The Brazilian Caatinga biome holds an abundance of natural resources and a remarkable diversity of species. It is also one of the most threatened ecosystems on Earth. Support is needed to transform traditional unsustainable energy practices, while developing the local community towards a sustainable future. Project Ceará is making this a reality.
In many developing regions, including many parts of Brazil, traditional energy practices contribute significantly to the climate change. The unsustainable harvesting of native wood for fuel further leads to biodiversity loss, reducing agricultural productivity and increasing vulnerability to natural disasters. Addressing these issues is critical for human health, environmental preservation, and socio-economic development.
One of the regions severely affected by these practices is the Caatinga biome in Brazil. Despite its abundance of natural resources, the Caatinga is one of the most threatened ecosystems on Earth and the most degraded in Brazil. The region's scarcity of rivers and water resources in general limits access to electric energy, resulting in native firewood and charcoal providing 30% of the total energy used by local industries.
Heavy reliance on these fuels has significantly intensified local deforestation, compounding environmental and health challenges already faced by the community. Thus, the issues in the Caatinga illustrate the broader problems associated with traditional energy practices and underscore the urgent need for sustainable solutions.
To tackle the challenges posed by traditional energy practices, such as reliance on native wood, innovative solutions are essential.
Solutions such as replacing non-renewable biomass (native wood from the Caatinga) with renewable biomass, such as agricultural residues, can have a significant positive impact. By using biomass that would otherwise be discarded as waste, the project not only addresses environmental concerns but also fosters economic opportunities within local communities. This approach ensures that resources are repurposed efficiently, contributing to both environmental sustainability and socio-economic development.
PROJECT CEARÁ
Project Ceará, the first Gold Standard-certified project in Brazil, is embracing clean and sustainable technologies and paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future while addressing environmental and health challenges in one of Brazil's economically poorest regions.
Located in Ceará State, Brazil, the project has transitioned the ceramic factories from using native wood from the Caatinga to using agricultural biomass as fuel.
The Caatinga is an exclusive biome in Brazil, covering around 10% of the country's territory. This unique ecosystem is characterized by its semi-arid climate and thorny vegetation, hosting a remarkable diversity of plant and animal species, many of which are native to the land. However, it faces significant threats from deforestation and unsustainable land use practices. Preserving the Caatinga is vital for the region’s water supply, biodiversity conservation and climate regulation in Brazil.
This fuel switch not only benefits the environment but also creates economic opportunities for local individuals, who can now earn a living or supplement their income by supplying biomass waste directly to the factories. Additionally, the project reuses industrial water, reducing the need for natural water extraction and fostering sustainable industrial processes.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT BENEFITS
The Ceará project has achieved remarkable positive impact on environmental, social and economic areas across its first 10 years of operation.
Climate Action: Reduced 505,363 tonnes CO2 emissions from entering the atmosphere, while contributing towards 6 of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, including:
Environmental Benefits: Saved 1,750 ha of forest over 10 years. Seedlings planting of native species in several locations surrounding the project and the reforestation of an endemic palm tree (Copernicia prunifera), use of agricultural residues and implementation of a Sustainable Forest Management Plan, reuse of industrial water, protecting natural resources.
Social Impact: Improved housing conditions through building material donations and the construction of houses for the community, also offering fishing access, and enhancing community well-being.
Economic Development: Introducing biomass injectors in kilns to improve worker safety for 219 employees and creating economic opportunities for biomass suppliers, such as coconut husks, among others.
“Our GS Ceará project highlights the critical role of the carbon market in driving sustainable change. By switching native wood with renewable biomass as fuel, we can significantly improve health outcomes, reduce emissions, and support local economies,” says a representative from Sustainable Carbon.
“We started with the principle of the company’s dream, which is to be the best in making partnerships in order to be able to offer resources for the companies to use, so that they don’t take them from nature, ensuring and increasing the environment maintenance.”, says Hugo Mendes, Safety Engineer from AMBEV, a local beverage company that donates used water to the project.
“The burning system has greatly improved. We are very satisfied – I am proud of what we have accomplished", says Raimundo Cunha, one of the employees that works for one of the ceramic factories of the project.
SUPPORT THIS PROJECT
The Ceará project exemplifies how targeted initiatives can effectively address global challenges like deforestation and water supply. By leveraging finance from the carbon market, this project not only provides immediate health and environmental benefits but also fosters sustainable economic development.
We invite you to support the Gold Standard-certified Ceará project, helping us expand our impact and create a healthier, more sustainable future for all!
ABOUT SUSTAINABLE CARBON
With over 25 years of experience in the climate agenda, Sustainable Carbon is a pioneer dedicated to developing and implementing projects that combat climate change and promote sustainable development.
Focused on innovative solutions and community engagement, Sustainable Carbon deliver measurable environmental and socio-economic benefits.
Through projects like Ceará, the organization is committed to improving lives and protecting the planet.