REDD+ Russas Project, Acre, Brazil
Protecting tropical forests and empowering communities through sustainable conservation
Located in the biodiverse state of Acre, Brazil, the REDD+ Russas Project is a leading example of community-driven forest conservation and sustainable development. Acre’s vast tropical forests play a crucial role in global climate stability, yet face growing threats from deforestation and degradation.
The Russas Project safeguards these ecosystems through a collaborative, long-term approach that links environmental protection with improved livelihoods for local and Indigenous communities.
Location: Valparaíso River Basin, Acre, Brazil
Project type: REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation)
Project impacts
Climate & environment
- Conservation of 41,976 hectares of tropical rainforest, maintaining one of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems.
- Avoided deforestation of 5,354 hectares, preserving vital carbon sinks and significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- Protection of endangered species, including the southern tamandua (Tamandua tetradactyla) and the greater long-nosed armadillo (Dasypus kappleri).
- Strengthened local capacity for sustainable forest management and biodiversity monitoring.
Social & economic
- Creation of around 10 full-time jobs annually, supporting stable local employment and economic resilience.
- Improved community health and sanitation through the construction of 35 sanitation facilities and delivery of hygiene education programmes, including dental care.
- Enhanced educational access for over 400 children, with dedicated initiatives to promote gender equality and empower 240 girls through improved school facilities and learning opportunities.
- Malaria prevention campaigns across the Juruá River Basin, including the distribution of mosquito nets and health awareness programmes.
This project contributes to multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals, delivering measurable environmental and social outcomes.
Project details
Situated along the southern banks of the Valparaíso River, the REDD+ Russas Project spans nearly 42,000 hectares of tropical forest. Since its inception on 17 March 2011, the project has focused on preventing deforestation and fostering long-term forest stewardship. Through participatory conservation planning, forest monitoring technologies, and direct community engagement, the project builds local ownership of environmental protection efforts.
By aligning with REDD+ mechanisms, the project provides financial incentives for conservation and sustainable livelihoods. This approach ensures that forest preservation directly benefits the communities that depend on these ecosystems for their well-being. Certification under the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) and the Climate, Community & Biodiversity Standard (CCBS) underscores the project’s environmental integrity, social inclusion, and measurable climate impact.
Collaborations
Anthesis partners with the REDD+ Russas Project to support, finance, and strengthen climate mitigation and community development initiatives. The project’s dual certification under VCS and CCBS guarantees rigorous standards for emission reduction, monitoring, and verification.
Social and economic co-benefits are validated under the Climate, Community & Biodiversity Standard, ensuring that local communities share directly in the project’s long-term success. As a founding member of the International Carbon Reduction and Offset Alliance (ICROA), Anthesis adheres to globally recognised best practices for credible and transparent carbon management.
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.
- Sustainability: Long-term protection of ecosystems, with active local participation and biodiversity conservation at its core.
- Verification: Certified under the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) and Climate, Community & Biodiversity Standard (CCBS).
- Integrity: Regularly audited to ensure transparent reporting and measurable results.
- Community Benefit: Direct investment in health, education, and livelihood programmes.
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
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