Initiative

Regenera América

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About the initiative

Conservation and regeneration of biomes

Our challenge is to mitigate the environmental impact of our activities and foster sustainable development in the regions in which we operate. This commitment has led to the creation of the Regenera América program, in an effort to support the conservation, regeneration and protection of the iconic biomes in Latin America, which are home to 40% of the planet's biodiversity.

Through this initiative, we provide funding for the development and implementation of projects that have a proven track record of restoration and the potential to generate carbon credits. By doing so, we aim to support the growth of this market, fight against climate change, and preserve essential ecosystem services for both people and businesses. We work closely together with local communities, experts, and organizations who are leaders in projects of this magnitude to apply cutting-edge technology and promote nature-based solutions.

Transparency

To assist us in the planning, selection and monitoring of projects, we joined forces with Pachama, a startup that uses cutting-edge artificial intelligence solutions to monitor and track forest regeneration to account for carbon. Pachama's work involves gathering precise satellite images that provide traceability, transparency and scalability for regeneration and conservation projects. This ensures that future carbon credits meet the highest standards of quality.

Supported initiatives

In the first year of the program, 2021, we invested approximately USD 7.2 million in two initiatives to regenerate the Atlantic Forest biome in southeastern Brazil. Many of our business operations are carried out in this ecosystem, which is home to some of the richest and most threatened biodiversity on the planet. The amount invested was calculated in proportion to Mercado Libre’s carbon footprint in 2020 (scopes 1, 2 and 3).

Since then, we have expanded the reach of our program to include other biomes in Brazil and Mexico, investing an additional USD 10 million for this expansion in 2022 and USD 5.9 million in 2023. Since the launch, restoration processes have commenced in over 15,500 hectares of forest, contributing to the capture of over 1 million tons of CO2 over 30 years.

New projects supported in 2023

Curuá: In partnership with Future Carbon, this project protects the habitat of threatened animal and plant species in one of the largest forest-covered areas in the Amazon. It also generates income for local communities involved in monitoring deforestation. A total of 8,200 hectares of forest will be under conservation.

New Forests: In collaboration with the NGO Pick-upau, this initiative involves the restoration of 155 hectares of the Mata Atlântica forest, planting 279 thousand native trees. Besides its rich local fauna and flora, the forest plays a crucial role in the region's hydrological cycle, providing a vital source of drinking water for millions of people.

Campeche Corridor: This project focuses on the restoration of over 720 hectares of the Selva Maya, the largest tropical forest in Central America, in partnership with the NGO Toroto. It integrates forest restoration with biodiversity conservation and strengthens local governance for integrated landscape management, benefiting the community.

Expanded Projects

Waters of the River - Tinguá-Bocaina Corridor: In collaboration with the NGO ITPA, this project supports the work of local families by promoting the protection of the region's watersheds.

Apuí Coffee: A restoration project that contributes to strengthening the work of local families who generate income through the sale of organic coffee and through the carbon absorbed by their agroforestry systems.

Pau Brasil Corridor: A restoration project in the Mata Atlântica through the planting of native trees in the state of Bahia, creating a biological corridor between two national parks in the region. The initiative is carried out in partnership with the NGOs Natureza Bela, Café Apuí, and IDESAM. Indigenous communities in the region participate in the project through associations involved in seedling production for restoration activities.

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We finance initiatives for the conservation and regeneration of Latin American biomes, contributing to future carbon credit creation and the preservation of biodiversity.

Key results

Over USD 23,5 million

Invested in the project.

Over USD 5.9 million

Invested in 2023.

Over 14.587 hectares

Of forest in the process of restoration.

Over 800,000

Native trees planted in 2023.

Over 14 million

Trees in restoration or conservation.

Over 1.1 million

Tons of CO2 projected to be sequestered within 30 years.

More information

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