Is the voluntary carbon market about to sponsor eucalyptus plantations? ‼️

What we feared is about to happen: the voluntary carbon market in Portugal, which is currently being created, is in serious danger of being completely intertwined with the promotion of eucalyptus monocultures - without limits!

The first methodology proposed for certifying carbon credits in Portugal, currently under public consultation, does not solve the structural problems of the forest and could aggravate the complex challenges affecting rural territories. Instead of promoting ecological regeneration and the multifunctionality of the territory, this proposal favours intensive forestry models - the same ones that have contributed to the degradation of the interior part of the country and the loss of biodiversity.

As part of this public consultation, we would like to express our concern that this methodology fails to align with national objectives and ignores conclusions drawn from similar projects in other countries. We highlight four critical points:

 1. Permissiveness in the use of exotic monocultures without the need for their yield

The planting of exotic species in monoculture for carbon credits is allowed without clear restrictions. This approach ignores evidence that these plantations have caused serious ecological and social impacts - as has already been seen in Brazil, Chile, Uruguay and South Africa - leading to major scandals that have jeopardised the very credibility of these mechanisms.

International standards, such as the Gold Standard, have adapted their methodologies and introduced stricter criteria to avoid approving systems based on fast-growing monocultures, particularly with exotic species such as eucalyptus.

 2. Incoherent and permissive permanence criteria

The proposal allows wood to be cut down during the period of permanence (30 years), as long as there is replanting. This distorts the concept of ‘permanence’, which is essential to the credibility of carbon credits. Recognised international standards, such as Plan Vivo or the Gold Standard, do not allow this type of exploitation.

It is important to remember that only a limited number of species, such as eucalyptus trees, are suitable for logging cycles within this period - which reveals the methodology's true intention: to reinforce the current forestry model based on rapid monocultures, ignoring their cumulative impacts on soil impoverishment and long-term sustainability.

3. Devaluing ecological complexity and co-benefits

There is no incentive to use native species or to promote complex (agro)forestry systems. The understory is excluded from carbon calculations.

Instead, the proposal reinforces the idea of ‘clean and well-managed forests’, perpetuating rapid monocultures with low ecological and social benefits, further monotonising the countryside.

4. Misalignment with national and European policies

The proposal goes against commitments made by Portugal in the European Ecological Pact, the European Nature Restoration Act and the National Strategy for Nature Conservation and Biodiversity. It ignores the objectives of diversifying the forest and reducing dependence on monocultures, threatening to do the exact opposite.

This instrument, which should be an opportunity to regenerate Portugal's forests, could end up crystallising unsustainable models and jeopardising the country's ecological future.

👉 It is essential to share and participate in this public consultation! We have less than 15 days to act! https://participa.pt/pt/consulta/metodologia-de-carbono-sobre-novas-florestacoes-mercado-voluntario-de-carbono