Mataven REDD+ Project
Protecting forests, empowering communities, and driving climate resilience across Colombia’s vital biomes
Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) projects are pivotal in the global effort to tackle climate change. By conserving forested lands and supporting local livelihoods, these initiatives create a sustainable pathway to balance environmental and economic priorities.
Location: Colombia
Project type: REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation)
Project impacts
Climate & environment
- Protection and sustainable management of 1.47 million hectares of tropical forest
- Conservation of endangered species and maintenance of biodiversity
- Prevention of significant greenhouse gas emissions by preserving carbon sinks
Social & economic
- Implementation of Family Agrifood Production Units System (FAPUS) to enhance food security through agroforestry
- Support for education and cultural preservation within Indigenous territories
- Investment in clean water, sanitation, and preventative healthcare
- Promotion of women’s leadership and participation in governance and training
- Mobilisation of 300 Indigenous forest guards and creation of new jobs in agroforestry, training, and community project management
This project contributes to multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals, delivering measurable environmental and social outcomes.
Project details
The Mataven REDD+ Project safeguards a vital ecological corridor where the Orinoco and Amazon biomes converge – one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth.
Governed by ACATISEMA (Asociación de Cabildos y Autoridades Tradicionales Indígenas de la Selva de Matavén), the project uses a participatory, community-led model to:
- Protect, conserve, and restore the Resguardo Indígena Unificado – Selva de Matavén (RIU-SM)
- Empower Indigenous leadership and sustainable forest governance
REDD+ project aims
- Reduce carbon emissions through forest conservation
- Enhance biodiversity across critical ecosystems
- Strengthen forest governance and local management capacity
- Improve livelihoods for forest-dependent and Indigenous communities
By aligning economic incentives with conservation, REDD+ initiatives such as Mataven foster long-term environmental stewardship and social development.
Key facts
- Home to 265 communities and more than 15,000 Indigenous people
- Threatened by livestock expansion, mining, and illegal activities
- Established in 2013 to halt deforestation, preserve biodiversity, and strengthen local wellbeing
Project activities
- Training and deploying hundreds of Indigenous forest guardians
- Implementing sustainable agroforestry and food systems
- Strengthening community governance structures and decision-making
Collaborations
Anthesis supports the Mataven Project through the purchase of high-integrity carbon credits, directly contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the protection of globally significant forests.
The project is certified by Gold Standard, a Core Carbon Principle (CCP) eligible registry under the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM) — ensuring transparency, impact, and environmental integrity.
Quality criteria
All Anthesis-supported carbon removal projects undergo independent verification to confirm permanent carbon storage and measurable environmental benefits. Projects must demonstrate alignment with UN SDGs 12, 13, and 15, promote soil and ecosystem health, and deliver robust climate and nature outcomes.
Through rigorous auditing, monitoring, and adherence to international standards, Anthesis ensures all projects provide credible, lasting impact for both climate and local communities.
Project facts
Talk to our carbon projects team
Get expert guidance on selecting and purchasing credible carbon credits from Anthesis.
Related carbon projects
Discover our carbon project development expertise and explore our existing carbon projects
