The Last Flying River of the Amazon project represents a transformative opportunity to protect one of
Earth’s most critical ecosystems. Flying rivers are essential for maintaining the planet’s water cycle,
supporting agriculture, and combating climate change. By valuing these ecosystem services and
collaborating with key stakeholders and local governments, this project aims to ensure a regenerative
future for all communities, natural system, and the planet.
The Initiative
The Last Flying River of the Amazon project is an initiative aimed at economically assessing,
quantifying, and valuing the critical ecosystem services provided by the Amazon’s northern region, the
last contiguous stretch of non-degraded rainforest. This vital area generates 20% of the world’s rainfall
and 70% of Latin America’s precipitation. The Amazon rainforest, known for its immense biodiversity and
carbon storage, also supports "flying rivers"—massive areas of water vapor generated through
transpiration and evaporation. These natural phenomena are integral to global weather patterns, food
security, and water stability. The region is a biodiversity hotspot and serves as a lifeline for global
interconnected systems.
However, degradation of this ecosystem risks catastrophic social, economic, and ecological
consequences. Between 1985 and 2021, the Amazon lost an area of rainforest equivalent to three times
the size of the UK, with deforestation continuing at alarming rates. This project emphasizes collaboration
with local communities, governments, and international organizations to ensure culturally appropriate
and sustainable conservation strategies.
The project will be showcased at key global events, starting with the Meeting of the Northern Amazon
Country Heads of State in August 2025. Subsequently, it will be presented at COP30 in November 2025
to mobilize international support and additional investment in the protection and restoration of the
Amazon.
The Last Flying River of the Amazon
Phase 1 – Up to July 2025
Develop a narrative and financial assessment of the value of the Last Flying River.
Outline a market for Amazon nature credits and establish a roadmap for attracting investments.
Present findings to the Northern Amazon Heads of State Meeting in August 2025.
Phase 2 - July to November 2025
Develop natural capital credit frameworks.
Monitor ecosystem changes and build community capacity.
Present results at COP30 in November 2025.
Target investment - Blue Green Future is seeking $1 million for phase one and two. The overall project is seeking $5 million in philanthropic funding.
Peer-reviewed studies show that holistic planned grazing can increase soil carbon on average by 3 tons of carbon per hectare per year.
Indigenous Led, in collaboration with the Intertribal Buffalo Council (ITBC), is launching pilot projects to restore indigenous lands through the rewilding of buffalo. This initiative aims to support the rematriation of buffalo and create long-term financial sustainability via a Buffalo Nations Fund, which will be funded by the sale of Indigenous ITBC Natural Capital Credits. The project also seeks to honor the buffalo as legal persons. First pilot is being designed to include 30,000 acres with a herd of 2,000 buffalo in Blackfeet Territorial land in Montana.
An initial investment of $2 million can establish the framework to re-introduce 2000 bison to native grassland. This will provide a source of economic development for the conservation of tribal-owned and
managed land, generating a model for Indigenous Natural Capital Credits across 80+ member nations.
Bison rewilding / grassland restoration on Indigenous lands
Target investment - $2 million per pilot project (to launch) – establishing baselines and methodology for bison-grass-carbon impacts, engage tribal members, and create holistic grazing management strategy.
Total valuation - $120 million – (PV) over 50 years
ROI - purchase carbon credits, retire or hold
The Bahama Banks Blue Carbon Initiative is seeking $50 million in funding via its Blue Venture Mapping Fund to support the development and implementation of the seagrass project. The fund will enable the project to establish a sustainable framework for scaling its blue carbon conservation and restoration across 130,000 km2 of Bahamian Seagrass habitat, while leveraging carbon credit sales to reinvest in the initiative and provide economic benefits to Bahamian communities and resiliency against climate change.
Investment opportunity one: Venture Mapping Fund
Target investment - Up to $50 million
ROI - 25% annually (floor) for 8 years, with an option at year 8 to purchase 2 million carbon credits at a 10% discount or pre-agreed price.
Investment opportunity two: Offtake purchases of Bahamas seagrass carbon credits, insured by Lloyds up to $175 million with PwC as Lead Financial Advisor.
