Nature-based solutions are an important pillar of Gran Tierra’s emissions reductions efforts, and the company supports environmental projects that aid in natural carbon sequestration. Natural carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing atmospheric CO2, as forests, wetlands and vegetation sequester carbon by capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and converting it into organic matter.
Across all of its environmental programs, GTE has planted over 1.9 million trees and has conserved, preserved, or reforested over 5,300 hectares of land since 2018. Careful management ensures that the once-delicate saplings grow into sturdy, mature trees that contribute to national emissions reduction strategy goals. These efforts are undertaken through major initiatives including the NaturAmazonas project and the Costayaco and Acordionero Forestry Centres, which serve as hubs for sustainable reforestation and community
Reforestation Project with Conservation International
NaturAmazonas, Gran Tierra Energy’s flagship conservation program with Conservation International, has grown into a powerful alliance of public and private institutions tackling the root causes of deforestation.
NaturAmazonas has been at the forefront of Colombian conservation and reforestation efforts for seven years. With an $17 million investment, GTE has created a model for protecting the Colombian Amazon’s land, water, air, and biodiversity. In partnership with Conservation International, the Colombian Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, and Corpoamazonia, the program has restored ecosystems, fortified biodiversity and advanced sustainable agriculture. Equally important, NaturAmazonas strengthens the connection between people and nature, supporting lasting impact in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions.
This program has achieved significant impact in its reforestation efforts, promoting sustainable land use, biodiversity, and community development. Through efforts like restoring over 2,000 hecatres of land, maintaining 6,000 beehives and cultivating 880 hectares of cacao under agroforestry systems, it has help improve local ecosystems and agricultural productivity. Thousands of local people have gained access to training and resources. Overall, this program reflects a balanced approach to environmental conservation and strengthening rural communities.
To read more about the NaturAmazonas project, click here
Costayaco Forestry Centre: A Unique Resource for Reforestation
The Costayaco Forestry Centre (CFC), established by Gran Tierra Energy in coordination with the regional environmental regulator, Corpoamazonia, is one of the most innovative reforestation efforts in South America. The CFC contains 334.5 hectares of new and maturing forested areas and is close to achieving its long-term goal of connecting a critical ecological corridor linking the Andean foothills with the Amazon Rainforest. These two ecosystems are some of the most biodiverse in the world.
Acordionero Forestry Centre
Following the success of the Costayaco Forestry Centre, the Acordionero Forestry Centre (AFC) in San Martín, Cesar, was launched in 2024 as a 185-hectare environmental innovation hub located in El Cairo village, a strategically important conservation zone in Cesar. It is Gran Tierra’s hope that AFC will play a key role in restoring forest corridors and preserving water bodies thar provide water to the surrounding communities. Nearly 11,000 native trees have already been planted at the Centre, reinforcing the Centre’s contribution to ecosystem recovery in the region. The AFC has also been designed to test and implement sustainability efforts aimed at long-term environmental resilience and regional economic development.
Through the AFC, Gran Tierra Energy continues to support community-driven initiatives to strengthen Colombia’s ecosystems and support local families.
To learn more about the Costayaco and Acordionero Forestry Centres, click here.
