Sembrando Futuro 2.0, a native species restoration project in Colombia led by Grupo Argos Foundation and Terraformation, received one of the highest ratings from independent firm Sylvera

• Sembrando Futuro 2.0 received an “A” rating from Sylvera, an independent firm specializing in carbon project analysis, which highlighted its strength in carbon accounting, additionality, and social and environmental benefits.
• The project, developed by Grupo Argos Foundation and Terraformation, seeks to restore more than 2,000 hectares of degraded forests in Antioquia, Caldas, Risaralda, Córdoba, and Chocó by planting more than 2.3 million trees from 70 native species.
• The initiative is in the final stages of certification under Verra’s VM0047 V1.1 methodology, one of the leading international standards in the carbon market.
• In addition to its climate contribution, the project promotes rural employment, a gender-focused approach through strong women’s participation, biodiversity conservation, and income generation for communities.

Sembrando Futuro 2.0, the ecological restoration project being developed in Colombia’s Andean region by Grupo Argos Foundation and Terraformation, received an “A” rating from Sylvera, an independent carbon data provider, which highlighted the initiative’s ability to generate real, measurable carbon capture with high standards of integrity.

The rating recognizes the project’s technical design, its long-term approach, and its capacity to combine ecosystem restoration, carbon capture, and value creation for rural communities. Sembrando Futuro 2.0 aims to restore more than 2,000 hectares across the departments of Antioquia, Caldas, Risaralda, Córdoba, and Chocó through the planting of more than 2.3 million trees. Its first phase already exceeds 1,000 hectares, with planting activities underway since September 2023.

The initiative uses more than 70 native species, including nine threatened species according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and focuses its efforts on six high conservation value areas, contributing to biodiversity recovery, ecological connectivity, and the restoration of strategic ecosystems for the country.

The first restoration initiative in Colombia certified by Verra using exclusively native species

Sembrando Futuro 2.0 is registered with Verra, a non-profit organization that manages international standards for environmental and social projects, including the world’s most widely used carbon certification program, under code VCS 5169. It is currently in the final stages of certification under the VM0047 V1.1 methodology, using exclusively native species. The project also contributes to five United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: climate action, life on land, gender equality, poverty reduction, and decent work and economic growth.

A model that brings restoration to the heart of the territory

One of the project’s differentiating elements is its landowner-centered model. Through 40-year renewable conservation agreements, smallholders, community groups, and private landowners engage in the restoration process and directly participate in its benefits. To date, 25 conservation agreements have been signed with participating landowners, who receive approximately 55% of carbon revenues, creating a tangible incentive for the long-term stewardship of restored forests.

Beyond its environmental impact, the project has already generated more than 240 local jobs, with women representing close to 20% of participation. This makes Sembrando Futuro 2.0 an initiative that not only restores ecosystems but also stimulates rural economies and strengthens local capacities.

Local implementation of the project is led by Grupo Argos Foundation, which has more than a decade of experience in ecological restoration in Colombia. Terraformation contributes its expertise in restoration and carbon, its Terraware monitoring platform, and access to carbon markets.

Findings from the independent assessment

Sylvera’s evaluation highlighted the project’s strength across four dimensions. First, it concluded that its carbon accounting presents very low risk, supported by a robust methodology for measuring captured carbon, along with monitoring and control mechanisms aligned with international standards. Second, it assigned a low risk rating for additionality, recognizing that without the project—and without carbon-related revenues—native forest restoration at this scale would be unlikely in these regions. Third, regarding permanence, Sylvera identified a moderate risk, inherent to the region’s environmental conditions, but noted that this is mitigated by species diversity, geographic distribution of restoration areas, and strong technical management. Finally, it rated the project’s co-benefits as exceptional, given its contributions to environmental protection, local employment generation, and a more equitable distribution of income.

“Each year, only a few dozen native forest restoration projects reach the carbon market. Sembrando Futuro 2.0 is one of them. Sylvera’s ‘A’ rating confirms that it stands among the best.”

Yishan Wong
Founder and CEO of Terraformation

“This recognition validates not only the project’s environmental integrity, but also a restoration model grounded in local knowledge, collaboration with rural stakeholders, and a long-term commitment to territorial stewardship. Sembrando Futuro 2.0 demonstrates that Colombia can lead high-quality native forest restoration projects, delivering tangible benefits for both communities and ecosystems.”

María Camila Villegas
Executive Director, Grupo Argos Foundation

An opportunity for landowners and companies

Sembrando Futuro 2.0 will continue to expand and invites landowners in Antioquia, Caldas, Risaralda, Córdoba, and Chocó with degraded, unproductive, or underutilized land to explore joining the project. The initiative also represents an opportunity for companies interested in high-quality carbon credits with strong standards of traceability and positive impact on biodiversity and rural development.

“We found in forest restoration a new life for land that had been used for many years. In just one year, we are already seeing trees grow and wildlife return. Most importantly, we are building something meaningful for future generations.”

Juan David Osorio, participating landowner in Antioquia.

About Terraformation

Terraformation supports large-scale native forest restoration to contribute to climate stabilization, biodiversity recovery, and the creation of long-term economic opportunities for local communities. Through training, technology, and access to capital, it partners with forestry teams across different countries to develop high-integrity reforestation projects.

About Grupo Argos Foundation

Grupo Argos Foundation is the voluntary social and environmental investment vehicle of Grupo Empresarial Argos, focused on water and biodiversity, social value creation, and community infrastructure. Over the past decade, it has planted 5.4 million native trees across six departments in Colombia, impacting 28,000 hectares and generating more than 2,000 jobs. Through initiatives such as Sembrando Futuro 2.0, it promotes models that integrate environmental restoration with social and economic development.

Sylvera Disclaimer

Sylvera’s ratings are statements of opinion regarding the carbon impact of a project at a given point in time and do not constitute investment or financial advice, endorsements, or recommendations. Please refer to www.sylvera.com for more information.

About Sylvera

Sylvera is an independent carbon data platform that provides insights to help buyers and investors discover, assess, and connect with high-quality projects. With an active database of more than 20,000 projects, including over 2,000 in pre-issuance and pre-registration stages, Sylvera enables companies to build robust carbon credit strategies with confidence.