Alto Turiaçu REDD+ Project, Brazil
-Martavi
Chief of Batampang Village
Wildlife Works Indonesia ensures transparency throughout the FPIC process without any deceit or concealment, which is crucial for the community.
1,500
COMMUNITY
PARTNERS
490,220
HECTARES OF
PEATLAND PROTECTED
~4
ENDANGERED
SPECIES PROTECTED
TBD
tCO2e EMISSIONS
AVOIDED PER YEAR
OVERVIEW
The Alto Turiaçu territory, located in the Brazilian Amazon along the Maranhão-Pará border, is home to the Ka’apor, Guajá, and Tenetehara Indigenous peoples. Legally recognized in 1982, this biodiverse region is one of the last enclaves of primary forest in the Amazonia Oriental. The project focuses on protecting this critical ecosystem by safeguarding the cultural heritage and autonomy of its Indigenous stewards.
Despite its legal protections, the region faces deforestation from illegal logging, land grabbing, and agricultural encroachment. The Alto Turiaçu REDD+ Project aims to combat these threats by creating funds for Indigenous communities to strengthen their livelihoods and protect their ancestral lands.
THREATS TO THE FOREST
The forests of Alto Turiaçu are under constant pressure:
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Deforestation: Illegal logging and agriculture are the primary drivers of forest loss.
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Illegal Settlements: Encroachment by outside communities exacerbates habitat destruction.
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Wildlife Exploitation: Endangered species are poached for commercial trade.
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Climate Change: Rising temperatures and unpredictable rainfall increase vulnerability to forest fires and soil erosion.
PROJECT STRATEGY
The Alto Turiaçu REDD+ Project integrates conservation with cultural preservation. Key strategies include:
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Strengthening territorial monitoring and self-protection efforts led by Indigenous guardians.
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Supporting traditional farming methods and agroforestry to promote sustainable land use.
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Enhancing community governance through partnerships with the Ta Hury Ka’apor Association.
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Creating training and resources for biodiversity monitoring and restoration initiatives.
These efforts aim to ensure the long-term protection of forests while promoting the autonomy and cultural vitality of the Ka’apor people.
IMPACT
HIGHLIGHTS
BIODIVERSITY
Protection of 4 endangered species, including the critically endangered Ka’apor capuchin monkey and Belem curassow, as well as 26 vulnerable species, highlighting the critical role of this area in safeguarding regional biodiversity.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Training Indigenous leaders in governance, REDD+ concepts, and sustainable development.
CULTURAL PRESERVATION
Support for cultural festivals and oral traditions that sustain the Ka’apor identity.
EARLY PROJECT INVESTMENTS
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
All of Wildlife Works' project contribute to at least 9 of the SDG goals set by the UN to end poverty, promote prosperity, and protect the planet by 2030.
THE COMMUNITY
The Ka’apor people, whose name means "People of the Forest," have lived in harmony with the Amazon for centuries. Known for their egalitarian society and rotational leadership, they have cultivated a deep connection to their environment, reflected in their sustainable farming practices and cultural traditions.
The Ta Hury Ka’apor Association represents the interests of the Ka’apor people, advocating for their rights and autonomy while defending their lands from external threats. Their self-protection initiatives, led by community guardians, are a model of grassroots conservation.
COMMUNITY STORIES
ARTICLE 01
A MIDNIGHT MESSAGE
A story of the formulation of articles of association and bylaws for village forest management units in Gerbang Barito REDD+ Project.
ARTICLE 02
AN ORANGE FLASH
In 2024, the Wildlife Works Indonesia (WWI) team celebrated an exciting moment when we received two remarkable wildlife videos from a local community member.
° Cebus kaapori
Ka'apor Capuchin Monkey
The critically endangered Ka’apor capuchin monkey is a small primate endemic to the Brazilian Amazon. Known for its agility and intelligence, it plays a vital role in the ecosystem by dispersing seeds, which helps regenerate forest areas. Unfortunately, this species is one of the world’s 25 most endangered primates, with its population declining due to deforestation and hunting. Its restricted habitat in Alto Turiaçu makes its conservation urgent to prevent extinction.
° Crax pinima
Belem Curassow
The Belem curassow, with its striking black plumage and white underparts, is one of the rarest birds in South America. It feeds on fruits, seeds, and small insects, contributing to forest regeneration through seed dispersal. However, habitat destruction and hunting have driven it to the brink of extinction, earning it a Critically Endangered status. Conservation efforts in Alto Turiaçu are essential to ensure its survival.
°Chiropotes satanas
Black Bearded Saki
With its long, bushy tail and distinctive black beard, the black bearded saki is a striking primate found in the Amazon. This highly social species lives in groups and feeds on seeds, fruits, and flowers, playing a crucial role in maintaining forest biodiversity. Listed as Endangered, it faces threats from habitat loss and hunting, highlighting the need for urgent conservation measures in the Alto Turiaçu region.
° Pteroglossus bitorquatus
Eastern Red-Necked Aracari
The Eastern red-necked aracari, a member of the toucan family, is easily recognized by its vibrant plumage and distinctive red neck. These birds are essential seed dispersers, aiding in forest regeneration. Habitat destruction has caused a significant decline in their population, and they are currently listed as Vulnerable. Protecting their habitat in Alto Turiaçu is critical to maintaining the ecological balance of the forest.
THE
BIODIVERSITY
The Gerbang Barito project area provides habitat for flagship species, including:
The Gerbang Barito forest zone is made up of more than 19,000 hectares of rainforest in the Central Kalimantan region of Borneo. The vast peat swamp forests of Borneo, make for one of the most carbon-rich ecosystems on Earth.
Alto Turiaçu's forest is an ecological treasure trove, home to:
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Brazil Nut Trees: Vital for the local economy and biodiversity.
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Rosewood: Valued for its aromatic oil, though threatened by overharvesting.
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Medicinal Plants: Species like copaíba and andiroba are essential for traditional medicine.
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Unique Flora: Dense vegetation includes orchids, bromeliads, and palms like açaí and babaçu, which sustain both wildlife and communities.
These forests are not only vital carbon sinks but also the foundation of the Ka’apor’s spiritual beliefs.
THE FOREST