OCP partners to restore degraded land and boost sustainability in Brazil

Wednesday 30 July 2025 - 17:20

By: Dakir Madiha

OCP partners to restore degraded land and boost sustainability in Brazil

Morocco’s OCP Group has announced a partnership with several organizations to restore 100,000 hectares of degraded pastures in the Araguaia Valley, located in Central-West Brazil. This large-scale initiative aims to enhance soil health, support sustainable cattle ranching, and generate high-integrity carbon credits, reinforcing OCP’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and global food security.

A collaborative effort for sustainable agriculture

The project, dubbed the ALM Green Carbon of Araguaia, is being carried out in collaboration with Ambipar, Liga do Araguaia, and the Agro-Environmental Institute of the Araguaia Valley (IAVA). Managed by OCP Brasil, a subsidiary of OCP Nutricrops, the initiative will focus on restoring 80,000 hectares in its first three years, covering approximately 60 farms. The second phase will expand this restoration to a total of 100,000 hectares.

As part of the project’s long-term vision, carbon credits are expected to be issued within three to five years, with the program set to run for 50 years.

Advancing sustainability and innovation

Speaking on the project’s goals, Nafoual Mahdar, Senior VP Decarbonization and Climate Action at OCP, emphasized its alignment with OCP’s sustainability mission and its role in bolstering global food security. “The restoration of degraded pastures in Brazil, a key player in global agriculture, is a significant step toward sustainable development,” he noted.

The project also includes awareness campaigns to educate local communities on sustainable agricultural practices and soil management techniques. This collaborative approach highlights the intersection of environmental conservation, economic development, and carbon credit generation.

Soraya Pires, Global Head of Carbon Solutions at Ambipar, shared her enthusiasm for the initiative, describing it as a milestone in balancing conservation with territorial development and economic benefits. “We are creating a traceable production chain that promotes food security, values local resources, and generates climate, social, and economic advantages,” she said.

Science and technology driving sustainable practices

Marcos Stelzer, CEO of OCP Brasil, highlighted the importance of innovation in achieving nature-positive agriculture. “This project builds on OCP’s successful carbon farming initiatives in Brazil, integrating science, technology, and sustainable practices to transform agricultural systems,” Stelzer stated.

Leaders from Liga do Araguaia and IAVA echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the project’s role in accelerating sustainable production practices and fostering economic development in the region. IAVA President Leonardo de Oliveira Gomes noted that the initiative will contribute significantly to the sustainable management and resilience of the Araguaia Valley’s agricultural systems.

By prioritizing environmental restoration, sustainable farming, and carbon credit generation, the partnership sets a benchmark for collaborative efforts in tackling climate challenges and advancing global food security.