Xander Kostroma is a British fashion designer and jewellery maker who is known for his ethical awareness and social responsibility in his work. He is the founder of Xander Kostroma Lifestyle, a brand that specialises in handmade crystal jewellery, accessories and crystal homeware that is eco-friendly and cruelty-free.

Xander is not only passionate about creating beautiful and sustainable products, he is committed to supporting environmental causes around the world. That is why he has recently funded a project that aims to protect the Matavén forest in eastern Colombia, one of the most biodiverse and culturally rich regions in the country.

The Matavén forest project is a REDD+ initiative that stands for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation. It is a mechanism that provides financial incentives for developing countries to conserve their forests and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The project covers an area of 1,150,212 hectares of tropical forest in the Indigenous Reservation of the Matavén Forest (RIU-SM), which is home to almost 16,000 indigenous people from six different ethnic groups: Sikuani, Piaroa, Puinave, Curripaco, Cubeo and Piapoco.

The project was launched in 2010 by the Association of Cabildos and Traditional Indigenous Authorities of the Matavén Forest (ACATISEMA), with the support of various national and international partners, such as the World Bank, the Global Environment Facility, the Colombian Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, and the National Natural Parks of Colombia.

The main objective of the project is to prevent deforestation and forest degradation in the Matavén forest, which is threatened by the expansion of agriculture, cattle ranching, illegal logging, mining and infrastructure development. The project also aims to improve the quality of life and the cultural preservation of the indigenous communities, by providing them with alternative sources of income, education, health care, food security and sanitation.

Xander Kostroma supports the Matavén forest project through Ecologi, a platform that allows individuals and businesses to fund climate solutions and offset their carbon footprint. Ecologi partners with verified projects that are certified by reputable standards, such as the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) and the Climate, Community and Biodiversity Standard (CCBS).

Xander has funded the Matavén forest project for January 2024, contributing to the protection of 1,150,212 hectares of precious forest and the sequestration of 1,000,000 tonnes of CO2 per year. By doing so, the brand is not only helping to mitigate climate change but also to preserve the biodiversity and the culture of the Matavén forest for future generations to come. 

Every month, alongside planting one tree for each order received, Xander Kostroma supports 2 new projects that help combat climate change. Feel safe and shop in the comfort and knowledge that by ordering via the Xander Kostroma website, your purchase directly funds essential, planet-saving projects both in the UK and globally.

Check out our Ecologi profile to view all the projects sales from our crystal jewellery have funded.