Key Impact Points:
- Piauí’s new JREDD program could generate over 20 million carbon credits by 2030 through a 10% annual reduction in deforestation.
- Silvania will provide upfront investment and act as offtaker, leveraging ART TREES certification and technical expertise from Geonoma and Systemica.
- The program centers on community benefits and sustainable agriculture, aligning conservation goals with local economic development.
Piauí Advances Climate Leadership with Landmark Carbon Agreement
The State of Piauí has signed a breakthrough agreement with Silvania, a global natural capital investment platform backed by a USD $500 million commitment, to implement a jurisdictional REDD+ (JREDD) program aimed at halting deforestation and fostering sustainable development.
The deal, formalized with Investe Piauí, the state’s mixed economy company, secures technical and financial support for generating and selling carbon credits under the ART TREES standard—a globally recognized benchmark for high-integrity forest carbon credits.
Silvania to Provide Upfront Funding and Market Access
Silvania will serve as the offtaker of future ART-issued credits and invest BRL 10–20 million to support project development.
“This agreement represents a transformative step for Piauí in our fight against deforestation and climate change,” said Governor Rafael Fonteles. “Together, we are building a greener and more prosperous future for Piauí.”
Geonoma, a firm with 15+ years in biodiversity conservation and large-scale ecological restoration, will lead the development and MRV (Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification) systems. Systemica, a Brazilian carbon solutions provider, will deliver technical services.
Modeled Impact and Replicable Model
If the state achieves a 10% year-over-year reduction in deforestation and degradation, preliminary modeling suggests more than 20 million carbon credits could be generated by 2030. These credits would be subject to ART validation.
“This partnership with Silvania is a milestone for Investe Piauí and the State as a whole,” said Victor Hugo de Almeida, President of Investe Piauí. “By leveraging the ART TREES standard and focusing on local communities, we are ensuring that our environmental efforts also bring tangible benefits to the people of Piauí.”
Building on Momentum and Scaling Regional Climate Action
The initiative builds on a similar program in Tocantins and adds to Silvania’s expanding jurisdictional portfolio. It aligns with the “Race to Belém,” a campaign launched by Silvania to scale private investment in forest protection ahead of COP30.
“As a Brazilian leading Silvania’s efforts on the ground, I’m proud to see this level of ambition from the State of Piauí,” said Celso Fiori, Silvania’s Brazil Director. “This program builds on our successful collaboration in Tocantins.”
Silvania CEO Eelco Hoekstra emphasized the model’s broader significance:
“By combining our expertise with the State’s dedication to environmental stewardship, we aim to keep setting the best benchmark for jurisdictional REDD+ programs.”
A Critical Geography for Global Climate Goals
Located in MATOPIBA—Brazil’s last major agricultural frontier—Piauí straddles the line between expanding farmland and the edge of the Amazon. The state is uniquely positioned to model sustainable development by reconciling agricultural growth with forest protection.
The agreement, signed during a ceremony in Geneva, positions Piauí as a leader in integrated climate and development action. As COP30 approaches, the partnership is a clear signal of how states and private sector innovators can jointly address climate change and deliver lasting benefits for both nature and communities.
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