Scaling ecological restoration through carbon finance
ProFloresta+ is a joint initiative by Petrobras and the Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES) designed to scale up ecological restoration in the Amazon through the generation and purchase of high-integrity carbon credits. Launched in March 2025, the program aims to acquire up to 15 million restoration-based carbon credits linked to the restoration of more than 50,000 hectares of degraded land in Brazil, supporting Petrobras’ decarbonization strategy, strengthening Brazil’s voluntary carbon market, and fostering a sustainable forest restoration economy.
Building confidence in Brazil’s voluntary carbon market
The program has progressed from design to contracting: the first public tender, of 5 million credits, has been concluded, with Petrobras selecting suppliers and disclosing contract terms and purchase prices. The competitive process demonstrated strong market interest and confirmed the economic viability of large-scale forest restoration. Projects developed by Br Carbon, Systemica and Re.green were selected, with contracts structured to ensure the delivery of high-integrity carbon credits over the agreed period.
Br Carbon was awarded a contract to supply 2 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent at a price of aprox US$54 per carbon credit, while Systemica secured another 2 million tonnes at aprox. US$57 per credit. Re.green was selected to provide 1 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent at aprox. US$72 per credit. These results established an important market benchmark for carbon credits generated through ecological restoration and reinforced one of the main objectives of ProFloresta+: increasing price transparency and supporting the development of the voluntary carbon market in Brazil.
Delivering climate, biodiversity and socio-economic benefits
This first auction is expected to mobilize approximately BRL 450 million in direct restoration investments, support the planting of more than 25 million native trees, and create around 4.500 green jobs. In addition, some of the selected projects will be implemented on lands under public concession agreements, demonstrating the strong synergy between climate action, forest restoration initiatives, and public policies aimed at promoting sustainable land use and conservation in the Amazon.
With the scale of contracted credits in 2025–2026, ProFloresta+ represents the world’s largest restoration carbon credit purchase in that period, reinforcing its role as a landmark corporate-backed restoration effort in Brazil, expected to deliver climate, biodiversity, and socio-economic benefits while mobilizing public and private investment.
