Monochoa: A tribute to leadership

Jul 15, 2025

Monochoa: A tribute to leadership

In the heart of the Colombian Amazon, the REDD+ project “Aire de Vida”, developed in the Indigenous Reserve of Monochoa (Solano, Caquetá), protects over 353,000 hectares of Amazon rainforest and stands as a powerful model of climate justice with deep roots.

The forest is protected from within the territory, through self-governance, cultural vision, and scientific tools aligned with ancestral knowledge. Leaders like Héctor Ortíz “Tucuari”—pictured here showcasing some of the medicinal plants found in the reserve—guide the process.

REDD+ Aire de Vida: protecting with identity

Since 2018, the project has avoided the emission of more than 3.9 million tons of CO₂, certified under the BioCarbon Registry standard. At the same time, it has prioritized the strengthening of Indigenous governance, advancing sustainable agricultural practices, and consolidating social infrastructure in line with the community’s needs.

Yauto Sostenible (community coordination), Carbo Sostenible (technical design), and Terra Commodities (climate markets) provide technical guidance and operational support, while implementation is carried out by the community itself.

This strategy bridges ancestral wisdom with modern science. Cultural identity, political autonomy, and territorial security—supported by REDD+ methodologies and innovative financial mechanisms—make this one of the most robust community-based projects in the country.

Sustainability from the territory.








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