Go Balance CEO Ciaran Kelly Awarded Honorary Citizenship of Borba, Amazonas
The City Council of Borba Awards Honorary Citizenship to Go Balance’s CEO, Ciaran Kelly
In recognition of a decade of REDD+ partnership and environmental leadership through the Trocano Araretama Project in Borba
On a significant day in Borba’s municipal calendar, Ciaran Kelly, CEO of Go Balance, was formally awarded honorary citizenship by the Câmara Municipal (City Council) of Borba, Amazonas. The recognition was made in acknowledgement of his long-standing commitment to the region through the Trocano Araretama REDD+ Project — a partnership that has brought together forest protection, community-led development, and measurable climate impact.
Council President Tatiana Franco dos Santos Guedes proposed the honour and formally nominated Ciaran for the title. The full council unanimously approved her motion and enacted it through an official decree — a strong symbol of the collective appreciation of the people of Borba.
A Personal Reflection from Ciaran Kelly:
“Although I was the one to receive the award, I receive it on behalf of the whole team, the communities and everyone who has worked so hard through good times, and bad, to make the project the success that it is today.
To be welcomed into the community of Borba as an honorary citizen is one of the greatest honours of my life.
When I first came to this region, I couldn’t have imagined the depth of connection that would grow over the years — one rooted in trust, respect, and a belief that protecting the forest must start with supporting the people who live in it.
Thank you to the Municipality of Borba for this incredible gesture.”
— Ciaran Kelly, CEO, Go Balance
A Rare Honour from the Municipality of Borba City Council
Borba City Hall hosted the official award ceremony on 10th June 2025. Local dignitaries, municipal leaders, community representatives, and the Trocano Project team attended the event. The ceremony marked more than a symbolic gesture. It expressed heartfelt trust, appreciation, and mutual respect between the people of Borba and the Trocano REDD+ project developer.
Honorary citizenship is reserved for those who have demonstrated exceptional service and long-term dedication to the municipality and its people. Ciaran Kelly is only the second non-Brazilian in Borba’s history to receive this honour, making the occasion even more significant.
For Ciaran, it is a powerful affirmation of Go Balance’s collaborative approach. An approach that prioritises local agency, long-term presence, and real-world results.
Nomination from the President of the City Council of Borba
During the ceremony, President of Borba City Council Tatiana Franco dos Santos Guedes delivered the following speech in tribute to Ciaran:
“I want to speak here about my honoree, Mr. Ciaran Kelly, who today will be receiving the Title of Citizen of Borba. He began travelling the world at a very young age, and first came to Borba in 2010. Since then, he has brought benefits through the carbon market project, together with the dedicated team here in Borba, who are also attending today.
With exemplary commitment, he supported initiatives such as the Stingless Bee Breeding Program for local farmers, volunteer firefighter training courses, sustainable agriculture, environmental education, and school activities like the Recyclable Toy Contest — which remains one of his personal favourites!
So today, more than deserved, we are awarding him this Title of Citizen of Borba. Thank you very much for the opportunity. Congratulations on your work. May you continue working for our people as you always have.”
– Tatiana Franco dos Santos Guedes, President of Borba City Council
Ciaran Kelly’s Acceptance Speech Reflects on Collective Actions
Following the gracious speech by Councilwoman Tatiana, Ciaran Kelly then took to the podium to deliver a heartfelt acceptance:
“Mr Mayor, Vice-Mayor, President Tatiana, members of the City Council, distinguished guests and dear citizens of Borba, it is with deep humility and gratitude that I accept the extraordinary honour of being named a citizen of Borba. This recognition reflects the collective efforts of all who helped to build this Trocano Project.
Thank you for this profound honour that I will carry with great pride. Thank you everyone. Thank you Tatiana.”
– Ciaran Kelly, Go Balance CEO
Go Balance’s Local Impact Through the Trocano REDD+ Project
The Trocano Araretama REDD+ Project continues to deliver verified climate benefits with social initiatives, environmental education, and biodiversity protection. Under Ciaran Kelly’s leadership, Go Balance has worked in close collaboration with the Municipality of Borba to design a long-term strategy that brings direct benefits to local people while delivering verified Natural Capital Credits.
For Go Balance, this honour serves not as a conclusion, but as a renewed commitment. It reinforces the company’s mission to deliver transparent, community-driven climate solutions. It also highlights the importance of relationships built on trust and shared purpose.
That Ciaran Kelly is only the second non-Brazilian ever to receive this recognition from the Municipality of Borba. This is testament to the depth of that relationship. It speaks to the mutual respect that has developed over more than a decade of genuine partnership. It is one rooted in collaborative participation and shared responsibility for the protection of the Amazon.
A Testament to Trust: Go Balance’s Commitment to the People of Borba
The world increasingly looks to nature-based solutions to tackle the climate crisis. The partnership between Go Balance and Borba shows what is possible when local leadership and international expertise come together with a common purpose.
Go Balance CEO Ciaran Kelly with members of the Trocano Araretama REDD+ team in Borba on this momentous occasion