Predio Las Piedras Project

Introduction

Predio Las Piedras stands as a notable example of how improved forest management can drive both climate action and sustainable development in the Peruvian Amazon. Located along the Las Piedras River in the Madre de Dios region, this project demonstrates the power of community stewardship, scientific monitoring, and carbon credit generation to safeguard one of the world’s most biodiverse and threatened ecosystems. By purchasing carbon credits from this project through Coffset, individuals and businesses can directly contribute to the long-term protection of this vital rainforest.

The Ecological Importance of Las Piedras

The Las Piedras River basin is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity. Its forests are home to countless species, including jaguars, giant river otters, harpy eagles, and hundreds of tree varieties. The area’s ecological richness has made it a focal point for conservation efforts, ecotourism, and research. However, the region faces increasing threats from deforestation, illegal logging, and agricultural expansion, particularly for crops like cacao.

Deforestation Trends and Threats

Recent analyses reveal that deforestation along the lower Las Piedras River has accelerated sharply in the past decade. Between 2000 and 2011, approximately 88 hectares of forest were lost, but from 2012 to 2015, deforestation soared to 472 hectares, with cacao plantations being a significant driver. This rapid forest loss threatens not only the region’s biodiversity but also its role as a vital carbon sink.

The Role of Predio Las Piedras in Forest Protection

Predio Las Piedras is an improved forest management (IFM) project that seeks to address these threats through a combination of sustainable forestry, local engagement, and carbon finance. By implementing best practices in forest stewardship, the project aims to maintain and enhance forest cover, increase carbon sequestration, and provide alternative livelihoods for local communities. The project’s verified carbon credits are part of Coffset’s carefully curated portfolio of high-integrity climate solutions.

Carbon Credits and Climate Impact

The project is registered under the Climate Action Reserve (CAR) as a mixed IFM initiative, meaning it combines conservation, selective harvesting, and reforestation to maximize carbon storage. By preventing deforestation and promoting sustainable management, Predio Las Piedras generates high-quality carbon credits, which are independently verified and can be purchased by organizations seeking to offset their emissions.

These carbon credits represent real, measurable reductions in atmospheric CO₂, helping to fight climate change while funding ongoing conservation efforts. The project’s registry details and supporting data are publicly available, ensuring transparency and accountability. Buyers can trace every tonne of CO₂ reduced, reinforcing trust and measurable impact.

Community Engagement and Socioeconomic Benefits

A key strength of Predio Las Piedras is its focus on community involvement. Local people are employed as forest rangers, guides, and in sustainable agroforestry initiatives. This not only provides direct economic benefits but also fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility for the forest’s long-term health. Revenue from carbon credits is reinvested into infrastructure, education, and health services, supporting broader regional development.

Ecotourism and Research

In addition to forest management, Predio Las Piedras supports ecotourism and scientific research. The Las Piedras Amazon Center (LPAC), located within the region, operates as a hub for conservation, education, and wildlife monitoring. The presence of active ecotourism concessions has proven effective in curbing deforestation, as areas with regular patrols and community engagement experience significantly less forest loss compared to less active zones.

Challenges and Ongoing Work

Despite its achievements, Predio Las Piedras faces ongoing challenges, including illegal land encroachment, fluctuating carbon markets, and the need for continuous community capacity building. However, the project’s transparent registry, external verification, and adaptive management strategies position it well to address these hurdles and continue delivering climate, biodiversity, and social benefits.

Conclusion

Predio Las Piedras exemplifies how improved forest management, community engagement, and carbon finance can work together to protect critical ecosystems and support sustainable livelihoods. As the world seeks scalable solutions to climate change and deforestation, projects like Predio Las Piedras offer a model for balancing environmental integrity with human well-being.

Take action today, calculate your emissions using Coffset’s carbon footprint calculator and contribute to projects that make a real difference!

References:

https://act-group.bynder.com
https://www.maapprogram.org/laspiedras/