How it works, Savimbo’s biodiversity credit
If you live in the Amazon jungle kids, try this at home!
The Amazon has biodiversity. We should preserve it. How? We’re glad you asked! First, ask the locals. Second, put their traditional actions into code. Third, sell it as a planetary service. Fourth, repeat. (Especially if you’re an indigenous group because you probably really deserve to get paid for this, you’ve been doing for the planet for a long time for free.)
Savimbo biodiversity crediting algorithm where one second equals one month and blue circles are credited areas over time. Video by Enrique Balp data scientist.
“A central lesson of science is that to understand complex issues (or even simple ones), we must try to free our minds of dogma and to guarantee the freedom to publish, to contradict, and to experiment. Arguments from authority are unacceptable.”
We should preserve biodiversity in the Amazon. (Sigh. We’re going to have to tell you why, aren’t we...) 1. Most of our medicines come from biota there. 2. Species have value all on their own. Humans aren’t the only child of this planet. 3. We need other species to eat. Sigh.
Okay educated? Now let's talk about how.
Where did this methodology come from?
Savimbo, a company created by and for indigenous peoples and smallfarmers. We conserve the Amazon through the sale of biodiversity credits and other environmental products. We use a methodology based on the traditional activities of indigenous peoples.
Our methodology is based on image and video records of indicator species through camera traps strategically installed in the area. Each record of an indicator species must have a date, time, and geolocation to be valid.
Our company was founded in the Colombian Amazon, along the Tropical Andean biodiversity hotspot. Colombia and its neighbor Ecuador offer a unique blend of ecological richness and cultural diversity. This region is emblematic of natural capital because of its diverse ecosystems, rainforests, rivers, and abundant wildlife.
Savimgo is a company rooted in this environment, sprouting from its traditional ecologists. What we did, do… will continue to grow — is a flowering of this knowledge—a fruit.
What is an indicator species?
To select indicator species for biodiversity validation should use a data-driven approach that considers local ecology, IPLC needs, threat factors, and conservation goals. These species need to be sensitive to environmental changes and represent the ecosystem's integrity. It's best to track 1-3 main species for consistency, ensure they align with biodiversity objectives, consider multiple indicators for ecosystem complexity, choose cost-effective monitoring, and include rare species for a comprehensive view.
There are eight categories to consider, and public research from reputable sources must identify these indicator species, aiming for a balance between inclusivity and reliability in monitoring.
Sentinal: Share trusted research to find sentinel species, understand how they react to environmental changes, and gauge their suitability as an ecosystem proxy.
Umbrella species: Share reliable research to pinpoint umbrella species and their suitability as an ecosystem proxy.
Rare species: Share credible research to find rare species that can act as a representative measure for the protected ecosystem.
Endangered species: Classify indicator species based on their IUCN level with a reminder that to qualify as an indicator species due to threat level alone, they must have a Critically Endangered or Endangered status at the subnational, national, or international level.
Trafficked species: Include only trafficked species listed in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Keystone species: Share trusted research to identify keystone species and assess their suitability as an ecosystem proxy.
Emblematic species: Supply credible research from a trusted source to find culturally important species, including their historical or mythological significance, role in traditions, use in arts, and symbolism in cultural stories.
Endemic species: Identify species as restricted to a particular geographic region and not naturally found anywhere else. Endemic species are important indicators of the uniqueness and ecological significance of a particular region.
How do we calculate biodiversity?
Our indicator species such as the jaguar, tapir, harpy eagle, and pygmy marmoset, are associated with their normalized home range in a circle, calculated in hectares. Each of the system's credits has a grade based on the ecosystem value. They can be platinum, gold, silver, or bronze.
Our Growers need to keep demonstrating the continued presence of their rare species with periodic proof of life. Each registration lasts two months (60 days), If during this period of time a new registration is obtained, a double payment of the credit is not made, but the area or time of the credit might be expanded if it’s an animal with a wider range, or the dates extend the timeline.
In conclusion
Our project, and this methodology aims to generate a rapid change in hunting behaviors and aggressive deforestation affecting the environment.
Given the urgency of conserving to avoid mass extinction, the participation of local people is essential. Locals are critical during this process because they are the guardians of the earth and have the right to be compensated for it.
Today, we extend this invitation to you so that you can learn first-hand about our progress and study the possibility of replicating this methodology in your territories.
Written by Rocio Fernández and Robert Senter. Rocio is an ethno educator and Robert is a Polymath working on the Savimbo project.
