Introduction to the Sello Querétaro Initiative
In Querétaro, Mexico, the industrial and agroindustrial sectors produce approximately 2.5 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually, with 197,000 tonnes being offset in 2024 through the Sello Querétaro. This mechanism allows companies subject to taxes on greenhouse gas emissions (GEI) to finance environmental preservation programs.
The Sello Querétaro Mechanism
During 2024, 42 projects focused on emission offset participated in Sello Querétaro, including the Grupo Ecológico Sierra Gorda (GESG). This organization assists local ejidatarios in managing the conservation of Querétaro’s forests, enabling trees to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Carbon Diverso Collection and GESG’s Impact
The Carbon Diverso Collection, which includes Sello Querétaro contributions and donations from companies and volunteers nationwide, enabled GESG to offset 70,000 tonnes of emissions in 2024. This benefited over 100 local families actively engaged in maintaining forest polygons free from grazing, logging, tourism, and forest fires.
Unique Aspects of the GESG Project
The GESG project is unique in Querétaro as it transforms forests into a commodity. Companies can choose to offset their polluting emissions by purchasing carbon reduction directly from forest owners for $20 per tonne. This creates a market for conservation that capitalizes on the state’s robust industrial growth.
Company Participation in Sello Querétaro
In 2024, 25 of the 300 companies subject to GEI emission compensation (20%-80%) joined Sello Querétaro. These companies primarily belong to the industrial and agroindustrial sectors, legally required to pay a tax of 5.6 Mexican Units of Measure and Update (UMA) or $32 per tonne of GEI emitted.
Transparency and Traceability
The Carbon Diverso program ensures that over 85% of resources reach forest owners, as it was designed by the community under Paty Ruiz’s leadership. She established GESG 37 years ago, adapting international best practices to the region’s conditions. This ensures proper implementation and continuous monitoring of results.
Benefits for Companies and the Environment
Ricardo Javier Torres Hernández, the subsecretary of Environment at Querétaro’s Sustainable Development Secretariat (Sedesu), explained that Sello Querétaro offers an attractive option for companies to offset emissions at a lower cost per tonne. Unlike traditional tax collection, this mechanism focuses on genuine environmental impact.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is Sello Querétaro? It’s a mechanism that allows companies in Querétaro to finance environmental preservation programs by offsetting their greenhouse gas emissions.
- How does Sello Querétaro work? Companies subject to GEI emission taxes can choose to participate in Sello Querétaro, contributing to projects like GESG that focus on forest conservation.
- What makes the GESG project unique? GESG transforms forests into a commodity, enabling companies to directly purchase carbon reduction from forest owners.
- How transparent is the Carbon Diverso Collection? The program ensures over 85% of resources reach forest owners, with continuous monitoring and implementation of best practices.
- What are the benefits for companies participating in Sello Querétaro? Companies can offset emissions at a lower cost per tonne, enhancing their competitiveness by aligning with international sustainability standards.
