September 2025 | Pará, Brazil — The Indigenous-led Awaeté REDD+ Project is set to become the first project to issue carbon credits under Verra’ new VM0048 methodology, with issuance expected for Q1 2026. This groundbreaking project positions itself as a first mover in a new era of high-integrity, community-led forest conservation.
Located in the legally demarcated Indigenous Territory of the Parakanã people, the project protects just over 350,000 hectares of pristine Amazon rainforest—home to endangered species, deep cultural heritage, and one of Earth’s most critical carbon sinks.
Fully co-led by the Parakanã community through two Indigenous associations, the Awaeté Project guarantees authentic local ownership. Indigenous leaders manage revenue governance and investment decisions, reinforcing sovereignty and ensuring impact where it’s needed most.
Developed under the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) and Climate, Community & Biodiversity (CCB – gold-level) framework, the project invests in cultural heritage, education, healthcare, and resilient livelihoods—co-designed with the community.
“The Awaeté Project shows what’s possible when Indigenous leadership and robust methodologies converge,” said Pieter van Veghel, Director at GreenMusk. “We’re proud to support a model that sets the pace for integrity, inclusion, and impact in the carbon market.”
Developed in close collaboration with Apsis Carbon, the project directs carbon credit revenues towards sustainable bioeconomy value chains, including açaí and Brazil nuts. These efforts establish long-term economic resilience beyond the carbon market.
Additionally, a permanent Indigenous-led forest monitoring and fire brigade system is already in place—leveraging both ancestral knowledge and satellite technologies to safeguard biodiversity and prevent illegal deforestation.
As the first VM0048 issuance, the Awaeté Project offers a scalable framework for Indigenous and forest territories worldwide. It also reinforces Brazil’s leadership in delivering nature-based solutions aligned with global climate goals.
Carbon credits from the Awaeté Project will be available on the market in Q1 2026.
Contact Marketing GreenMusk:
Sandra Baars (sandra@doers.world)
