Certification of forest management by Indigenous communities Guarayos, Bolivia

These organizations achieved a significant milestone by certifying their forest management plans through the Bolivian Forest Certification and Incentives System (SBCBI). Their goal was to enhance market access and demonstrate their dedication to sustainable forest management, safeguarding their ancestral territory: their home and their livelihood.

To meet SBCBI's rigorous standards, the Instituto Boliviano de Investigación Forestal (IBIF) and TBI provided crucial support through technical assistance, training, and innovative solutions to tackle specific challenges. This collaboration strengthened the organizations' sustainable forest management, improved internal governance, and enhanced timber traceability. Moreover, it fostered a collective effort towards environmental conservation that benefits the entire Indigenous territory.

An SBCBI assessment of the 200,000 hectares managed by these CFOs confirmed their adherence to high standards of conservation and environmental responsibility through effective natural resource management. The CFOs of Guarayos exemplify how economic benefits can coexist with environmental protection, proving that sustainable development is both a shared responsibility and a compelling opportunity. In the forests of Guarayos, this story will echo for generations, reminding us that caring for the environment is essential for the future.