Catona Climate has taken a significant step in advancing nature-based climate solutions with its recent investment in an Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR) project in Antioquia, Colombia. The climate finance firm, in partnership with NatureRe, aims to restore over 60,000 hectares of degraded land, with the potential to sequester an estimated 18 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e).
What is Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR)?
Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR) is a cost-effective, nature-based approach to ecosystem restoration. It promotes natural regrowth by addressing barriers such as invasive species and unsustainable land use. Targeted interventions like planting native species, controlling grazing, and managing invasive grasses are employed to restore ecosystems.
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By improving biodiversity, soil health, and water quality, ANR helps rebuild critical ecosystems. This restoration not only sequesters carbon but also provides local communities with enhanced resources like clean water and better agricultural land.
Environmental and Climate Benefits of the Project
The Antioquia ANR project aims to sequester over 400 tons of CO2e per hectare over the course of 40 years. By restoring degraded land, the project will significantly reduce carbon emissions and contribute to global climate goals. Through these efforts, Catona Climate hopes to demonstrate the scalability and integrity of nature-based solutions in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions.
The project also offers a range of co-benefits, including improved soil health, reduced fire risks, and increased biodiversity. These improvements are vital for the region’s long-term environmental stability and resilience.
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Catona Climate’s Approach to Investment
Catona Climate’s investment strategy relies on a rigorous due diligence process, including site visits, geospatial data analysis, and third-party assessments. This careful evaluation de-risks early-stage projects, attracting enterprise buyers and additional investors.
A Fortune 50 customer has already expressed interest in the Antioquia project, which underscores the growing demand for impactful nature-based solutions in climate finance.
Supporting Local Communities and Empowering Women
The project will not only focus on environmental restoration but also benefit local communities. Future initiatives include educational programs and empowerment projects for women in neighboring areas. By creating jobs and improving the local economy, the project provides sustainable benefits for the region’s population.
A Model for Nature-Based Climate Solutions
Catona Climate’s investment in the Antioquia ANR project highlights the growing potential of nature-based solutions to combat climate change.
Through restoring degraded land, enhancing biodiversity, and sequestering significant amounts of CO2, the project sets a powerful example of how innovative finance models can support scalable environmental solutions.