Carbon Balanced
World Land Trust’s Carbon Balanced programme provides both individuals and organisations with the most effective method of fighting climate change
We’re excited to announce a new Carbon Balanced project supporting our partner Fundación Proyecto Tití (FPT) to restore 639 hectares (1,579 acres) of degraded land within the Los Titíes de San Juan Reserve in northern Colombia.
Through large-scale reforestation and natural regeneration, this project will help recover one of the country’s most threatened ecosystems while delivering long-term climate benefits and supporting a wealth of native wildlife.
As well as creating vital habitat for species such as the Critically Endangered Cotton-top Tamarin (Saguinus oedipus), restoration will strengthen wildlife corridors, improve watershed protection, reduce soil erosion and sedimentation, and help regulate local temperatures. Together with ongoing fire management and protection efforts, these interventions will support the long-term recovery of one of Colombia’s most fragile landscapes.
The Colombian Black Spider Monkey is just one of many species that will benefit from this restoration project. Credit: ©Tristan Tan
Restoring a threatened ecosystem
Colombia’s Tropical Dry Forest is one of the most threatened ecosystems in the country, with less than 7% of its original extent remaining. Across much of the region, native forest has been cleared for cattle ranching and agriculture, leaving behind fragmented landscapes dominated by invasive pasture grasses that prevent natural forest recovery.
Located within the biodiverse Montes de María region, the Los Titíes de San Juan Reserve provides a critical refuge for wildlife. Through this project, Fundación Proyecto Tití (FPT) aims to restore degraded pastureland by recreating the structure and diversity of the region’s highest-quality Tropical Dry Forest. More than 180,000 saplings representing around 80 native tree species will be planted between 2025 and 2028, helping to establish a resilient and biodiverse ecosystem.
The tree nursery at FPT’s Los Titíes de San Juan Reserve in northern Colombia, from which this forest restoration will take place. Credit: ©Fundación Proyecto Tití (FPT)
A flagship project for biodiversity and climate
Delivered under the Equitable Earth standard, this high-integrity Afforestation, Reforestation and Revegetation (ARR) project will transform degraded pasture into resilient Tropical Dry Forest habitat over a 40-year period.
Between 2025 and 2028, more than 180,000 saplings from 80 native tree species will be planted across the reserve, while natural regeneration will be assisted in order to support long-term forest recovery. Together, these efforts are expected to deliver carbon removals totalling 97,307 tCO₂e while enhancing biodiversity and ecological connectivity.
At the heart of the project is the Cotton-top Tamarin, a species found only in north-west Colombia. By restoring and reconnecting habitat for this charismatic primate, the project will also benefit a remarkable diversity of wildlife, including the elusive Margay (Leopardus wiedii) and Critically Endangered Dahl’s Toad-headed Turtle (Mesoclemmys dahli).
This new carbon project will greatly strengthen protection of Colombia's Tropical Dry Forests. Credit: ©Frederico Pardo
Building on long-term conservation success
Founded in 2004, FPT has spent more than two decades protecting the Cotton-top Tamarin and its dry forest habitat through scientific research, habitat restoration, forest protection, and community engagement. WLT has worked alongside FPT since 2022 to support the expansion of the reserve and conservation of this globally important landscape.
Through this new Carbon Balanced project, we are delighted to expand our partnership with FPT, helping to secure a brighter future for the wildlife and people of Colombia’s Tropical Dry Forests.
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You can find out more about this project, including a link through to the project brief, on our website here
To find out how your organisation can support high-impact restoration projects like the Los Titíes de San Juan Reserve, please email [email protected]
