Geneva, Switzerland – 8 July, 2025
In a significant step toward combating deforestation and addressing climate change, Mercuria-backed Silvania, a global natural capital investment platform, has partnered with the State of Piauí, Brazil, and Systemica, a leading carbon project developer, to launch an ambitious jurisdictional REDD+ (JREDD) program. The initiative aims to reduce deforestation, generate high-quality carbon credits, and promote sustainable development, benefiting local communities and ecosystems alike.
The agreement, signed today in Geneva with Investe Piauí—the state’s mixed economy company—positions Piauí as a leader in climate action and forest conservation. Silvania, supported by Mercuria’s USD $500 million commitment to natural capital investments, will provide technical and financial backing to help the state achieve certification under the ART TREES standard, a globally recognized benchmark for credible and transparent carbon credits.
Under the partnership, Silvania will offer upfront financing and serve as the primary offtaker for ART-issued carbon credits generated by the program. Systemica will provide technical expertise to structure the initiative, while Geonoma, a Brazilian environmental services company with over 15 years of experience, will lead program development. Geonoma’s expertise in Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) and large-scale ecological restoration will ensure the program’s success.
The collaboration builds on Silvania’s growing portfolio of jurisdictional REDD+ programs, including successful initiatives in Tocantins, Brazil, and other regions. After evaluating Tocantins’ approach, Piauí launched a public process to select a commercial partner, ultimately choosing Silvania and Systemica for their proven track record in delivering impactful climate solutions.
Preliminary modeling suggests that if Piauí achieves a 10% annual reduction in deforestation and forest degradation, the program could generate over 20 million carbon credits by 2030. These credits, subject to ART validation, represent a significant opportunity for the state to attract investment while advancing its environmental goals.
Silvania anticipates investing between BRL 10–20 million to support the program’s implementation, leveraging insights from its JREDD experience in Tocantins, Missiones, and other regions. The initiative will prioritize benefits for traditional communities and promote sustainable agriculture practices, ensuring that local populations are integral to conservation efforts.
“This agreement represents a transformative step for Piauí in our fight against deforestation and climate change,” said Governor Rafael Fonteles of Piauí. “Through Investe Piauí and with Silvania’s support, we will not only protect our forests but also create sustainable opportunities for our communities. Together, we are building a greener and more prosperous future for Piauí.”
The partnership also aligns with Silvania’s “Race to Belém” campaign, which aims to unlock large-scale private sector investment in forest protection ahead of COP30. By expanding the pipeline of high-quality, high-integrity carbon credits, the initiative underscores the potential of public-private collaboration to drive meaningful climate action.
“This partnership with Silvania is a milestone for Investe Piauí and the State as a whole,” said Victor Hugo de Almeida, President of Investe Piauí. “By leveraging the ART TREES standard and focusing on local communities, we are ensuring that our environmental efforts also bring tangible benefits to the people of Piauí.”
Celso Fiori, Director of Silvania’s Brazil operations, highlighted the importance of local leadership: “As a Brazilian leading Silvania’s efforts on the ground, I’m proud to see this level of ambition from the State of Piauí. This program builds on our successful collaboration in Tocantins and shows how homegrown solutions, backed by global finance and expertise, can deliver real climate impact.”
Silvania CEO Eelco Hoekstra added: “Silvania is proud to partner with Investe Piauí in this pioneering initiative. By combining our expertise with the State’s dedication to environmental stewardship, we aim to set a new benchmark for jurisdictional REDD+ programs. This collaboration demonstrates how public-private partnerships can drive impactful climate action while empowering local communities and promoting sustainable agriculture.”
Situated at the crossroads of Brazil’s MATOPIBA agricultural frontier (Maranhão, Tocantins, Piauí, and Bahia), Piauí plays a critical role in balancing economic growth with environmental conservation. As a state located between major agricultural regions and the Amazon rainforest, Piauí is uniquely positioned to lead global efforts to address climate change.
The agreement signed today marks a pivotal moment in Piauí’s journey toward sustainable development and climate leadership. As the world prepares for COP30, this partnership sets a powerful example of how innovative action can deliver meaningful change for forests, communities, and the planet.
Investe Piauí is a mixed economy company representing the State of Piauí, Brazil. The company is dedicated to fostering sustainable development, attracting investments, and implementing innovative solutions to address environmental and economic challenges.
Silvania (silvania.earth) is the flagship initiative launched by Mercuria with a $500M capital commitment dedicated to nature and biodiversity protection and restoration. is a leading company in environmental solutions, specializing in carbon credit generation, sustainable finance, and climate impact initiatives. The company is dedicated to fostering partnerships that drive measurable progress in global sustainability efforts.
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