Arbonics reposted this
In 2022, we launched Arbonics with a focus on afforestation—a clear, verifiable carbon removal solution, most in demand by carbon buyers. But I kept envisioning a product that could go further: one that would protect existing forests. The challenge? Carbon markets are already complex, and safeguarding mature forests requires a different level of precision. By 2023, it was clear that building an “Impact Forestry” product would require 5-8x the complexity of afforestation. We needed bulletproof design and rigorous validation. So we started building Impact Forestry only after we completed fundraising last year and could put a dedicated team building that. Ingeborg (previously at WWF) joined us to lead the efforts and it was a team of 10 people working for a year to build that product. It was even more complex than we thought. I have 130 year old pine trees near my cabin in the forests. If Verra project is for 40 years, what will happen to those trees during that period? Turns out - nobody knows. Most of the forestry research is happening around the earlier growth phase, because most of the forests are being cut if they reach maturity. Our answer? We brought together scientists from ecosystem research, forestry, soil science, geoinformatics, and data science to create a solution that integrates insights across these fields. As an example, we accessed data from the Estonian Land Registry, covering 1.7 million parcels, to identify primary tree species across various habitat qualities. That is the attached screenshot - a summary of main species and habitat types. Close to million parcels combined on that picture! Using this comprehensive data and forestry growth models, we could see distinct growth patterns across parcels, allowing us to predict forest development over time. We launched the Impact Forestry pilot in Estonia a month ago and the landowner interested has been crazy. Our tech has already helped more than 100 landowners. So first time ever they will have a data based future estimate and an alternative to clear cutting. To me that is the solution to Nature-based Carbon Markets - full transparency based on technology and data.