Viability of a carbon credit project supported by nature-based solutions in rural settlements in Santa Catarina state, Brazil

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5902/2179460X89851

Keywords:

Carbon market, Climate change, Forest remnants

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze carbon market opportunities for forest remnants located in settlements of the National Institute for Colonization and Agrarian Reform (INCRA) in Santa Catarina State, Brazil, as a nature-based solution for mitigating climate change. The methodology comprised four steps: (i) mapping of forest remnant areas in INCRA settlements, (ii) characterization of forest remnants, (iii) establishment of criteria and classes for viability analysis of carbon credit generation; and (iv) estimation of carbon sequestration credits. The results confirmed the viability of generating carbon credits in forest remnants located in INCRA settlements in Santa Catarina. Projected gains were estimated at 1,568,238.05 USD per year, considering a total area of 28,743.366 ha for two viability criteria (Cv1 and Cv2). Adopting integrated approaches to nature-based solutions focused on annual carbon stock increments and tailored to the specificities of each class enables conservation projects to realize their climate and environmental objectives and offers long-lasting benefits to local communities and the ecosystem.

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Author Biographies

Fernanda dos Santos, Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia de Santa Catarina

I am a biologist specializing in environmental management and currently studying for a master's degree at the Department of Climate and Environment at the Instituto Federal de Santa Catarina (IFSC).

Cassio Aurelio Suski, Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia de Santa Catarina

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Production Engineering from the Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC); Master's and PhD in Materials Science and Engineering from UFSC. Postdoctoral research at the Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC).

Jean Carlos Budke, Universidade Regional Integrada do Alto Uruguai e das Missões

Holds a degree in Biological Sciences from the Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM) and a PhD in Botany from the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRS). He is a professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at URI, Erechim Campus.

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Published

2026-07-01

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Geo-Sciences

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