly refer a patient to be located next to the airstrip.
For Figure No. 44. Places where medical emergencies are attended.
For Figure No. 45. Percentage population sample of coverage in health.
Figure No. 45 indicates that 94% of the respondents are affiliated with a health service. So, the
service coverage is present in almost the entire population of the shelter. It should be noted that
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coverage does not determine access, let alone the integral provision of the service. On the contrary,
it is found that access and provision of the service is deficient since there is no permanent presence
of health professionals in the area.
For Figure No. 46. Companies providing health services and their percentage of affiliates.
The company with the largest number of individuals living in the affiliated Rivers Cuiari-Isana
reservation is Mallamas (87%). An E.P.S. indigenous belonging to the indigenous people of Los
Pastos, whose administrative headquarters is located in the Muellamues resguardo (Municipality of
Cuachucal, Department of Nariño). It is also important to note that there are members of the shelter
who choose to use the health services of Brazil and although only 1% of respondents self-identify
as a member of the health service of the neighboring country. It is very likely that a greater
percentage of the population will use both the health benefits of Brazil and Colombia.
For Figure No. 47. Type of medical care.
What is interesting for the indigenous communities that their E.P.S. (Provider of the Health Service)
is indigenous. It is concerned about the correlation between traditional "indigenous" medicine and
"western" medicine. Providing both types of service, but in the Cuiari-Isana rivers reservation,
respondents have a 69% preference to use "western" medicine services. While 24% do prefer
traditional medicine, practiced by a member of the community. And the own knowledge -especially
of plants- has a preference in the respondents of 17%; traditional medicine and self-knowledge could
be equated to a type of medical attention because there are no traditional medical figures that make
a radical difference between this type of concepts.
Also, in the shelter an annual health brigade is made by the Department. In this brigade attention is
given to basic services of health status, nutritional status, dentistry, and pisco-social care of the
indigenous Kuripako.
But the most worrying is that in the diagnosis of health made in 2011 by the Governorate of Guainía,
it is stated that the region where the Cuiari and Isana shelter is located does not have data on the
current state of the health situation. There are no data on mortality, morbidity, birth rates, etc.
Therefore, it is necessary a study that gives current figures on the status of the population of the
shelter in terms of health situation.
For a detailed description of the current state of the communities, please refer to Annex 6.
4.1.2 Interactions between Communities and Community Groups (CM1.1)
Indigenous Amazon Environmental and Climate Change table (MIAACC):
In 2012, the MRA decided to establish a new working group: The Indigenous Amazon
Environmental and Climate Change Board (MIACC). This was the result of the union between the
Organization of the Indigenous Peoples of the Colombian Amazon (OPIAC), the Ministry of
Environment and Sustainable Development (MADS) and the NGOs Fondo Patrimonio Natural and
WWF. The MIACC focuses on issues such as water resources, use of forests, territory, governance,
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environmental authority, research policy and access to traditional knowledge, in addition to REDD+
(USAID, 2012).
The indigenous organizations have been participating in different international scenarios in the
REDD + issue. The MIACC has developed a work plan following the indigenous vision:
"The MIAACC seeks to look at the forest with a comprehensive vision that includes man and
biodiversity, thought and feeling."
Jorge Furagaro, representante indígena MIACC (USAID, 2012).
From the MADS initiative, a national commission was created that is working on the traditional
knowledge policy associated with the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. In addition,
work is being done to create a community fund to strengthen government and economic capacities
related to local markets in the Amazon.
Indigenous Amazon REDD: In the 1st Amazon Regional Summit (Manaus, August 2011) the
Coordinator of the Indigenous Organizations of the Amazon Basin (COICA), decided to build a
proposal for the "REDD + Indigenous Amazonian" program that guarantees indigenous and
environmental rights and the net reduction of GHG (COICA, 2012).
The Amazonian REDD + Indigenous Program (RIA) has as its objective "that by 2017, the
Amazonian indigenous REDD + approach has been technically complemented, adjusted internally
and contributed to international, national and sub-national processes in Colombia, Ecuador and
Peru. At least one of these three countries must have incorporated it into their national strategy
before finishing the project "(COICA, 2012).
In Colombia, through COICA, the RIA program currently has four projects (Furagao, 2015):
- Indigenous Peoples and Climate Change in the Amazon (Inter-American Development Bank-
IDB)
- Holistic Management of Indigenous Territories of Full Life-REDD + Indigenous Amazonian (ICCO
Cooperation, Netherlands International Cooperation Organization)
- AIME: Accelerating the Inclusion and Mitigation of Emissions (Consortium of different
institutions, led by Forest Trends)
- Inclusion of key elements of the indigenous proposal on REDD + in the Amazon in regional and
national strategies and climate change policies (WWF-Germany)
The REDD + Indigenous Amazonian system defines two priorities for its processes that were
included in the development of the project activity strategy:
- Adaptation to climate change: Productivity and development with reduction of the global
Ecological Footprint.
- Productive conservation of biodiversity: Territorial security, Life plans and own territorial
governance.
4.1.3 High Conservation Values (CM1.2)
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The 14 mega-projects included in the Governance Framework Agreement aims to improve the well-
being of the parties involved in the project activity.
Every work line, is/will be designed to protect the people involved in the project activity.
4.1.4 Without-Project Scenario: Community (CM1.3)
Without the implementation of the project is expected the increase in activity that represents greater
economic income in the area, which is open-pit gold and coltan mining. As well as the extractive
method used in the area is alluvial gold mining. Which implies felling of the forest of the banks of
the rivers by the construction of camps and preparation of the fertile plain (C. I. P. 2015). This
activity is controlled and carried out mainly by "whites" through the use of rafts for the dredging of
the bed of rivers and pipes. In spite of the aforementioned, the areas of traditional management
are excluded from the measures and calculations of the project. For this reason, without the
presence of the project, an increase in this type of transformative activities was expected in the
coming years. However, due to the large amount of mineral resources existing in the region, the
main change that threatens the stability of the community and ecosystems in the coming years is
large-scale mining, a situation that is urgent for the communities in the project area choose the
economic activities that really improve their quality of life and shield the region at a socioeconomic
level, if they will be forced by necessity to the choice of activities not in accordance with the
environmental offer to achieve their social development. In addition to this, the community that lives
there must be protected and helped to face the adverse effects of climate change, the second
transforming agent of the region.
4.2 Net Positive Community Impacts
4.2.1. Expected Community Impacts (CM2.1)
Community Group Childhood (Kids)
Impact(s) The childhood will have a significant positive impact in their life
quality.
The families, including kids participated as communities to
determine the mega-projects that they will implement with the
income of the sales of the carbon credits of the proposed project
activity.
The implementation of the mega-projects is decision of the
indigenous people, as well as the budget that they will allocate
for each mega-project.
Type of The impact is predicted and will produce a direct benefit thorugh
Benefit/Cost/Risk the implementation of the following mega-projects:
- Ethno-education;
- Health and Inter-cultural Ethno-approach (Helath
Services);
- Means of transport; and
- Water treatment.
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Indirecty the kids will be benefited by the other mega-projects,

such as renewable energies, i.e have the possibility to preserve
their food products such as “lapa” meet and/or meet from small
mammels meet.
Change in Well-being Ethno-education: kids of the project activity area will have
access to quaity education, and most important the education
system will respect their culture and tradictions.
Health and Intercultural Ethno-approach (Health Services): kids
will have access to affordable and high quality health services in
dispite if the government programs are available to them.
Means of transport: kids will have acces to transport to get to the
school, it will not be necessary any more to swim or walk for
hours.
Water treatment: kids will not get sick due to intestinal
deseases.
Community Group Senior Population
Impact(s) The senior population will have a significant positive impact in

their life quality.
The families (including the responsible person to take care of
the senior people) participated as communities to determine the
mega-projects that they will implement with the income of the
sales of the carbon credits of the proposed project activity.
Type of The impact is predicted and will produce a direct benefit mainly
Benefit/Cost/Risk thorugh the implementation of the following mega-projects:
Services).
Indirecty the senior population will be benefited by the other
mega-projects, such as renewable energies, i.e have the
possibility to preserve their food products such as “lapa” meet
and/or meet from small mammels meet.
Change in Well-being Health and Intercultural Ethno-approach (Health Services):
senior populationn will have access to affordable and high
quality health services in dispite if the government programs are
available to them.
Community Group Women
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Impact(s) The women of the communities will have a significant positive

impact in their life quality.
The families (including single women, single mother, married
women, and women in genera) participated as communities to
determine the mega-projects that they will implement with the
income of the sales of the carbon credits of the proposed project
activity.
Type of The impact is predicted and will produce a direct benefit mainly
Benefit/Cost/Risk thorugh the implementation of the following mega-projects:
- Ethno-education;
Services);
- Means of transport; and
- Recognition and rewards system.
Indirecty the the women will be benefited by the other mega-
projects, such as renewable energies, i.e have the possibility to
preserve their food products such as “lapa” meet and/or meet
from small mammels meet.
Change in Well-being Ethno-education: women of the project activity area will have
access to quality education.
Health and Intercultural Ethno-approach (Health Services):
women will have access to affordable and high quality health
services in dispite if the government programs are available to
them (such as: pregnancy health care, women clinic, etc.).
Means of transport: one of the most challenges for a woman is
to have a transport (i.e. canoe), with a transport mean a woman
can be more productive, they can move to the “chagras” and ge
back to their communities with the necessary food (i.e.
pineapple, etc.)
Recognition and rewards system: women will have access to
employment opportunities for the project implementation and
monitoring tasks, 50% of the full-time jobs will be directed to
women.
Annex 7. Community Impacts.
4.2.2 Negative Community Impact Mitigation (CM2.2)
The 14 mega-projects were designed and chosen by the indigenous people to mitigate any
possible negative impact due to the implementation of the project activity, these will be developed
during the life of the project seek to be in accordance with the REDD+ SOCIO-
ENVIRONMENTAL safeguards.
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The international performance of REDD + is based on compliance with the safeguards agreed at
COP 16, which took place in Cancun in 2010.
The REDD + safeguards of the UNFCCC outline a global framework of social, environmental and
governance principles (UNFCCC, 2012):
(a) The complementarity or compatibility of the measures with the objectives of the national forestry
programs and of the conventions and international agreements on the matter.
(b) The transparency and effectiveness of national forest governance structures, considering
(c) Respect for the knowledge and rights of indigenous peoples and members of local communities,
taking into account relevant international obligations and national circumstances and legislation,
and bearing in mind that the General Assembly of the United Nations has approved the Declaration
of the Nations is United on the rights of indigenous peoples.
(d) The full and effective participation of interested parties, in particular, that of indigenous peoples
and local communities.
(e) The compatibility of the measures with the conservation of natural forests and biological
diversity, to encourage the protection and conservation of these forests and the services derived
from their ecosystems and to enhance other social and environmental benefits.
(f) Actions to deal with the risks of reversal.
(g) Actions to reduce the displacement of emissions.
In Colombia, these principles were integrated into the participatory construction of guidelines for
social and environmental safeguards for REDD + projects between 2011 and 2014. The guidelines
were published in a document (WWF, 2014), which reflects the joint work between State actors,
NGOs, representatives of civil society and ethnic minorities in the country. This document was used
as a guide in the design of the Governance plan and the Framework Agreements for the Flor de
Inírida project.
In addition to the socio-environmental safeguards, the REDD + project Guayano-Amazon transition

region, Flor de Inírida includes in its design the Climate, Community and Biodiversity (CCBAS)
standards that advocate the participatory construction of REDD + strategies in favor of the
inhabitants local governments in projects around the world (CCBA, 2013) and the standards of the
VCS Program (Verified Carbon Standard), the most widely used quality assurance system to
account for the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the voluntary market carbon (VCS,
2013).
4.2.3 Net Positive Community Well-Being (CM2.3, GL1.4)
The 14 mega-projects were chosen by the communities’ members, these were designed based on
the communities needs identification, the net positive community well-being comes from the
implementation of these mega-projects, these will be implemented with the credit carbon sales
income.
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The income participation from the carbon credits is legally regulated through the Governance
Framework Agreement and the Mandate Contracts
4.2.4 High Conservation Values Protected (CM2.4)
The Governance Framework Agreement states that any activity that may negatively impact the
project area is permitted.
The Agreement includes the provisions for the approval of the 14 mega-projects implementation;
these 14 mega-projects are designed to improve the well-being of the parties invled in the project
activity.
4.3 Other Stakeholder Impacts
4.3.1 Impacts on Other Stakeholders (CM3.1)
It has not been identified other stakeholders that those described in section 2.1.8 that might be
subject to an impact.
4.3.2 Mitigation of Negative Impacts on Other Stakeholders (CM3.2)
If any stakeholder not identified in section 2.1.8 suffer a negative impact, it will be subject to the
stakeholder procedures.
4.3.3 Net Impacts on Other Stakeholders (CM3.3)
It has not been identified other stakeholders that those described in section 2.1.8 that might be
subject to an impact.
4.4 Community Impact Monitoring
4.4.1 Community Monitoring Plan (CM4.1, CM4.2, GL1.4, GL2.2, GL2.3, GL2.5)
Considering the social aspects in the development of the national REDD + strategy, this project
proposes five approaches for local work activities:
1) Participation,
2) Territoriality,
3) Cultural heritage,
4) Development, and
5) Equity.
For a detailed description of each one of the five approaches, please refer to Annex 8.
At the level of Megaprojects, social analysis and monitoring matrices will be used, which will be
constructed considering the evaluation of the following aspects based on the conceptual levels
The design of local activities for megaprojects is focused on the creation of educational conditions,
training and incorporation of scientific and technological progress that make possible the
transformation of the productive structures of the region in a framework of progressive social equity.
In order to achieve productive transformation with equity, the experience acquired within and
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outside the region must be used and a new theoretical foundation of the knowledge society must
be built (ECLAC, 1990), through the dialogue of knowledge.
The conceptual areas group the megaprojects in five aspects of knowledge (Knowledge,
Governance, Human Tissue, Wellbeing and Technologies), which are defined through social
processes, integrating indigenous knowledge to the REDD + objectives of the Flor de Inírida project:
Conceptual area MEGA-PROJECTS

Knowledge Characterization of biodiversity
Climate effect on the REDD + project
Governance Support for governance
Small box for small daily activities.
Recognition and rewards system.
Human tissue Ethno-education
Vital cycles
Media, scientific and ethnic documentary.
Wellness Fish in the Orinoco Basin and Río Negro
Health with an intercultural approach
Improvement of soils
Technologies Systems for water treatment.
Means of transport, connectivity and territorial communication.
Alternative and renewable energies
Table No. 20. & Annex 9 Conceptual areas of local work and REDD + megaprojects
Each of the conceptual areas is directly related to the project's approaches to outline the work
topics for local activities:
Participation Territoriality Cultural heritage Development Equity

Knowledge REDD + Geographical Relationship man vs. Field assistance Differential
Territory and information of the Environment (history and training knowledge per
Life Plans territory and and projections from integrated into group
availability of the local) the line of
natural resources scientific
research
Governance REDD + Information on Traditional social Financial REDD support

governance and production organization support system system for
project finance systems and systems and and each group
regional market distribution of establishment of
chains benefits local
organizations for
the project
population
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Human tissue REDD + Information on the Mechanisms of Training Plan for the
Solidarity and distribution of the social relations in the program related interconnection
Capacity human population territory. Traditional to the different of the different
Building Plan in the territory and educational system megaprojects groups by
its connectivity project
Wellness Social welfare Food security: Spaces of use, food Productive General
and food animals and plants habits and traditional chains and new welfare
sovereignty of consumption in medicine technologies program by
program REDD the territory (food (diversification group
+ and medicine) and increase in
production)
Technologies REDD + Social Traditional structure New Differential

development development and of settlements and technologies. treatment per
plan geographic homes. Material Commercial group in
isolation culture and chains and technology and
(Appropriate productive systems institutional development
technology) relationship. issues
Table No. 21. Relationship of conceptual areas and local work approaches
4.4.2 Monitoring Plan Dissemination (CM4.3)
The project monitoring plan will be subject to the procedures related to project documentation
dissemination, this is regulated through the Governance Framework Agreement. Refer to section
2.3.
4.5 Optional Criterion: Exceptional Community Benefits
The project does not seek to be validated to the Gold Level for exceptional community benefits
4.5.1 Exceptional Community Criteria (GL2.1)
Not applicable.
4.5.2 Short-term and Long-term Community Benefits (GL2.2)
Not applicable.
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4.5.3 Community Participation Risks (GL2.3)
Not applicable.
4.5.4 Marginalized and/or Vulnerable Community Groups (GL2.4)
Not applicable.
4.5.5 Net Impacts on Women (GL2.5)
Not applicable.
4.5.6 Benefit Sharing Mechanisms (GL2.6)
Not applicable.
4.5.7 Benefits, Costs, and Risks Communication (GL2.7)
Not applicable.
4.5.8 Governance and Implementation Structures (GL2.8)
Not applicable.
4.5.9 Smallholders/Community Members Capacity Development (GL2.9)
Not applicable.
5 BIODIVERSITY87
5.1 Without-Project Biodiversity Scenario
5.1.1 Existing Conditions (B1.1)
General conditions of the vegetal skeleton for the Río Negro basin.
Due to the differences in the floristic composition and structure of the numerous plant communities
of the basin, several efforts have been made to classify the Amazon region in phytogeographic
provinces. The pioneers in this theme were the botanists Richard Spruce, Jacques E. Huber, Ernst
HG Ule, João G. Kuhlmann and Walter A. Ducke, who during the nineteenth and early twentieth
centuries noted that there were differences in the structure of plant communities and of its species
to the north and south of the Solimões-Amazonas plain. Subsequently, many researchers
continued to improve the information and generate new works of classification of the vegetation of
the Amazon (Daly & Prance, 1988), among the most used are those of Sampaio (1945), Ducke &
Black (1953), Soares (1953). ), Ducke (1954), Rizzini (1963), Hueck (1966), Prance (1974; 1977;
1978; 1979), Pires & Prance (1985), Ribeiro et al. (1999), Eva et al. (2005) and Morrone (2014).
87 File: Biodiversity
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This last contribution corroborates the marked difference between the floristic provinces of the
Amazon basin, due to the high diversity of species resulting from the presence of numerous
scarcely distributed taxa ("rare species").
These references organized the vegetation of the Amazon between eight and fourteen divisions,
the work of Pires & Prance (1985) stands out, authors who necessarily used physiographic and
hydrological criteria in the description of the plant communities and in smaller proportion the
structural and floristic ones, in virtue that for that time (currently only) was not available with enough
information in detail about these aspects, due to the magnitude of the area of the Amazon basin.
On the other hand, the classification of Pires and Prance used words in Tupi-Guaraní to describe
several plant communities, information obtained from the knowledge of the "Caboclos", the
inhabitants of the Brazilian Amazon, product of the mixture of the native peoples, with the European
and African, respectively (Shepard Jr. et al., 2004).
Through the compilation and an updated study of these works, the Amazon basin can be separated
into nine biogeographical provinces: Southwest, Western (Solimões-west Amazonas), Alto Río
Negro (Imerí), Northwest, Roraima, Manaus, Atlántica or Guianas -Gurupí, Madeira-Xingu and Jari-
Trumpets. Among these is the Negro River, the largest of all the tributaries of the Amazon River,
the largest blackwater river in the world (Marengo et al., 2012). It has its sources in the watershed
between the Amazon basin and the Orinoco river (high Rio Guianía), and connects with it through
the Casiquiare channel. The Río Negro region has very particular characteristics of its physical and
biological environment (Prance & Pires, 1977; Prance 1989; 2001; Lleras, 1997), its ancestral
inhabitants (González-Ñáñez, 2005; Epps & Stenzel, 2013) and possesses a particular interest for
the conservation of its ecosystems and the use of natural resources (Huber, 1994,1995a, b; Lleras,
1997).
The sector of the Río Negro basin and its main tributaries have a surface ca. 690,000 km², a route
of ca. 2,253 km through the Guianía, Negro rivers (name given to the Guianía River from its
confluence with the Casiquiare Canal) and its affluent principals (eg Branco, Curicuriarí (y), Isaná,
Vaupés, Xié). This region is located to the southwest of the Amazonas state (Venezuela), to the
southeast of the departments of Guainía and Vaupés (Colombia) and to the northwest, the
Amazonas state in Brazil. Its phytogeographic limits are formed to the north by the confluences of
the Guaviare, Atabapo and Orinoco rivers, to the northeast with the Cerro Yapacana (north of the
confluence of the upper Orinoco River with the Casiquiare Canal), by the west by the high basins
of the Inírida and Vaupés rivers, to the south by the mouth of the Japurá river to Solimões
(Amazonas), and to the east by the foothills of the Guiana Shield across the Branco River, to the
lower basin of the Negro River near its confluence with the Solimões River ( Amazonas) in the city
of Manaus. Within this area is the Serrania de la Neblina, which divides Brazil from Venezuela,
which is excluded from this phytogeographic region because it belongs to the Pantepui system or
the highlands of the Guayanes shield (Huber, 1987, 1995a). This large sector is characterized by
heights above sea level of 50 to 300 ms, and possess large tracts of "terra firme" forests,
permanently flooded forests (Igapó and Varzéa), sclerophyllous forests on oligotrophic soils known
by name of Caatinga Amazónica or forested Campinarana, the arbustales (Banas, or low
Campinas), and the extensive sectors of savannas of white sands.
The Black River is identified by having an exceptional fluvial network composed of numerous rivers
that flow into the basins of the Negro River / Amazon (Guianía and Vaupés), to the north of this
region, the influence of the biotic and abiotic characteristics of the Negro River are manifested in
parts of the basins of the Guaviare and Inírida rivers, respectively. These bodies of water are formed
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by the rivers of black water (with humic and fulvic acids generated by the incomplete decomposition
of the litter) that are generated in habitats of the white sands, the clear waters that originate from
influenced environments by quartz rocks, and those of white waters that drain from areas with
environments with a high sediment load in suspension (Sioli, 1956; 1984; Goulding et al., 1988);
there are also rivers with mixtures of both types of water.
General conditions for the fauna component.
Colombia is among the 14 countries with the highest biodiversity index (Andrade, 2011), among
others because areas such as the biogeographic Chocó (Rangel, 2004) and the Amazon are
located in the country, which due to climatic conditions allows development of vegetation, high
biological productivity and high biodiversity (Proradam, 1979). The project area is in the transition
between the Orinoquia and the Amazon, so it is assumed that the components of diversity, both
animal and floristic can be found there, depending on the particular ecological requirements of each
species.
The Amazon region has the highest values of expression of biological diversity at all levels, alpha
(species), beta (communities or vegetation types) and gamma (ecosystems). However, this
diversity shows a differential pattern in the Amazon sector, regarding the alpha diversity of trees,
birds, amphibians, mammals and butterflies. Studies on diversity in this region have been few. From
the Radargramétrico Project of the Amazon, Proradam (1979), the need to carry out inventories of
fauna to obtain the greatest amount of direct basic information is considered. Although from this
project more studies have been done, there are still areas, especially difficult to access that have
not been inventoried and only studies have been done in particular areas and some faunal groups
of greater interest such as birds, mammals and fish, in arthropods For example, there is a large
information gap.
In the case of tree species, the highest diversity values are recorded in the western and central
sector of the Amazon, while the eastern sector and the Guayanesa region have lower values of
diversity compared to the other two sectors (Ter Steege et al. 2000). In the southern sector, high
alpha diversity values are reported, 286 species of trees per hectare, in the Amacayacu National
Natural Park, (Rudas, 1996, Villegas, 2003), while the northern and eastern Amazonian areas stand
out for their considerable expression of the diversity range (ecosystems). This is mainly due to the
fact that this sector corresponds to a transition zone between the ecosystems of the Orinoquía and
Amazonía (CDA, 2007).
The Guayanés shield, on which this transition zone is located, due to its geological history, is of
particular interest to understand the evolution of the biota and the Amazonian ecosystems (Etter,
2011). This region stands out for its high levels of endemism in plants (around 20,000 plant species
are estimated in the whole region with an endemism proportion of 35%) and a great variety of
ecosystems, many of which exhibit marked characteristics of differentiation of vegetation types and
have species adapted to the particular conditions of these environments. Habitat endemism is
notable, generated by well-differentiated environments. Within the ecosystems quite characteristic
of the region, the tepuyes (highland sandstone plateaus) stand out, given their exclusivity for the
region and the endemic and specialized characteristics of their biota. It also highlights the extensive
areas of white sand vegetation that house species adapted to oligotrophic conditions, large
savanna areas, floodplain forests and a wide range of humid tropical forests (Conservación
Internacional, 2003).
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Particularly, the department of Guainía is located in this transitional strip between the Guayano-
Amazonian regions, as a consequence of this, in the project area there are conditions of
heterogeneity of environments, ecosystems and biotic particularities. Mixed forests and savannas
are presented with a physiognomic variability in response to local soil and climatic conditions.
Example of this is reported in the Forest Characterization and Typification of Ecosystems in the
Municipality of Inírida and in the Corregimiento of Cacahual (Department of Guainía), where nine
ecosystem units are described, such as: Very humid Medium Dense Forest in flat pediplane,
Medium dense forest very humid in high alluvial terrace andinense river, very dense lowland forest
in flat pediplane, medium dense forest in flood plane of andinense river, medium dense forest in
floodplain of minor river alluvial plain, low dense forest in vallecito of the residual relief, Low Dense
Forest in floodplain of alluvial plain of minor river, Dense Medium Forest in low terrace of alluvial
plain of minor river, very humid savannah of Ciperáceas and Rapatáceas in flat Pediplano
(Cárdenas et al., 2007).
From studies carried out in some representative localities of the Guayano-Amazon transition region,
the main fauna records are described in a preliminary way, which can give an idea about the
biodiversity of the area. There is timely and local information, but due to the high degree of
ignorance that still prevails in certain areas, it is not representative at a regional level. In the project
area, characterization studies have been conducted on the Inírida river near urban centers, but not
in the Isana, Cuyarí and Yarí river basins, mainly due to difficult access. The REDD + project has
made a first approach about the floristic richness and diversity and has as objective in the short
and medium term to carry out the characterization of the main faunistic groups (birds, mammals,
herpes, fish and arthropods) from the execution of the mega Projects.
Fauna
Due to the limited knowledge of some fauna groups, aspects of diversity recorded mainly in areas
of the Orinoquia and Amazonia regions, bordering on the project, which due to the characteristics
of the present habitats could have species in common, were reviewed. In general terms, the
transition region could present fauna and flora from both the Orinoco and Amazonian regions. Next,
information of faunistic groups with more information and with interest for the project are presented,
such as: fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals.
Fishes
Colombia is considered the second country in diversity of freshwater fish of America, with 1,435
native species, of which 311 are considered endemic (Maldonado-Ocampo, Vari, & Usma-Oviedo,
2008), 44.4% of the total species correspond to the order Characiformes (bocachicos, piranhas,
cachamas, etc.) and 36.5% to the order Siluriformes (catfish, buckets, etc.) (Maldonado-Ocampo,
Vari, & Usma-Oviedo, 2008), which are also the most representative in rivers of the Neotropics.
One of the main rivers of the project area, the Inírida, is a tributary of the Orinoco River and the
Guainía; and other smaller rivers, such as the Isana and Cayarí, are tributaries of the Negro River,
for most of their length, they cross granites and sandbanks of the Guayanés shield, covered by
sclerophyllous forests of little size that are considered within the hydrographic zone of the Orinoco
and as a transitional Amazon-Orinoco zone (Trujillo et al., 2004).
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In the Amazonian hydrographic zone, 788 species have been reported (Maldonado-Ocampo, Vari,
& Usma-Oviedo, 2008), increasing by 35 species the 753 reported by Bogotá-Gregory &
Maldonado-Ocampo (2006). These authors register 14 orders and 47 families, with 367 species of
the order Characiformes and 228 of the order Siluriformes. This increase is mainly due to the review
of collections and new studies. Among the main basins in this area are the Guainía-Negro rivers
with 22 species and Vaupés with 24 species (Bogotá-Gregory & Maldonado-Ocampo, 2006).
Although the latter is not part of the project area, the upper basin of the Isana River has
characteristics similar to this one.
On the other hand for the Orinoquía Lasso et al. (2004) records 20 orders, 76 families and 995
species for the entire basin, of these 172 are registered for the Atabapo River (which is part of the
Inírida River Star) and 114 for the Inírida River. In the Colombian Orinoquia, the wealth is 658
species (about 46% of the Colombian wealth of sweet fish), with 56 endemic species (Maldonado-
Ocampo, Vari, & Usma-Oviedo, 2008). Lasso et al. (2004) highlights the need to increase efforts
to evaluate the aquatic environments of the Orinoquia so that the species richness figures are more
accurate.
For the region of the River Star of Inírida, northeast area of the project, Lasso et al. (2009) They
report 470 species of fish that represent 32.8% of the sweet-growing species of Colombia
(Maldonado-Ocampo, Vari, & Usma-Oviedo, 2008) grouped into 10 orders and 40 families. The
richest river in number of species is the Inírida River with 280, followed by the Atabapo (238
species) and the Guaviare (224 species) (Lasso, et al., 2009). This enormous wealth defines this
fluvial star as a place of high fish importance of the Orinoco basin. The increase in species between
that reported by Lasso (2004) for the area is 130 species for Guaviare, 170 for Inírida and 67 for
Atabapo (Lasso, et al., 2009). Miller-Hurtado (2009) in sampling in the Papunahua river (project
area in the limit with the department of Vaupés) increases the richness of the Inírida to 312 species,
making evident that the fish fauna of the region is more diverse and that they are necessary more
studies, especially in unexplored rivers that allow a better knowledge of the region.
After compiling the information about the fish fauna present in the Inírida River Star area, the
hydrographic zone of the Amazon and the Colombian Orinoquia, a total of 1,113 species were
found, probably with presence in the study area, these species are distributed in 14 orders and 63
families (Annex 10. List of Fishes). The orders Characiformes and Siluriformes group 80.3% of the
total registered species. The family with the greatest wealth is Characidae with 214 species,
followed by Loricariidae with 123 species.
The diversity figures are low for some areas of the Orinoco region, probably more due to the lack
of studies, sampling and collections in the rivers of these basins and not necessarily due to their
low diversity. Unlike the knowledge of the ichthyofauna of the northeast of the department of
Guainía (Fluvial Star), the basins of the Guainía and Río Negro rivers are minimally studied and
practically unknown in Colombia (Mojica, Fishes of the hydro-geographic zone of the Amazon,
Colombia , 1999). The number of works carried out in these basins and in Vaupés is minimal, and
in most cases sporadic collections of material have been carried out, such as Vaupés and Guainía-
Negro (Maldonado-Ocampo & Bogotá-Gregory, 2007).
Faced with this lack of knowledge, it is necessary to develop long-term projects to fill the enormous
gaps in the knowledge of the ichthyofauna of the Guainía river basin, as well as other areas
belonging to the Amazonian hydrographic region that remain virtually unknown (Maldonado-
Ocampo & Bogotá-Gregory, 2007), although new studies of the Amazonian fish fauna have been
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4
carried out, especially in the last decade, and it has been widely contributed to the knowledge of
the fish of the Amazon, this effort is still not enough (Maldonado-Ocampo & Bogotá-Gregory, 2007);
Many species that have not yet been identified or known by science are already disappearing as a
result of the lag of research with respect to the indiscriminate exploitation of the resource. The
speed with which certain species of fish disappear and become extinct is greater than the speed
with which they are discovered for science (Machado-Allison, Lasso, Usma, Sanchez-Duarte, &
Lasso-Alcala, 2010). In this sense, the native population and settlers have repeatedly reported a
decrease in the sizes of the fish caught and a shortage of certain species of large catfish that are
highly persecuted for consumption (Community Global Partnership-CGP S.A.S., 2012). These
recent changes in the exploitation of the resource evidence the growing threat to fish populations
due to uncontrolled fishing that is solely due to the economic interests of the merchants, implying
the urgency to carry out significant studies, join forces, develop inter-institutional projects and in
the long term to follow up and guarantee the sustainability of this resource in the region and the
continent (Maldonado-Ocampo & Bogotá-Gregory, 2007).
In fishing terms, of the 470-existing species in the fluvial star of the Inírida, 335 present ornamental
value and 132 food value (Lasso, et al., 2009). Fishing represents the most important source of
protein for indigenous groups in the project area and in some areas they constitute the only
available and safe source of protein intake (Machado-Allison, Lasso, Usma, Sanchez-Duarte, &
Lasso-Alcala, 2010) is also one of the activities that generates the greatest economic resources in
the region.
Another activity of economic importance for the Amazonas-Orinoco region is ornamental fishing,
where about 70% of the fish sold in Colombia are extracted, with Inírida being the largest collection
center for this resource in the country; (León-Matá, Taphron, Lasso, & Señaris, 2006); (Mancera-
Rodríguez & Álvarez-León, 2008). This activity is carried out without any control and
indiscriminately capturing the animals directly from their natural environment; It is a fairly
consolidated activity that was carried out more than 40 years ago in the Guainía (Mejia M., 1980).
So much has been taken advantage of this resource that in certain parts of the Department its
depletion has been evidenced, especially in the vicinity of Inírida. The activity is carried out
especially in the rivers of black waters of the Orinoco and Amazon basins, since they present
characteristics of high diversity of species, but very low abundances; This circumstance determines
that the wild populations are very sensitive to their exploitation. The ignorance of these populations,
about sustainable practices and management of post-harvest, result in high mortality during the
capture, storage and subsequent commercialization of the resource, which in many cases is
collected in Bogotá and exported to countries such as: Japan, United States and Europe;
generating income not only to the population of the department, but also to all people belonging to
the marketing and export chain of other regions of the country (Mancera-Rodríguez & Álvarez-
León, 2008).
5.1.2 High Conservation Values (B1.2)
High Conservation Value Threatened fish

Qualifying Attribute In the Colombian Amazon and Orinoco there are a total of 22
species under some type of threat according to the red book of
freshwater fishes of Colombia (Mojica et al., 2012). Of the 22
species 6 are in the category of Near Threatened, within this
group stands out the Tigrita stripe (Potamotrygon orbignyi), which
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5
is used as ornamental in juvenile and pre-adult stadiums and in

some remote regions of the Orinoco, adults they use for
subsistence consumption (Lasso and Sánchez-Duarte, 2012).
Like the Tigrita ray, the lungfish Lepirosiden paradoxa was not
under any category of threat in the version of the red book of
freshwater fishes of Colombia in 2002, but it was included in the
2012 version, because although it is not used for consumption, it
is known that there is a clandestine trade of juveniles as
ornamental fish, taking into account that it is the only lungfish for
South America and the low frequency of capture is considered
almost threatened (Mojica, 2012). Among the species of
consumption that are almost threatened are the cachama
(Colossoma macropomum), the spoon (Sorubim lima) and the
Pejeleño (Sorubimichthys planiceps). Within the Vulnerable
category there are 15 species, such as the motoro ray
(Potamotrygon motoro) and the macaw ray (P. schroederi) that
are used as ornamental fish in the Amazon and in the Colombian
Orinoquia.
Among the species of consumption included in the Vulnerable

category stands out the presence of the great catfish of the
genera Brachyplatystoma, Pseudoplatystoma and Zungaro
zungaro present in the two basins. The main threats are
overfishing, deforestation at the headwaters of rivers and flood
zones, dredging for material extraction, dumping of wastewater,
petrochemical derivatives and mining (Ramírez-Gil et al., 2012).
Another species considered vulnerable is the scalar
(Pterophyllum altumun), a fish that is used as ornamental, the
main threat is overfishing because it is easy to catch at night,
where an experienced fisherman can fish in a slaughter up to 200
individuals, in addition to this factor is added the fact that fishing
quotas are placed without taking into account technical studies
(Sánchez-Duarte and Lasso, 2012).
Within the category Endangered is the blue arawana

(Osteoglossum ferreirai), a species with high ornamental value
and whose distribution is restricted to the basin of the Tomo, Bita,
Tuparro and Vichada rivers. The biggest threat is the overfishing
of juveniles for ornamental trade, this, added to the low fecundity
of the species and its restricted distribution makes it considered
an endangered species (Álvarez-León and Escobar-Lizarazo,
2012).
Focal Area The biggest threat is the continuous and excessive extraction,
which is carried out with greater intensity in the region of the fluvial
star of Inírida (Lasso and Sánchez-Duarte, 2012).
Among the threats to the fauna in the region of the Colombian
Orinoquía are: The damming of waters for domestic, agricultural
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or industrial purposes, domestic, agricultural and industrial

pollution, deforestation for agricultural uses, mining, oil
development, the fluvial transport, the introduction of exotic and
transplanted species and the overfishing, activities whose
influence consists in the alteration of the hydrological and
biological cycles, with affectation of the aquatic communities
(Machado-Allison, Lasso, Usma, Sanchez-Duarte, & Lasso -
Alcala, 2010). In these conditions and perspectives, many
species have restricted their habitat, remaining isolated in very
limited sectors that will probably disappear (Mojica, Castellanos,
Usma-Oviedo, & Álvarez-León, 2002); in this scenario fish are
currently the most threatened vertebrates in the world; (Dudgeon
et al., 2005; Chapman et al., 2008); (Maldonado-Ocampo, Vari, &
Usma-Oviedo, 2008).
High Conservation Value Endemic fish

Qualifying Attribute Records of 90 endemic species were found for the region (Table
1). It is emphasized that the majority of endemisms belong to the
order Siluriformes despite not being the dominant order in terms
of species richness in the region .On the other hand, it also
highlights the high number of endemic species of the Corydoras
genus that are present both in the piedmont and in the high plains
of the Colombian Orinoquia. Within the species of the Order
Characiformes the majority of the endemisms correspond to
species with restricted distribution to the Piedmont of the Orinoco
and the Colombian Amazon, mainly in the basins of the Putumayo
and Meta rivers, they stand out for the richness in endemic
species the genera Bryconamericus, Knodus, Moenkhausia and
Hyphessobrycon with three species each and Creagrutus,
Astyanax, Leporinus and Hemibrycon with two species. Within
the Perciformes order, most of the endemic species not only have
distribution in the piedmont region, but they are also found in the
highland region as the genus Apistogramma with three endemic
species.
As for the endemisms of the entire region, the largest number of
species was found within the order Siluriformes, the genus
Pimelodella has the greatest richness with three species, while
the genera Corydoras, Ituglanis and Spatuloricaria have two
species each. From the Characiformes order six endemic species
were found for Colombia present in the EFI. From the order
Perciformes were also found six endemic species within which
stands out the fish of the genus Apistogramma represented by
two species that are used as ornamental fish.
Focal Area The high endemism of this order is due to a high presence of
species with restricted distribution to the foothills of the Orinoquia
and Colombian Amazonia. For the specific case of the fish
species present in the region of the fluvial star of Inírida (EFI),
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they are recorded according to Maldonado et al. (2008), 33

endemic species for Colombia, which is equivalent to 7% of the
470 species recorded for EFI, Annex 11. Endemic fish according
to Maldonado et al. (2008) and threatened according to Mojica
et.al. (2002, 2012) in the Guyano-Amazonica transition zone.
High Conservation Value Mammals

Qualifying Attribute For the Orinoco basin (Colombia and Venezuela) 318 species of
mammals are reported in 12 orders and 40 families, that is, 68.7%
of the Colombian mastofauna (Ferrer-Pérez, Beltran-Gutiérrez, &
Lasso, 2009). Following the pattern for Neotropical countries, the
orders Chiroptera and Rodentia are the most representative with
150 and 77 species respectively. The orders Sirenia and
Perissodactyla only have one species in the basin. In this same
study, the basin is divided into regions, with Guayana (including
the Orinoco-Amazon transition region) being the most diverse,
with 75.3% of the species Ferrer et al., (2009). Although in
Venezuela this region is larger, the project area would be framed
within it and taken into account to generate the final list of species
with probable distribution in the project area, and only those
species based on Databases (IUCN) report distribution in
Colombia. Trujillo et al., (2007) divide the Orinoco basin into
geographic subregions, the project area would be framed in the
Guayana subregions and the Orinoco-Amazon transitional zone,
since they present geological characteristics, floristics and similar
faunistics. This is how the sampling effort and the level of
knowledge for aquatic mammals, small, medium and large are
classified from low to medium, since there are few inventory
studies, mainly in the Fluvial Star of Inírida (Trujillo et al., 2007 ).
In the transition zone there are no continuous studies due to
difficult access, presenting large gaps of information (Trujillo et
al., 2007).
The wealth for the Guayana subregion is classified as high and

for the transition sub region as low with an estimated between 81
and 159 species. This is directly related to the sampling effort in
each of these subregions. For Colombia, biodiversity studies
have shown low mammalian richness in the Orinoquia (Alberico
et al., 2000). Thus, 74 species of mammals are reported for the
region in Colombia. The bat family, Phyllostomidae, has less
diversity in this region of the country (Ferrer-Pérez, Beltran-
Gutiérrez, & Lasso, 2009). Most studies in this region have an
environmental impact that is difficult to access. (Ferrer-Pérez,
Beltran-Gutiérrez, & Lasso, 2009). The department of Guainía
takes a special interest because only five jobs are reported in
relation to this group. The first work is that of Kingston et al. (1992)
made during an expedition to the Amazon in which 35 species
were recorded in the Serranía de Naquén located between the
Inírida and Cayarí rivers, surpassing the 33 species reported for
the Amazon (Amazon Radar Grammatical Project (PRORADAM),
1979) .
For the fluvial star of the Inírida, transition zone between the
Orinoquia and Amazonia that is part of the Guayana Shield, 86
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8
species of mammals were reported, in 11 orders and 28 families,

being the bats the most diverse group with 45 species. 12 species
are used in indigenous communities such as peccary, tapir,
chigüiro, among others, while the pink or boto dolphin (Inia
geoffrensis), the only aquatic mammal reported, has a cultural
and traditional use (Ferrer-Pérez, Beltran -Gutiérrez, & Lasso,
2009).
In the Ceiba, community of Guainía, samplings were carried out

in different habitats (sheets and forests) during two seasons (dry
season and rainy season) (Cadena & Angel, 1998). In this
characterization the bats were the main study group. The small
mammals were sampled mainly at the start of March and the large
mammals by direct observation, observation of tracks and
surveys. Thus, 50 species of mammals were recorded, 41 of them
bats and nine of small and large mammals. The most common
species is Carollia perspicillata, frugivorous bat of the
Phyllostomidae family, other recorded species were medium and
large mammals such as: Agouti paca (paca), Terrestrial tapirus
(tapir) and Hydrochaerus hydrocaerus (chigüiro) (Cadena &
Angel, 1998).
For the Puinawai Nature Reserve, 28 species of bats were

recorded, the most abundant being the Phyllostomidae family
with 24 species. Most species are frugivorous, although
nectarivorous and insectivorous species were also found,
indicating that in the reserve you can find generalist species and
specialists due to the availability of resources and shelters
(Muñoz-Saba & Repizzo, 2001), which would be very similar to
what is in the project area. As for the non-flying mammals, 36
species were reported in 7 orders, with the primates being the
most diverse with 10 species (Muñoz-Saba & Repizzo, 2001).
The presence of large mammals in the reserve indicates the high
degree of conservation of the same, since it is the primates and
carnivores that are affected in the first instance by degradation of
the ecosystem when losing habitats, although it is assumed that
it has low densities due to its Oligotrophic ecosystems (Muñoz-
Saba & Repizzo, 2001).
In the Amazon, particularly, there have been few studies of this

group and they have focused on the ecology and behavior of
primates. Studies on hunting are those that offer information
about large mammals, such as cats, tapirs and deer (Montenegro,
2007). For the south of the Colombian Amazon, about 195
species have been reported, in 15 orders of which the most
diverse is Quiroptera with 103 species (Montenegro, 2007).
In the Amazon, 56 species of mammals have some risk of threat

in the Guiana Shield region (Rodríguez, 1998; Rodríguez-
Mahecha, Alberico, Trujillo-Gonzáles, & Jorgenson, 2006) .The
main uses that the community gives to this group , they are sports
hunting, subsistence, cultural, as pets, trade and zoocria (Trujillo-
Gonzáles F., Beltran-Gutiérrez, Diaz-Pulido, Ferrer-Pérez, &
Payán, 2010).
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9
For the Amazon only one endemic species is registered, a bat

reported for the Vaupés and the Serranía de Chiribiquete
(Lonchorhina marinkellei). Although the geological processes of
the region that have generated rocky outcrops of the Guyanese
Shield, they behave like islands with processes of endemism
(Trujillo-Gonzáles F., Beltran-Gutiérrez, Diaz-Pulido, Ferrer-
Pérez, & Payán, 2010). Colombia is defined as a relatively poor
country in terms of endemism there are only 28 endemic species,
where most are rodents (21 species) (Alberico et al., 2000).The
greatest amount of biomass is represented in arboreal species
which indicates the importance of the structure of the forests to
understand the ecological characteristics of these communities
and also in terrestrial species such as ungulates (Montenegro,
2007). Most mammals in the Amazon are small frigivores,
hervores, flying or arboreal. The carrying capacity of the
ecosystem for the project area should be evaluated, and in this
way determine if this occurs because the pattern for tropical
forests is followed or due to the carrying capacity of the area. It is
also important to carry out long-term studies on distribution,
ecology, population densities and sustainability of hunting, among
others (Montenegro, 2007).
In general terms, the study of aquatic mammals in the Amazon
has been carried out mainly towards the south of the region, in
Puerto Nariño (Amazonas), where counts have been made to
estimate abundance and studies on some ecological,
conservation and interaction aspects with fisheries, which is one
of the threats that these animals have (Trujillo et al., 2007). In this
sense, it is necessary to characterize fishing and to carry out
fisheries management agreements that, in addition to protecting
the fish resource, protect aquatic mammals.
According to resolution 0192 of 2014 of the Ministry of

Environment and Sustainable Development (Ministry of
Environment and Sustainable Development-MADS, 2014), there
are 10 threatened wild species in Colombia. The jaguar (NT) and
the tapir (CR) are some of them. Thirty (30) species are found in
any of the Appendices of the CITES Convention, 13 (species not
necessarily threatened, with trade under restriction to avoid
incompatibility with survival), most primates (spider monkey,
churuco, marmosets, howlers). (Species threatened with
extinction with trade allowed under strict regulation and
authorization) there are 10 species, including jaguar, puma,
tigrillos, manatee, dolphin and otters. In general, species that are
in high threat categories and have been subjected to great
pressure for hunting and habitat destruction. (Species that are
protected in at least one country, which has requested the
assistance of other CITES Parties to control their trade), nine
species are found, including the white-tailed deer and the
anteater.
In general, the threats to mammals are the fragmentation and
reduction of natural habitat that are due to the growth of anthropic,
extractive and commercial activities as well as drastic climate
changes (Trujillo-Gonzales F., Beltran-Gutiérrez, Diaz-Pulido,
Ferrer- Pérez, & Payán, 2010). Among the most exploited species
in the Orinoquia are: the ocelot (Leopardus pardalis), the tiger cat
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0
(Leopardus wiedii), the jaguar (Panthera onca) and the tapir

(Tapirus terrestris) (Trujillo-Gonzáles F., Beltran-Gutiérrez, Diaz-
Pulido, Ferrer-Pérez, & Payan, 2010).In the case of dolphins, a
high mortality associated with fishing nets (monofilament) has
been identified, especially offspring and juveniles, habitat
degradation and fragmentation are also considered causes of
threat (Trujillo et al., 2007). For its part, the manatee has suffered
high hunting pressure especially during periods of seasonal
transition, when they move between lakes, tributaries and major
rivers (Trujillo et al., 2007). Negative interaction with fisheries and
alteration of habitat due to the destruction of riparian vegetation
and modification of channels are also the most common threats
to otters (Trujillo et al., 2007). It is important to design
management plans and evaluation of the density and carrying
capacity of the environment in order to implement conservation
policies.
Although the richness and endemism of species of indicator

groups such as mammals reflect different patterns of geographic
distribution, these measures of biodiversity are often used as
tools for the prioritization of conservation areas (Olson et al.,
2001).
Etter in 2001 (Etter, 2001) reports for the country 45 protected

areas, eight of them in the Amazon and for the Amazonian region
of Guayanesa it recognizes little information and few ecological
and biodiversity studies. This situation has not changed greatly.
Yes, in the Fluvial Star of Inírida, specific studies have been
carried out aimed at the declaration process of the RAMSAR
area, other areas of the shield are totally unexplored.
In the Department of Guainía is the Puinawai National Natural

Reserve, legally declared by resolution 123 of September 21,
1989. This reserve represents characteristics notable of the
Guayanés shield, includes landscapes / ecosystems of the
eastern tropical peneplain. Although it is not recognized as a zone
of high biodiversity, it is characterized by a heterogeneous pattern
of its ecosystems due to the variety of substrate conditions, where
different habitats with vegetation types with a variable
physiognomy and composition are appreciated (Etter, 2001),
what makes it that these ecosystems are highly fragile, due to soil
poverty, climatic dynamics, susceptibility to erosion and risks of
degradation of biological and cultural richness (IGAC, 1979, Etter,
1992, Botero et al., 1999).
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1
Focal Area Taking into account the collection of bibliographic information on

the species present in areas of influence and in the Amazonian
and Orinoco regions, 209 species of mammals with a probability
of being found were registered for the project area. The order with
more species was Chiroptera with 56.4% of the species (118
species) in eight families, followed by Rodentia with the same
number of families but only 12.4% (26) of the species. The orders
Carnivora and Primates have 19 and 12 species respectively and
the least diverse are Sirenia (manatee), Perissodactyla (tapir) and
Lagomorpha (rabbit) with one species each.
Of these, 24 species are under some category of threat according

to IUCN (2015), six with Data Deficient (DD), three at risk (EN),
six Near Threatened (NT) and eight Vulnerable (VU). The order
with more threatened species is Carinivora, with three felines, two
tigrillos and the jaguar (NT and VU), two canids, bush dogs (NT)
and two otters (NT and EN). Bats and primates have three
threatened species each.
In the workshop Conservation Priorities for the Guiana Shield,

priority areas were defined for the conservation of biodiversity,
among these two stand out for the department of Guainía, the
Serranía de Naquén (with an area of 2307 km2) and the basin of
the Atapabo-Inírida rivers (9771 km 2). For the Serranía de
Naquén, the attributes of biological importance were taken into
account, such as the presence of plant communities of interest
and avifauna. This area defines a possible high biological
importance because it could be the western limit of distribution of
some Guayanese taxa. The area still remains in a good state of
conservation, whose threats are relatively local and of low
intensity at present. The greatest pressure on this area is given
by mining activities (Conservación Internacional, 2003).
As a result of the First Binational Workshop (Colombia-

Venezuela) on the Identification of Priority Areas for the
Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity in the Orinoco
Basin, with the participation of more than 32 institutions. Valuation
criteria of biological importance as richness, endemic species and
threatened species, and the assessment of threats-pressures
were taken into account. Areas for the conservation of the
biodiversity of the Orinoco basin, which contains territories of the
Guainía, were prioritized. The area within this department is the
so-called Fluvial Star of the Inírida River that includes the Atabapo
River, Inírida and mouth of the Guaviare, which in turn form the
Orinoco River (Lasso et al., 2010).
The River Star Atabapo-Inirida and Corridor Bajo Orinoco-Delta

South, Northeast of the Department of Guainía, was listed as a
priority for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.
The area was described in terms of flora and vegetation as "a
priority for the conservation of the flora and vegetation of this
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2
basin ... taking into account the richness, endemism, endangered

species, species with use value and ecological processes". It is
worth mentioning that animal groups of insects, fish, amphibians,
mammals and birds were also proposed conservation areas that
are also located in the Department of Guainia (Lasso et al., 2011).
It is important to bear in mind that the poverty of the soils of the
region affects the high fragility of these ecosystems (Etter, 2001),
and the region is being taken into account to be declared a
RAMSAR site (with the objective of contributing to conservation).
and the wise use of wetlands) for Colombia (MinAmbiente, 2013).
In this sense, this extensive region of Guayana Shield would

require more effort than has been achieved so far to be detailed,
therefore it is considered relatively pristine (Aymard, 2010) and
lacking in joint studies (Giraldo-Cañas, 2001). It is noteworthy that
during the expert meeting of the Guiana Shield of Colombia,
Venezuela, Brazil, French Guiana, Suriname and Guyana, it was
concluded that the region has one of the last pristine places on
the planet, with the highest percentage of intact tropical moist
forest and lower population density than any other humid forest
(Conservación Internacional, 2003).
High Conservation Value Endangered Species
Qualifying Attribute Although much botanical and zoological knowledge is still lacking
in the Guayano-Amazonian transition region (Lasso et al., 2010),
records of species at some risk (according to the categories of the
International Union for Conservation of IUCN) are presented
below in this region and surroundings.
The fish are a group that already have numerous records of

threatened species, although there is still a long way to go to know
how many species actually exist. Currently there are 16 species
of fish with some threat risk (Mojica et al 2002, Machado et al.,
2010); of these species the large catfish (Brachyplatystoma sp.
and Pseudoplatystoma sp.) are the most threatened group due to
their exploitation as a fishery resource, consequently this group
has seen its populations and sizes diminished. It is recommended
to replace its capture with other species and to deepen the
knowledge of the populations (Lasso et al., 2010).
In relation to mammals, there are 54 species with a risk of threat.

Of these species, the Tapir (Tapirus terrestris) is classified as
critically endangered, followed by the Manatee (Trichechus
manatus), the giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) and the giant
armadillo (Priodontes maximus) species classified as
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3
endangered, followed by 17 species in vulnerable category, 17 in

low risk and 16 with poor information (Rodríguez, 1998,
Rodríguez-Mahecha et al., 2006, Trujillo et al., 2010).
Restrepo et al (2010) makes the nomination of important areas

for bird conservation (AICAS) taking into account the state of
knowledge, the presence of threats, the ecological importance
and the possibilities to manage conservation. The proposed
areas present heterogeneity of environments and processes
where the permanence of avifauna in the region is guaranteed.
Thus, the Fluvial Star of Inírida is the porpoised area that lies
within the project area and comprises from the mouth of the
Atabapo to the Laguna Negra and Caño Bocón to the west
including the northern vega of Guaviare to the Mavicure hills. This
region was called RAMSAR place in the year 2014.
Focal Area Project area.
High Conservation Value Region of Amazonas-Orinoco transition.

Amphibians and reptiles
Qualifying Attribute Colombia ranks second in the world in amphibian diversity
(Acosta-Galvis, 2015); (Rueda-Almonacid, Lynch, & Amezquita,
2004), with 763 species (Frost, 2013) and the third in diversity of
reptiles (Andrade-C, 2011), with 631 species (Uaetz, 2011). One
of the main causes of the taxonomic, ecological and
biogeographical ignorance of the herpetofauna in some areas of
the Orinoco basin is accessibility. The studies that have been
developed are concentrated in the Orinocense hill region, with no
knowledge of the Amazonian biogeographic subregion
(Conservación Internacional, 2003); (Acosta-Galvis, Señaris,
Rojas-Runjaic, & Riaño-Pinzón, 2010), which corresponds to the
northern region of Amazonas-Orinoco transition, northeast area
of the project. The sampling effort is also very low for this sub-
region (Acosta-Galvis, Señaris, Rojas-Runjaic, & Riaño-Pinzón,
2010).
Focal Area Orinoco basin.
High Conservation Value Region of Amazonas-Orinoco transition.

Amphibians
Qualifying Attribute For the Orinoco basin (Colombia and Venezuela), 266 species of
amphibians have been reported (Acosta-Galvis, Señaris, Rojas-
Runjaic, & Riaño-Pinzón, 2010). The order Anura is the most
diverse with 256 species, mainly of the family Hylidae (75
species), while the orders Gymnophiona and Caudata have
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4
seven and three species respectively (Acosta-Galvis, Señaris,

Rojas-Runjaic, & Riaño-Pinzón, 2010). For the basin in Colombia,
Caro-Cruz and Ardila (2006), in review of the collection of the
Institute of Natural Sciences (ICN) report 82 species represented
in 35 genera and 11 families, being the families of Anura, Hyilidae
(29 species) and Leptodactylidae (26 species) the richest.
Specifically, for the Amazon subregion of the Orinoco basin, 10
Anura species were recorded, most of the Hylidae family and one
species of the order Caudata (Bolitoglossa altamazonica)
(Acosta-Galvis, Señaris, Rojas-Runjaic, & Riaño- Pinzón, 2010).
However, this figure is low and does not reflect the real diversity,
since as it was said before, there are no samplings or inventories
for this subregion (Acosta-Galvis, Señaris, Rojas-Runjaic, &
Riaño-Pinzón, 2010). Table 2 shows the species for this sub-
region since it is the one that could have the greatest similarity
and have species shared with the project area.
Focal Area Region of Amazonas-Orinoco transition.
High Conservation Value Region of Amazonas-Orinoco transition. The Inírida River, in the
fluvial star of Inírida. Amphibians
Qualifying Attribute The Inírida River is part of the project area in its northeast
boundary, in the fluvial star of Inírida have been reported, in dry
season, 16 species of amphibians increasing to 31 with records
of seizures of the Autonomous Corporations of the region and
secondary information (Renjifo, Lasso, & Morales-Betancourt,
2009). The group was represented exclusively by anurans, with
the Hylidae family being the most important (Table 2). Although
these are low values, for the time of sampling, the herpetofauna
of the region is estimated at more than 100 species (Renjifo,
Lasso, & Morales-Betancourt, 2009) (Table 2).
For the Inírida River, in the La Ceiba community, 21 species of

amphibians were recorded in different habitats such as the
flooded forest, the savanna and the savannas of the mainland,
among others (Lynch, 1998). Some of the species collected were
the common toad Rhinella marinade with a wide distribution in
Colombia, the canopy frogs Phyllomedusa bicolor,
Osteocephalus oophagus and Osteocephalus lepriuerii and the
flooded forest frog Hypsiboas wavrinide with distribution also in
the Amazon. Other species collected by Lynch (1998) were
Aparasphenodon venezolanus which is a species of catinga and
Pseudopaludicola llanera which is a species of plains of the
plains. In this study, collections were made in two different
seasons, dry and humid, in the latter six species were collected
more than in the dry season, suggesting the need for greater
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5
sampling effort and at different times. In this sense the collection

of O. oophagus was the first record of the species for Colombia
and in the case of other species collected were the records further
north, showing that the fauna is largely unknown and that studies
and collections are necessary, especially in unexplored areas.
High Conservation Value Region of Amazonas-Orinoco transition. Amphibians

Qualifying Attribute In general terms, the amphibian species found in the Orinoquia
are shared with Colombia and Venezuela, especially in the sub-
region of the Llanos (Acosta-Galvis, Señaris, Rojas-Runjaic, &
Riaño-Pinzón, 2010), there being few cases of registered
endemisms. Among the endemic species for the Colombian
Orinoquia are Allobates juanii in critical danger of extinction
according to the IUCN (2015), with distribution in the department
of Meta at 580 masl, its distribution in the project area should be
verified.
Annex 12. List of amphibian species present in the Amazon sub
region (A) of the Orinoco basin according to Acosta et al. (2010),
in the Fluvial Star of Inírida (EFI) according to Rengifo et al.
(2009), on the banks of the Inírida River in La Ceiba (LCb)
according to Lynch (1998) and for the South of the Amazon (SA)
according to Lynch (2007) (* = endemic to Colombia).
Although the southern region of the Amazon is far from the project
area, it can be assumed that, among the Amazonian, Orinoco and
Guayanian regions, species are shared due to the connectivity of
the Orinoco River, the Orinoco savannas and the Amazonian
forest (Renjifo, Lasso, & Morales-Betancourt, 2009). Thus, for the
lowlands of the southern region of the Amazon, 140 species, 131
anurans, one salamander and eight caecilians are reported
(Lynch, 2007). Table 2 shows only the species of this region that
are in some degree of threat according to the IUCN (2015) and
the Red Book of Amphibians (Rueda-Almonacid, Lynch, &
Amezquita, 2004) and that by distribution could be found in the
project area.
One of the species (Ameerega ingeri) listed for these areas is

threatened by the Red Book of Amphibians of Colombia (Rueda-
Almonacid, Lynch, & Amezquita, 2004) in the Critical Hazard
category (CR), 6 species are found in the Appendices Cites I
(species threatened with extinction with trade allowed under strict
regulation and authorization) and II (species not necessarily
threatened, with trade under restriction to avoid incompatibility
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 22

6
with survival) and the majority are considered in minor concern by

the IUCN (2015) .
According to the compilation of bibliography for the project area,

41 species of amphibians are registered in two orders and 9
families. Only one species in the order Caudata and the rest in
the order Anura. The families with the most records are Hylidae
(15 species) and Leptodactylidae (8 species), both families with
frogs of different habitats (arboreal, terrestrial, fossorial).
The main threats to amphibians in Colombia are of anthropogenic

origin such as the destruction and deterioration of natural habitats
due to deforestation, degradation and agriculture, the introduction
of exotic species and the commercial over-exploitation of some
species (Rueda-Almonacid, Lynch, & Amezquita, 2004). The
contamination of water where the first stages of life pass, the
deterioration and fragmentation of ecosystems due to changes in
temperature and humidity makes them especially vulnerable.
Increasing agricultural activities, mining and hydrocarbons, are

the main threats to the herpetical fauna of the region, because
they modify the structure of the original environments and exert a
significant pressure on the species, generating deforestation and
pollution processes with agrochemicals It also registers the
introduction of exotic species that compete with native species
and the detection of pathogenic fungi of amphibians (Acosta-
Galvis, Señaris, Rojas-Runjaic, & Riaño-Pinzón, 2010).
Thus, in samples taken near Leticia it is suggested that anthropic

activity affects amphibian diversity and that the group can be
considered an indicator to determine intervention levels (Lynch,
2007), alteration, fragmentation of natural habitat, presence of
agrochemical contaminants and climate change among others
(Señaris, 2009). For the Leticia region, the loss of native species
in highly modified areas was estimated at 90% (Lynch, 2007).
High Conservation Value Region of Amazonas-Orinoco transition. Orinoco basin.

Reptiles
Qualifying Attribute For the Orinoco basin (Colombia and Venezuela) 290 reptile
species have been registered, 7.2% of them endemic. Snakes
(Order Squamata, Suborder Serpentes) are the most diverse
group with 167 species, followed by lizards (Order Squamata,
Suborders Amphisbaenia and Sauria) with 77, turtles (Order
Testudines) with 16, amphibians with five and crocodiles (Order
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 22

7
Crocodylia ) with four species (Acosta-Galvis, Señaris, Rojas-

Runjaic, & Riaño-Pinzón, 2010).
In review of different collections in the country, for the basin in

Colombia, 128 species of reptiles were recorded, this represents
24% of the country's reptiles (Trujillo, 2015). The Squamata Order
with three Amphisbanes, 40 lizards and 71 snakes, is the richest
order in the region. The orders Crocodylia and Testudines, have
four and 10 species respectively (Trujillo, 2015). For the basin
region of the basin, the region closest to the project area and the
richest in the Orinoquia, 106 species of 24 families were
registered, with 21 species exclusive of this region (Table 3)
(Trujillo, 2015). However, these figures, as in the case of
amphibians, may not represent the true diversity of the region due
to the absence of studies and inventories especially in areas of
difficult access (Trujillo, 2015), as is the case of the area of the
project.For the department of Vichada, northeast limit of the
project area, 61 species were registered, snakes being the most
abundant group with 21 species (Trujillo, 2015). In the
biogeographical subregion of the Amazon basin of the Orinoco
basin only 14 species of reptiles are recorded, being seven
lizards, four snakes, two crocodiles and one turtle (Acosta-Galvis,
Señaris, Rojas-Runjaic, & Riaño-Pinzón, 2010),. For the Fluvial
Star of Inírida, as with amphibians, 18 species of reptiles have
been reported, increasing to 31 species with lists of the
Autonomous Corporations of the region (Renjifo, Lasso, &
Morales-Betancourt, 2009). Three orders were registered,
Crocodylia, Squamata with the Colubridae family as the most
representative and Testudines, the most representative
Podocnemididae family with five species (Renjifo, Lasso, &
Morales-Betancourt, 2009). Castaño and Vargas (1998) report for
the community of La Ceiba 38 species of reptiles with the families
Dipsadidae and Colubridae as the richest with 14 species in
different habitats present as aquatic, terrestrial, arboreal, high
forest, flood forest and savannas, all present in the project area.
The aquatic habitats were the richest in reptiles in La Ceiba and
are those that present species of greater importance to the
community for being food resources such as: the chipiro
(Podocnemis erythrocephala), the turtle terecay (P. unifilis) and
the cachirre (Caiman) crocodilus) (Castaño & Vargas, 1998). The
species of crocodilians and turtles are the most representative of
the group and with a wider distribution, which is why they are
reported in almost all studies conducted in the region.
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 22

8
High Conservation Value South of the Amazon. Reptiles

Qualifying Attribute In the south of the Amazon, 192 species of reptiles have been
reported, snakes being the most abundant (112 species),
followed by lizards (60 species), turtles (13 species) and
crocodiles (4 species) (Castro, 2007). The richest snake families
are Colubridae (90 species), Elapidae (12 species) and Viperidae
(10 species).
Taking into account the above information and the bibliographic

collection, it is expected that at least 70 species of reptiles will be
found in the project area, Squamata being the most
representative order, with the Serpentes and Sauria groups the
richest with 27 and 24 species respectively. Within the snakes,
the Dipsadidae family is the richest with 13 species and among
the lizards is Teiidae with seven. The order Testudines with 15
species and the Crocodylia with four species, although the least
diverse, represent the groups with more species in some degree
of threat, which makes them key species for conservation. In the
case of turtles, most of them are aquatic or semi-aquatic habits,
which indicates the importance of these types of environments for
these animals.
The group presents few endemisms for the region and for
Colombia. Trujillo (2015) records only four endemic species of
Colombia present in the Orinoquia, since the region is relatively
young and there have been no speciation processes. Being the
ecological and climatic characteristics that define the distribution
of the species in this region. Additionally, for being a border area,
many of the species are shared with Venezuela and Brazil.
Annex 13. List of some reptile species present in the Amazon sub
region (A) of the Orinoco basin according to Acosta et al. (2010),
in the Fluvial Star of Inírida (EFI) according to Rengifo et al.
(2009), on the banks of the Inírida River in La Ceiba (LCb)
according to Castaño and Vargas (1998), the Altillanura
according to Trujillo (2015) and for the South of the Amazon (SA)
according to Castro (2007) (* = endemic to Colombia)
Annex 14. List of Species.
There are few studies conducted on these groups, especially

Squamata have been less documented than crocodiles or turtles,
in general the biology and ecology of most species is unknown,
taxonomic approaches abound and population and monitoring
studies are scarce to evaluate its current situation (Castro, 2007).
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9
High Conservation Value Region of Amazonas-Orinoco transition. Reptiles

Qualifying Attribute
Reptiles are a highly vulnerable group and are threatened by
direct or indirect anthropic pressure (Castaño-Mora, 2004). They
are used by humans to consume eggs, young and adults because
they are an important source of protein. They are also highly
vulnerable to changes in the ecosystem and are also illegally
marketed (Trujillo-Gonzáles F., Beltran-Gutiérrez, Diaz-Pulido,
Ferrer-Pérez, & Payan, 2010). In the community of La Ceiba, for
example, three threats to reptiles were recognized: deterioration
of gallery forests, sacrifice of species considered dangerous such
as snakes and overexploitation for consumption (Castaño &
Vargas, 1998).
Of the species reported for the areas surrounding the project, 14

species are registered with some threat risk in Colombia,
according to Castaño-Mora (2004). In Critical State it was defined
that they were the species of Cayman of the Orinoco (Crocodylus
intermedius), in Danger are the Morroco and (Geochelone
denticulata) and the black alligator (Melanosuchusniger),
Vulnerable is the red turtle (Rhinemys rufipes), as Near
Threatened species there is the matamata turtle (Chelus
fimbriatus) and as species in Minor concern there is the smooth-
browed alligator obabilla (Paleosuchus palpebrosus) and the
cachirre (Paleosuchustrigo natus). In the case of crocodilians one
of the traditional threats has been hunting for economic use, use
for food and assault on nests for egg consumption or trade in
offspring, as is the case of the Orinoco crocodile (C. intermedius).
Additionally, habitat fragmentation and degradation has become
one of the main threats.
Tortoises and freshwater turtles are another of the most

threatened groups of reptiles, this threat is mainly, as in
crocodilians, in the use for human consumption, assault on nests
and degradation of environments, especially nesting beaches. It
should include the illegal trade of offspring as pets (Cataño-Mora,
2002).
A study of the charapa turtle (Podocnemis expansa), a large

turtle that has been persecuted for its meat, eggs and oil, mainly
shows that in recent years the main pressure on its populations,
in the Caquetá River, was the dredging gold that eliminated
numerous beaches used for nesting. The nests were also looted
and the adults captured for food. Evidence, also, lack of control
on the part of the authorities (Monje, Martínez, & Vargas, 2007).
Although not only a species of snake and lizard are found in the
list of endangered species in the country, they should not be
considered free of threat, but on the contrary there is great
ignorance about their biology and mainly about the real
distribution of the species of these groups (Cataño-Mora, 2002).
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 23

0
High Conservation Value Region of Amazonas-Orinoco. Birds

Qualifying Attribute Colombia is the first bird diversity country in the world with 1,903
species (Donegan, McMullan, Quevedo, & Salaman, 2013) and
67 endemic species have been reported (Andrade-C, 2011), 96
almost endemic and 112 to some degree of threat (Rengifo,
Franco-Maya, Amaya-Espinel, Kattan, & López-Lanus, 2002).
Among the zoological groups, birds are the best known group and
receive the most popular attention compared to any other group
including botanists (Rengifo, Franco-Maya, Amaya-Espinel,
Kattan, & López-Lanus, 2002). The first conservation areas
declared in Colombia were for the purpose of conserving their
avifauna.
The Orinoquia constitutes a bridge with the Amazon for the

exchange of species, due to its geographical and abiotic
characteristics, geological history and ecological factors that
determine the presence of a great biological diversity which is
reflected in unique ecosystems and endemic species. However,
the avifauna of the Colombian Orinoquia is not widely studied.
The 2008 Biodiversity Report, in the analysis of the state of
knowledge of the avifauna of the Colombian Orinoquia, records
816 species for this region (north of the Guaviare River)
corresponding to 42% of the country's wealth (Umaña-Villaveces,
Murillo, Restrepo-Calle, & Álvarez, 2008), being the departments
of Vichada and Meta the richest with 504 and 747 species
respectively. In terms of basins, the lower basin of the Guaviare
River, the closest to the project area, has 346 species (Umaña-
Villaveces, Murillo, Restrepo-Calle, & Álvarez, 2008).
In the Puinawai Nature Reserve (Muñoz-Saba & Repizzo, 2001),

perhaps the region with the greatest similarities to the project
area, 90 species were recorded in 34 families. Most species were
insectivorous and only a few scavengers. Ramphocelus carbo
(cardinal silver peak), one of the most abundant species is a
generalist species, which is found in areas of stubble and feeds
on a variety of fruits. As in other taxonomic groups, the
Amazonian orinoquense transition region is the least studied and
in terms of avifauna, sampling efforts are low due to access
restrictions, so the level of knowledge is very low (Restrepo,
Lentino, & Naranjo, 2010). However, this transition region has a
high estimated richness, with more than 500 species, related to
the Amazonian influence expressed in greater heterogeneity of
habitats (Restrepo, Lentino, & Naranjo, 2010).
In the northern region of Amazonia, specifically in the department

of Guainía, community of La Ceiba, about 200 species of 47
families were recorded with the Tyrannidae (trapmoscase, 24
species), Formicariidae (antbirds, 14 species) and Trochilidae
(hummingbirds), 11 species) the most representative. At the time
of the study, some of the records such as that of Myiobius
atricaudus (small flycatcher) was of great importance because it
is the easternmost record of the Andes of this species, and may
be a new subspecies for the country. Most of the species in La
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Ceiba (87 species) were recorded in forest areas being species

that use the forest exclusively (55 species) or that enter and leave
it (32 species) as canopy species. Followed by the group of forest
edge species and secondary growth forest (53 species). 20
aquatic species were recorded, 14 being exclusive of this
environment and 6 associated with forest (Stiles, 1998).
For the south of the Colombian Amazon there are 988 registered
species, distributed in 18 orders and 58 families (Mejia et al.,
2010). The most representative order was Passeriformes with
589 species with 59.6% of the species. Within this order, the most
abundant families were Emberizidae with 142 species (14.4%)
and Tyrannidae with 134 species (13.5%). The second order in
importance was Apodiformes with 77 species and the third,
Pisciformes with 71 species (Mejia et al., 2010). For this region,
80 migratory species, 46 boreal migratory species (from the
northern hemisphere), 31 austral migrants (from the southern
hemisphere) and 3 local migrant species were recorded, and only
five are considered endemic (Mejia et al., 2010).
According to the bibliographic review of the ornithofauna found in

the Amazonian and Orinoquense regions and taking into account
the place of capture or sighting and the geographical distribution
of these according to databases (Biodiversity Information System
of Colombia-SiB, 2015), a total of 515 species were recorded with
probability of being found in the project area. The order with the
most records was Passeriformes with 56.5% (291 species), in 23
families. It contrasts with the second and third order with more
species, Falconiformes, with only 5.8% (30 spp) of the species
registered in 3 families and Apodiformes with an equal number of
species in 2 families. The other orders have 19 or less species in
4 or less families. The family with the most records was
Tyrannidae (Passeriformes, flycatchers) with 71 species, followed
by Thamnophilidae (antbirds) with 44. It should be noted that
many species are forest and savanna species with particular
habits. Few aquatic or semi-aquatic species were recorded.
For the south of the Amazon, Mejia et al. (2008) recorded many
more species than what is listed in the project area, since only
those that according to the databases have or could have
geographic distribution within the project were taken into account.
Due to this diversity figures are low compared to each other. In
the Amazon there have been several studies, especially in the
foothills and in the Amazonian trapeze in the Leticia region (Mejia
et al., 2008), but little has been studied about the transition region.
Indicating that studies are needed in the project area to determine
with greater certainty the avifauna of the area. Although there is
some data for the Naquén mountain range and the Puinawai
Natural Reserve (Muñoz and Repizzo, 2001), the registered
species are very few and it seems that the sampling effort has
been low.
For the project area the use value of the birds is high, with species
of interest for hunting and ornamental (Restrepo, Lentino, &
Naranjo, 2010), in this sense some species of birds such as
turkeys and cracids are a source of protein which also takes
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advantage of the eggs (Gómez, 2007) (Mejia, Umaña, & Álvarez,

2007). The feathers especially of toucans, parrots and macaws
are raw materials in handicrafts (Gómez, 2007) (Mejia, Umaña, &
Álvarez, 2007).
According to surveys carried out in different settlements in the

project area in the Cuyarí-Isana reservation (Ciprogress
Greenlife, 2016), some species of birds have been hunted mainly
for consumption, such as the turkey (see Penelope jacquacu, cf
Nothocrax urumutum)), the paujil (Crax spp. and Mitu sp), the
redfish (Rallidae spp), the tente (see Psophia crepitans) and the
needle duck (Anhinga anhinga), the paujil being more frequent.
These species, many of the Cracidae family, have been recorded
in diets of the indigenous people of the Orinoco basin (Trujillo-
Gonzáles, Jiménez, Aldana, Rodríguez, & Caro, 2011) and of the
Amazon (Gómez, 2007). In concordance with the registered for
the south of the Amazon bird hunting is a planned activity (De la
Hoz, 2007) and is usually done with shotguns or traps (Ciprogress
Greenlife, 2016).
High Conservation Value Region of Amazonas-Orinoco.

Endemic, threatened and migratory birds
Qualifying Attribute
Birds of the Amazon in general terms have wide geographical
distribution (Ridgely & Tudor, 1989) and only one endemic
species has been described in the Serrania de Chiribiquete, the
emerald hummingbird of Chiribiquete, Chlorostilbon olivaresi
(Trochilidae) (Styles, 1996). For the Orinoquia, there are low
levels of endemism with approximately 2 endemic species, due to
the extension of the habitats, the wide distribution of the species
in the basin is guaranteed and the majority have distribution in the
portion of the basin in Venezuela, the endemics of the Basin occur
in the region of the Tepuyes (Restrepo, Lentino, & Naranjo, 2010).
Regarding the level of threat, for the Orinoco basin it is very low,
since the threat processes are very dispersed (Restrepo, Lentino,
& Naranjo, 2010), which is observed in the project area where
processes are evident of mining on the banks of the Cayarí River
mainly (Ciprogress Greenlife, 2016). For the south of the Amazon
14 species are threatened and are reported in the red book of
birds of Colombia among them the alipunteado parakeet
(Touitstictoptera), the Colombian timanou (Crypturellus
columbianus), the crested eagle (Oroaetusisidori) and the
Colombian monkey (Hypopyrrhuspyrohypogaster) (Mejia et al.,
2010), however, these species have a distribution close to the
foothills and are not listed for the project area.
Of the species with possibility of being found in the project area,

two are threatened according to the red book of birds of Colombia
(2004), the paujil (Crax globulosa) in Critically Endangered due to
the transformation of its habitat and the pressure for hunting and
the harpy eagle (Harpia harpyja) Almost Threatened due to the
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degradation of the environment that makes it vulnerable due to its

low population density and the low reproduction rate (Rengifo,
Franco-Maya, Amaya-Espinel, Kattan, & López -Lanus, 2002).
According to the IUCN (2015), in the project area there are 17

species with some risk of extinction, 10 Near Threatened and six
Vulnerable from different families, mainly due to habitat
destruction. Among the species at risk, three are from the family
Cracidae, in addition to C. globulosa; C. alector and Mitu
tomentosum are considered Vulnerable, the first and Endangered
the second. 81 species are found in any of the Appendices of the
CITES Convention (Convention on International Trade in
Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), most of them (74
species) in Appendix II (species not necessarily threatened, with
low trade restriction to avoid incompatibility with survival). In this
Appendix you can find species of birds of prey, hummingbirds,
toucans and parrots and macaws that are characterized as
striking birds that are used in commerce as pets. Three species
are found in Appendix I (species threatened with extinction with
trade allowed under strict regulation and authorization), the harpy
eagle, the peregrine falcon and the yellow macaw, species with
great pressure for hunting, commercial use as pets and
vulnerability to degradation of habitat. In Appendix III (species that
are protected in at least one country, which has requested the
assistance of other CITES Parties to control their trade) there are
four species: the king gallinazo, the creole duck (Cairina
moschata), the paujil (C. globulosa) and a cotinga (Cephalopterus
ornatus).
Among the main causes of threats to birds are deforestation,

agricultural and livestock activities, which modify the fire regime,
urbanization, trade and hunting, timber extraction, illicit crops,
pollution, mining, destruction of wetlands, erosion, introduced
species, domestic animals, transformation of the flood regime and
natural disasters (Andrade-C, 2011). This as a cause of the
destruction and fragmentation of habitats and in addition to
hunting have led species to a situation of population decline
(Rengifo, Franco-Maya, Amaya-Espinel, Kattan, & López-Lanus,
2002). All this doing, in addition, to increase the substitution of
species by other more tolerant negatively affecting local bird
wealth (Restrepo, Lentino, & Naranjo, 2010). Pet trafficking is
another cause of threat and affects 34 species (Rengifo, Franco-
Maya, Amaya-Espinel, Kattan, & López-Lanus, 2002).
The Amazon or the Orinoquia are not particularly areas with a

large number of threatened species. For the conservation of birds
in Colombia, in addition to specific and individual programs for
each threatened species, it is necessary to identify and protect
Important Bird Areas (AICAS) that must present threatened
species, with restricted distribution or concentration of individuals
at certain times of the year. (Rengifo, Franco-Maya, Amaya-
Espinel, Kattan, & López-Lanus, 2002). Restrepo et al., (2010),
for the election of this type of areas in the Orinoco basin also
considered the state of knowledge, economic importance and the
possibility of managing conservation. Conservation priorities
should identify patterns of spatial distribution of species and
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4
communities and interpret patterns based on vegetation and

develop participatory research projects with local communities to
encourage the exchange of knowledge (Mejia, Umaña, & Álvarez,
2007).
In 2010 Restrepo and collaborators propose the Inírida River Star

as AICA, with limits from the mouth of the Atabapo to the east to
Laguna Negra and the Bocón channel to the west, including the
northern vein of the Guaviare and from there to the south to the
hills of Mavecure. This region was declared a RAMSAR area in
2014, which will be discussed later. As for migratory species
(birds that move from temperate zones to the tropics), of the 515
species that were recorded, 44 of them migrate, 25 species, most
of them, are boreal migrants, that is, they travel from the
hemisphere north, 11 complex migrants, who apparently can
have populations that migrate from the northern and / or southern
hemisphere, 10 southern migrants, movements from the southern
hemisphere, one intra-tropical migrant and one elevational
migrant, that is local migrant at the altitudinal level.
Note related to bibliography: List of fish species present in the Amazon (A) and Orinoquia (O) of
Colombia according to Maldonado-Ocampo et al. (2008), in the Fluvial Star of Inírida (EFI)
according to Lasso et al. (2009).
5.1.3 Without-project Scenario: Biodiversity (B1.3)
The without-project scenario: Biodiversity, corresponds to the same existing conditions prior to the
project initiation, please refer to section 5.1.1 (Existing Conditions, Biodiversity).
As per the applicability criteria and according to the conditions set in the REDD methodology
(REDD-MF) VM0007 Ver. 1.5: “There is information available regarding the extraction and use of
wood for fuel, but for conservativeness, it has been excluded in the baseline, but will be included
in the project case if fire occurs”.
Context:
The region is currently in a great threat, with the aim to understand the potential affectation, the
following paragraphs reflects the general conditions in the Guanía Department.
Illegal use of fauna and flora, presence of armed groups outside the law, illegal occupation of land
and illegal migration of people attracted by illicit activities. According to the United Nations Office
on Drugs and Crime UNODC, although the area of coca cultivation in Guainía shows a downward
trend in the last decade, the same does not occur within the indigenous reserves of this Department;
particularly, in Guainía, it went from 538 ha in 2009 to 394 ha in 2010, while in the indigenous
reserves 259 and 310 ha were planted during the respective years (UNODC, 2012). The factors
that have facilitated the expansion of illicit crops in the region correspond to stable prices of coca
leaf and basic pulp in the region for several years, limited soil fertility that prevents its use for
prolonged periods, fumigation with glyphosate that forces growers to move to increasingly remote
areas, presence of illegal armed actors who use profits for their benefit, government absence and
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the inaccessibility of uninhabited, forested and protected areas where these activities are
preferentially carried out (UNOCD, 2005, UNEP and ACTO 2009 ). These coca crops strongly
erode the soil due to poor management, are established in protected forests and destroy unique
ecosystems together with the biodiversity they harbor. The associated use of fertilizers to improve
foliar production increases the nitrate concentrations in water bodies, favoring the growth of
macrophytic algae and the eutrophication of lentic systems and flood areas; In addition, the
pesticides and pesticides implemented in these crops contain toxic compounds, many of them
bioaccumulative, that affect the surrounding biota, mainly aquatic and its consumers, including
humans (UNEP and ACTO 2009, GWP, 2000). The production of drugs seriously affects the water
courses and the soil by the use of large volumes of various toxic substances, since to process the
coca leaf of one hectare of culture it is estimated that two tons of chemical precursors are required
as sulfuric acid, lime, kerosene, potassium permanganate and ammonia. In turn, the phenomenon
of trafficking promotes the movement of people to protected areas in order to establish crops and
laboratories for processing (UNOCD, 2005, Salazar and Benítez, 2006).
The mining in Guainía began in the 1980s when the Inírida River came to house 30 dredging barges
with 150 miners permanently engaged in this activity, at present it is estimated that there are 6 of
these barges with 50 miners and in the Serrania of Naquén four alluvial mines remain in operation
with a score of people dedicated to the extraction of gold. However, there are about 800 miners of
Colombian nationality linked to Puerto Inírida dedicated to the extraction of gold in Venezuela, who
eventually return to Guainia in search of new deposits (CDA, 2007). Within the project area
activities are carried out for the illegal extraction of minerals, mainly gold and coltan (columbita-
tantalite), which are allowed by indigenous authorities in exchange for gifts that are often not met
or do not compensate for the environmental damage they cause (CGP, 2013). These activities
generate deforestation and contamination with chemical residues such as mercury and sodium
cyanate, as well as attracting large migratory flows that negatively impact the areas adjacent to
mining operations. It is estimated that 3 grams of mercury are used to obtain a gram of gold, which
means that in an illegal mining area approximately 24 kg of this substance are thrown for each km2
of the river, in addition to cyanide and various detergents. Mercury contamination, resulting from
gold mining in rivers of acidic waters characteristic of the region, added to the removal of sediments
from deforested areas or from riverbeds during mining activity, alters the water channels, making
navigation difficult and difficult. the functioning of natural habitats for aquatic species. In turn,
mercury and other heavy metals generate bioaccumulation in many organisms, mainly fatty tissue
of fish that are eventually consumed by the human population (Muezzinoglu, 2003, GWP, 2000,
Franco and Valdés 2005).
In accordance with the National System of Forest Information SNIF and the data provided by the
Corporation for the Sustainable Development of the North and Oriente Amazónico CDA, which
corresponds to the environmental authority of the departments of Guainía, Guaviare and Vaupés;
in this region the exploitation of 324,074.06 m3 of wood in the period 2000-2010 was granted, while
for the same period 1,078,314.46 m3 was mobilized, that is to say, only 30.06% of the mobilized
wood obtained exploitation permit (CDA, 2007). The great difference between the volume granted
and the mobilized one makes it presume that the majority of wood harvested in this region is carried
out illegally, without counting on the one that is mobilized without the approval of environmental
authorities. It is considered that logging in the region corresponds to an activity of a selective,
opportunistic and anarchic nature, which can lead to the loss of environmental services and the
extinction of species of great ecological and economic value. Illegal logging is promoted mainly by
deficiencies in supervision and control, difficult to apply by the authorities, and by the indigenous
permissiveness that approves these activities in their territories in exchange for perks (UNEP and
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6
ACTO 2009, CPG, 2013). Although logging in the area begins selectively, it is transformed into
widespread logging in the medium term and in the conversion of the soil to other productive
activities. These modifications to land use deteriorate the availability and quality of environmental
resources and services by increasing erosion, sedimentation of water bodies, fragmentation of the
landscape, extinction of species and alteration of biogeochemical cycles (UNEP and ACTO 2009).
The effect of the reduction of vegetation cover is cumulative in the watersheds, since the volume
of water that stops perceiving an area that has been deforested is proportional to the intensity and
frequency of the precipitations, as well as to the biomass removed. If the vegetation cover
decreases, evapotranspiration is reduced in turn and soil erosion and surface drainage increase
(Troncoso et al, 2007); that is to say that increasing the flow of the basin accelerates the outflow of
water from the system, affecting the regulation of the hydrological cycle in the region and increasing
the risk of flooding. The degradation of the ecosystems caused by the felling of trees makes them
more susceptible to fire, since it increases the flammability of the discovered areas and decreases
the precipitation as a consequence of the decrease in moisture retention and retention. Fire is the
main agent converting forest to savannah in the area, which, together with climate change, causes
droughts that increase forest fires, release large amounts of gases that contribute to global warming
and divide habitats (Nepstad, 2007; Marengo et al, 2007; Fearnside, 2005).
In addition to subsistence hunting by local communities, which is used as food, obtaining tools,
rituals, medicines and crafts; In the study area, hunting for commercial purposes is presented,
promoted by the demand that exists for meat from the growing immigrant population and residents
of the bordering countries. The information on wildlife trafficking of the CDA mentions a total of 161
seizures of fauna in the period from 2007 to 2012, which include animals or by-products of these
as meat, skin and eggs. Indiscriminate illegal hunting generates loss of biodiversity that leads to an
imbalance of trophic networks, putting at risk the structure and functioning of ecosystems and
therefore the food security of local communities by reducing the natural supply of protein sources
(CDA, 2007; UNEP and ACTO 2009). In turn, the fishing pressure is intense in the area, becoming
common the implementation of undue practices such as the use of barbasco and trasmallos,
without taking into account the size and weight of the individuals harvested, which negatively
impacts the structure and abundance of fish stocks in general, not only those that are
commercialized. The ornamental fishing in Guainía is developed mainly in the rivers Inírida and
Atabapo and the Bocón and Guarivén pipes; where it is estimated that 11 million individuals
belonging to 35 different species are captured annually (CDA, 2007, CPG, 2013). At present the
magnitude of the pressure exerted on these populations due to the extraction of individuals without
restrictions is unknown.
The extensive flat and wooded areas of the Guainia, added to the two international borders that
extend for 966 km and the low density of human population have facilitated the hegemonic
permanence during decades of irregular armed groups like the Revolutionary Armed Forces of
Colombia FARC, which they favor all kinds of illicit businesses, mainly drug trafficking, gold mining
and contraband gasoline and weapons. According to the Observatory of the Presidential Human
Rights Program, the guerrillas have maintained a discreet military profile so as not to obstruct their
illicit activities in Guainía, which amount to a total of 16 armed actions between 1999 and 2006,
mainly in Puerto Inírida; while the Colombian Army has started 30 combats in this same period of
time, most of them in Barranco Minas. During the period between 2003 and 2006, 22 homicides,
four cases of kidnapping, four events by antipersonnel mines or unexploded ordnance were
reported in Guainía and 1246 people were forcibly displaced. Most of these events are directly
related to the armed conflict that is sustained with the FARC, however, the information available
from the distant territories of Puerto Inírida is insufficient, where there is evidence of under-reporting
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of the events carried out by the armed groups against the civil population, there is no permanent
institutional presence and the auditing authorities do not have the possibility of moving safely to
these locations. Between 2000 and 2006 there were seven homicides of indigenous people in
Guainía, six of them during a single violent event that included the kidnapping and torture of these
people in Puerto Inírida. It is considered that kidnapping is not a relevant illegal activity in this
Department, since the sources of financing for the FARC are derived mainly from drug trafficking;
Between 1997 and 2006, 11 kidnappings were registered, eight of which were perpetrated by the
FARC for the purpose of intimidating the civilian population. During the period between 2003 and
2006, the number of immigrants due to forced displacement, coming from adjacent departments,
was greater than the emigrant population for the same reason; most of these trips are not recorded
due to the remoteness of these territories in relation to the municipal seat, a situation that is an
obstacle to the delivery of government aid, since the cost of moving to Puerto Inírida to receive
these aids exceeds value of the granted. It is estimated that in Guainía there are approximately
3,000 people displaced, of whom 70% correspond to indigenous people, and in total they account
for about 10% of the population of this Department. The immigrant population comes mainly from
the expulsion of people from areas with problems of public order or with low productivity and
reduced sources of employment and is attracted, for the most part, by illicit activities that generate
large dividends (OPPDH, 2007).
In 2012, in the department of Guainía, two requests for entry to the Land Registry were made,
which correspond to a claim area of 190 ha (MinAgricultura, 2012). Access to land for the
development of productive activities presents problems related to the allocation of land and
incomplete information, encouraging non-compliance with rules and overlapping property rights,
which are based on ownership and not ownership. These shortcomings in the definition of property
rights promote illegal or irregular acquisitions of land, contributing to the disorderly occupation of
the territory, tax exemption or evasion and the change of land use towards productive activities,
both licit and illicit. The increase in human population density in the project area generates
important social impacts by increasing the demand for goods and services such as food, energy
and water, overcoming the carrying capacity of fragile ecosystems and promoting their degradation.
In turn, increases food insecurity by increasing the costs of agricultural activities due to loss of
environmental services and their effect on increased demand for agrochemicals; intensifies social
conflicts by access to land, expelling the native population, and increases their vulnerability to
climate change and the incidence of diseases (UNEP and ACTO 2009).
The native population density is severely affected by the increasing immigration of other population
groups to their territories, which bring with them social, economic and environmental changes that
cause the indigenous social and cultural disintegration, assimilation to other population groups and
the inability to self-reproduce (Brack and Añez, 1997). One aspect seriously affected by the
migration of people in the study area is health, immigrants often trigger outbreaks of diseases by
transporting etiological agents that come in contact with natives without vaccination, without access
to prevention methods and with customs that increase the risk of infections or infections; Such is
the case of pathologies that have increased their incidence among natives such as tuberculosis,
whose transmission is facilitated by cultural customs that include overcrowding and HIV, whose
prevention methods are not common among indigenous people. In turn, immigrants and the
vulnerable population come into contact with tropical diseases such as yellow fever, Chagas
disease, leishmaniasis and malaria, the latter associated with areas prone to flooding by recent
deforestation where Anopheles mosquitoes develop. Plasmodium spp. Vectors of yellow fever virus
such as Sabethes spp. and Haemagogus spp. they inhabit the canopy of the forest where they feed
mainly on primates, when the forest is cut the mosquitoes descend and feed on humans. The
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triatomines, insects vectors of Chagas disease, have affinity for the palm roofs of traditional
dwellings in the area, from where they descend to feed at night. The increasingly deeper intrusion
of humans into forested areas increases the likelihood of coming into contact with various zoonoses
such as leishmaniasis, where reservoirs and mosquito vectors of this pathology (Lutzomyia spp.)
Have their habitat (UNEP and ACTO 2009).
Most economic activities of an illicit nature in the area of study are presented by the offering of
benefits to indigenous leaders in exchange for assignment of territory for the development of these
practices; Support for alternative development programs could improve the competitiveness of
indigenous communities that are influenced by illicit activities, and thus encourage their eradication.
Strengthening governance, promoting interaction and conciliatory processes between indigenous
authorities and their communities, to generate opportunities and solve problems of the population
of the study area, is an important factor for the implementation of projects that arise in the
resguardos considered. For this strengthening it is necessary to train captains and other leaders in
indigenist governance, leadership and administration and project management; establish and
support different coordination channels between indigenous authorities and regional authorities that
allow the allocation and management of the use of natural resources; subsidize the displacement
of indigenous captains and leaders with resources and means of transportation for the development
of activities and commitments specific to their governance and improve telecommunications with
radiotelephones and internet access. A fundamental part of the conciliations and agreements
resulting from the strengthening of governance in the reservations will be rational access to the
natural resources present in the study area, particularly the establishment of limits to forest use,
defined by the demand for their culture and customs; zones and seasons of prohibition, thresholds
and methods of hunting and fishing, which ensure the feeding of the native population without
putting at risk the animal populations used as a source of protein.
The implementation of productive projects focused on populations that currently suffer high
pressures as a result of their high demand in the market is a priority. The local species of plants of
interest mederero, artesanal, nutritional, medicinal or cultural could be implemented in silvicultural
productive chains or community nurseries, in conjunction with the installation of processing plants
for these products that add value and preservation. The faunistic resources, mainly the ornamental
fish and those destined to the feeding, could be included in productive projects with breeding
techniques in semi-captivity. The management of marketing through collection centers run by
indigenous cooperatives will not only open markets for these products, in turn will support the
legality of productive activities by quantifying and controlling the resources extracted from the
project area, especially of those that are extracted at present without any control like the
hydrobiological resources, mainly ornamental fish and for consumption; timber, vegetable fibers,
meat and other faunal by-products. The monitoring of the state of the ecosystems within the project
area could be supported by the formation of local civil groups under figures such as rangers, guards
or environmental managers; that in conjunction with remote sensors could detect the illegal
activities described above to report them to indigenous authorities and public forces, facilitating
their eradication and prevention.
The ignorance on the part of the inhabitants of the strategic potential of the natural resources of the
project area is causal of the environmental deterioration caused by illegal activities and changes in
the use of the soil (CDA, 2007). It is necessary to develop processes of knowledge appropriation
and adoption of technologies that allow the generation of productive alternatives and economic
incentives that benefit these indigenous communities. The commitment to a generational change
based on education could be implemented within the project area, with the aim of eradicating
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behaviors aimed at obtaining short-term benefits without considering intergenerational

environmental, social and economic costs. The education of the communities of the project area
must respond to their culture, customs and ancestral knowledge, which requires the training and
training of native teachers in ethno-education, together with the improvement of the infrastructure
and educational endowment and the construction of new educational centers supported by rigorous
regional and demographic analyzes.
The health problems previously described to the project communities, originated by the immigrant
population, are increased due to barriers to access to health services represented in the limited
health and hospital infrastructure and the lack of medical personnel to meet the needs of indigenous
people (UNEP and ACTO 2009). It is therefore necessary to rehabilitate and equip the existing
health centers and carry out the construction of new ones based on demographic, regional and
epidemiological studies; emphasizing maternal and child health, implementation of the Integrated
Attention to Prevalent Childhood Illness (IMCI) program and ensuring the cold chain in vaccination
posts. In turn, the training and training of native health promoters under a unifying approach of
traditional and modern medicine is required, which will be a fundamental part in the development
of health brigades to the most remote communities and as interpreters of medical personnel provide
services in the project area. Other projects that would have an impact on the health of indigenous
communities are those related to the improvement of housing and community infrastructure. The
housing improvements that respond to indigenous needs, customs and culture are important
protective factors against zoonoses and vector-borne diseases. The construction of sanitary units
and water purification plants would have an important impact in the prevention of infectious,
contagious, gastrointestinal and parasitic diseases, which should be complemented with adequate
solid waste disposal programs that prevent the proliferation of disease vectors and reduce the risk
of snake accidents.
5.2 Net Positive Biodiversity Impacts
5.2.1 Expected Biodiversity Changes (B2.1)
It is not expected a change in the biodiversity, by the contrary it is expected to promote its high
conseration level.
5.2.2 Mitigation Measures (B2.3)
The Governance Framework Agreement is clear in the objectives, rights and duties of the parties,
on the type of activity allowed in the project activiy and coming from the resources produced by it.
All clauses described in the Agreement, and its allowed activities description were designed to
mitigate possible negative impacts.
Due to confidentiality reasons, the document will be delivered to the DOE and to VCS.
5.2.3 Net Positive Biodiversity Impacts (B2.2, GL1.4)
Due to the projects’ nature, the net positive biodiversity imact is fully based in the fact that the
project aims for the ecosystem and carbon stock of the Guayano Amazonic trasition region.
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 24

0
5.2.4 High Conservation Values Protected (B2.4)
The Governance Framework Agreement clearly stipultes that any activity that may affect the
safeguards, 14 mega-projects, is allowed in the project zone.
5.2.5 Species Used (B2.5)
Due to the scientific unknowledge of a large part of the biodiversity of the region, and the large
region included in the project activity; the parties involved in the project activity will inform through
its communication system, the list of species that eventually are found and used, always in
complienace with the Governance Framework Agreement.
5.2.6 Invasive Species (B2.5)
The Colomiban Laws prohibits the introduction of invasive species in the Amazonic region, it should
be noted that every person arriving to the area is inspected by the government authorities.
5.2.7 Impacts of Non-native Species (B2.6)
The Colomiban Laws prohibits the introduction of non-native species in the Amazonic region, it
should be noted that every person arriving to the area is inspected by the government authorities.
5.2.8 GMO Exclusion (B2.7)
The Colomiban Laws prohibits the used of GMOs.
5.2.9 Inputs Justification (B2.8)
This is not applicable to the project activity.
5.2.10 Waste Products (B2.9)
In case any of the mega-projects implementation generates waste, a waste management plan will
be designed and implemented.
5.3 Offsite Biodiversity Impacts
5.3.1 Negative Offsite Biodiversity Impacts (B3.1) and Mitigation Measures (B3.2)
Due to the project’s nature, it is not expected to generate any negative offsite biodiversity impact.
5.3.2 Net Offsite Biodiversity Benefits (B3.3)
Due to the project’s nature, it is not expected to generate any negative offsite biodiversity impact.
5.4 Biodiversity Impact Monitoring
5.4.1 Biodiversity Monitoring Plan (B4.1, B4.2, GL1.4, GL3.4)
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 24

1
Due to the unknowledge (at a very specific level) of the biodiversity of the region, it is necessary to
do more research about this information, ex. the fauna; up to the date, this is information is unknwon
from the scientific sector.
However, the mapping of the region has been developed, and now it is possible to take samples to
generate specific knowledge.
5.4.2 Biodiversity Monitoring Plan Dissemination (B4.3)
The monitoring plan dissemination, i.e. samples taking, documentation, etc. will be made as the
project documentation dissemination procedure described in the Governance Framework
Agreement.
5.5 Optional Criterion: Exceptional Biodiversity Benefits
The project does not seek to be validated to the Gold Level for exceptional biodiversity benefits.
5.5.1 High Biodiversity Conservation Priority Status (GL3.1)
Not applicable.
5.5.2 Trigger Species Population Trends (GL3.2, GL3.3)
Not applicable.
CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 24

2

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CCB & VCS PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

CCB Version 3, VCS Version 3

Compensation International Progress S.A. – Ciprogress Greenlife –

Mr. Germán Bernal Gutiérrez, Legal Representative

Conservación de los Ecosistemas y el Almacén de Carbono Región de

Date of Issue 20-December-2018

Republic of Colombia, Department of Guainía, 11 Indigenous

CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 1

Prepared By Compensation International Progress S.A. – Ciprogress Greenlife –

TÜV NORD Cert GmbH

Project Lifetime 01 January 2017 – 31 December 2116; 100 years

Crediting Period: 01 January 2017 – 31 December 2116; 100 years

History of CCB Status There is no history related to CCB.

CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 2

CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 3

1 SUMMARY OF PROJECT BENEFITS

1) Preservation of ancestral cultures of the people involved in the project activity:

Benefits of the Governance Agreement Project

The “Conservación de los Ecosistemas y el Almacén de Carbono Región de Transición

It has been involved a third-party independent party3 to accompany the project

1 File: 14 Mega-Projects Summary

CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 4

constant assessment of this entity immediately generates an awareness of good

Benefits of the Soil Improvement Project

The project development will allow to4:

The project development will allow to 5:

4 File: Soil Improvement & Cartography Development

CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 5

- As a result of the studies and assessments, it will be developed and implemented a

The project development will allow to 6:

- Identify, regionalize (develop a socio-economic cartography) and analyze energy

- Synthetize in a set of rhythmic patterns of life-activities (custom and habits) as well as

Benefits of the Primary Health Care Project (with an intercultural and

The project development will allow to 7:

- Generate an intercultural adaptation of primary health care in the project area, to

6 File: Habitat & Rhythmic Patterns

CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 6

Benefits of the Biodiversity Characterization Project

Benefits of the Water Treatment Systems Project

The project development will allow to 9:

Benefits of the Scientific and Ethnic Documentary Project

8 File: Biodiversity and Characterization

CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 7

Thanks to the narrative versatility of the audiovisual language, it will be possible to

CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 8

1.2 Standardized Benefit Metrics

Net estimated emission removals in the project area, Not applicable -

measured against the without-project scenario

Net estimated emission reductions in the project 808,939,153 NER 3

Leakage belt (LB):

For ARR14 projects: Estimated number of hectares of Not applicable -

a result of project activities, measured against the

11 File: Standardize Benefits Metrics

CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 9

340 members of the 2.3.1

Number of women expected to be employed as a At least 50% of the full- 2.3.1

expected to improve as a result of project activities, of the communities

CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 10

Total number of people who are expected to 3,470 (100%) members 2, 4

being19 is expected to improve as a result of project of the communities ,

CCB v3.0, VCS v3.3 11

Number of women whose well-being is expected to 1,725 (49.71% of the 3.4.2

biodiversity conservation,20 measured against the