The state of Tocantins is at an advantage in terms of sustainability by being the first in the country to formalize an Emissions Reduction Payment Agreement (ERPA), aimed at environmental conservation through the jurisdictional REDD+ program (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation).

Daniel Nepstad, Executive Director and President of Earth Innovation Institute, defends the value of jurisdictional REDD+ programs in Brazil, highlighting the pioneering role of Tocantins in signing an ERPA. He points out the great effort involved in consultations and safeguards and proposes integrating these programs into trade agreements with China, which depends on Brazil for its food security.

One catalyst for this collaboration is the concept of “Boi China”, a Chinese requirement to import Brazilian cattle up to 30 months old, in order to prevent mad cow disease. Increased exports of “Boi China” and the certification of more Tocantins slaughterhouses by the Chinese government would be highly beneficial, freeing up areas for the expansion of other productive activities, such as soy and fish farming, and relieving pressure on the native vegetation of Tocantins’ Amazon and Cerrado.

(Source: Norte do Tocantins - Brazil, on June 22)