Rio Tinto's $16m Investment in Makira Natural Park REDD+ Project: A Strategic Move for Sustainability and Carbon Reduction

Rio Tinto, a global mining giant, has recently committed $16 million to the Makira Natural Park REDD+ Project in Madagascar. This significant investment aligns with the company's Nature Solutions program, which focuses on reducing operational emissions and developing nature-based solutions. The Makira project, spanning 372,000 hectares of dense primary forest, is home to 17 lemur species and over 50% of Madagascar's botanical diversity. Rio Tinto's funding will support the reassessment of the deforestation baseline, monitoring and reporting on interventions, and enhancing local community involvement in forest protection.

The Makira Natural Park REDD+ Project has already demonstrated its potential for carbon reduction, having avoided 1.8 million tons of CO2-e emissions since 2005. Rio Tinto's investment will help scale up the project, contributing to Madagascar's national goals on climate change and sustainable development. The project aims to avoid 38 million tons of CO2-e emissions over the next 30 years, equivalent to emissions from 6.4 million passenger vehicles or 3.2 million homes.



Rio Tinto's commitment to the Makira project also brings significant benefits to local communities. The investment will fund capacity-building for sustainable agriculture, improve protected area management, and increase community involvement in forest and wildlife protection activities. This aligns with the company's corporate social responsibility initiatives, focusing on community involvement and sustainable development.

The Makira Natural Park REDD+ Project is a critical component of Madagascar's National REDD+ Program and its commitment to reducing carbon emissions under the Paris Climate Agreement. Rio Tinto's investment in the project demonstrates its long-term strategy in nature-based solutions, contributing to environmental sustainability and climate action.

While the Makira project faces challenges such as deforestation, poverty, and limited resources, Rio Tinto's $16m investment aims to address these issues by scaling up protected area management, reassessing deforestation baselines, and supporting community development. By mitigating these risks and fostering strong partnerships with local governments and NGOs, the project can ensure long-term success in reducing deforestation and carbon emissions in Madagascar.

In conclusion, Rio Tinto's $16 million investment in the Makira Natural Park REDD+ Project is a strategic move that aligns with the company's commitment to reducing operational emissions and developing nature-based solutions. The project's focus on protecting biodiversity, reducing deforestation, and enhancing local community involvement demonstrates Rio Tinto's dedication to environmental sustainability and corporate social responsibility. As the project progresses, it is expected to bring significant benefits to Madagascar's ecosystems, communities, and climate goals.