The biorights mechanism

We are advocates of the biorights mechanism as a modern type of nature protection.

Biorights are based on the fact that forests are important in the prevention of further climate deterioration.

The changed climate causes a global increase in costs for water management and healthcare and decreases agricultural yields.

In this, the value of a hectare of forest on earth are estimated by studies to amount to $200 annually.

Large scale deforestation is principally carried out by poor populations in developing countries.

On average, a smallholder in a developing country, makes an annual profit of approximately $40 from a hectare of deforested land.

Thus, the world is better off paying $40 annually to the farmer in a developing country to leave the forest unspoiled.

The income of the farmer then remains unchanged, but the extra annual value to the world is $160.

The biorights mechanism is based on this principle. For biorights a contract is entered into with the local population for the protection of forests in exchange for an annual compensation.

More information on biorights can be found on www.biorights.org.

Projects with biorights

We have positive experiences with the biorights mechanism where this is combined with a transition to sustainable forestry and an increase in agricultural production through improved use of land.

Recently we have entered into contracts with 1,500 smallholders in Bolivia to leave a total of 1,200 hectare of forest unspoilt.

This 1,200 hectare of forest can consequently restore its original rain forest vegetation.

The farmers receive an annual compensation of $40 per hectare to leave the forest unspoilt. In case this commitment is not complied with, payment of the compensation is stopped.

We are also negotiating the realisation of protected nature reserves through the biorights mechanism in other Latin American countries.

You can support our projects with biorights by donating directed at 'biorights'