Pillar 2: Nature Based Solutions

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, and Corpoamazonia is one of the most innovative reforestation efforts in South America. The CFC contains 314.5 hectares of new and maturing forested areas, contributing to an important corridor that connects the Amazon rainforest to the nearby Andes Piedmont areas. These two ecosystems are some of the most biodiverse in the world.

In total GTE has planted approximately 1,470,000 trees and has conserved, preserved, or reforested approximately 3,870 hectares of land through all of the Company’s environmental efforts since 2018. Careful management ensures that the once-delicate saplings grow into sturdy, mature trees that contribute to the national emissions reduction strategy goals.

Through the CFC, Gran Tierra has planted over 250,000 trees across the Putumayo and Cauca Departments, and over 59,000 trees have been donated to local communities and educational centres. The Centre also works to increase environmental awareness by providing educational opportunities for communities to learn about the importance of protecting the forests and environment.

Reforestation Project with Conservation International

Gran Tierra prioritizes the protection and conservation of the environment and works with organizations that share similar values. Gran Tierra, in partnership with respected International NGO Conservation International, has contributed USD $13 million over eight years to a major reforestation and conservation project that is contributing to the restoration and protection of the Andres-Amazon corridor, one of the most biodiverse regions in the world.

Given that nature-based approaches including conservation and restoration of tropical forests can provide 30% of the solution to climate change Gran Tierra believes that projects and partnerships such as this are contributing positively. It is expected that the actions developed by NaturAmazonas will contribute to reducing the rate of deforestation in the Amazonian foothills by at least 20%.

To read more about the NaturAmazonas project, click here.

Pillar 3: Gas-to-Power Reduces Emissions

Gran Tierra’s ongoing effort to reduce direct emissions by converting excess gas produced from its wells into an energy source for its operations, continues to generate results. Additionally, converting gas to electricity significantly reduces the demand on municipal utilities, increases fiscal resilience by lowering unit production costs, and provides a more stable energy supply, while reducing flaring and greenhouse gas emissions.

With all major fields fully converted, GTE has turned its attention towards generating gas power at its smaller locations, with service now in place at Cohembi and Los Angeles. In 2022, the Company expects to be able to see excess power from its Costayaco facilities to supply the local grid.

Electrical Power Use

In 2021, Gran Tierra’s total operations electrical power use was 216,685,964kWh. The percentage of GTE’s energy consumed from the grid in 2021 was 12% and the Company continues to develop Gas-to-Power projects to decrease its use of electrical power from the local grid.

¹_{Savings are calculated vs. National Power Grid 383 - 214 =169 COP/kWh  (0,051 USD/kWh)}
²_{Savings are calculated vs. National Power Grid  372 - 321 =51 COP/kWh (0,015 USD/kWh)}
³_{Savings are calculated vs. Diesel operation until August 900-311 =589 COP/kWh (0,178 USD/kWh)}