FutFor 20171231 CORTO

Summary

Andreas IKEA from Caputo Forest discusses their innovative 'Generation Forest' project, aimed at restoring tropical landscapes impacted by deforestation. Through sustainable forestry systems, they aim to regenerate 10 million square kilometers of tropical forests, which are essential for biodiversity and local livelihoods. The project combines elements of natural forests and plantations to maximize environmental and economic benefits. The Generation Forest approach involves planting diverse tree species, thinning, and creating long-term, sustainable timber production. IKEA calls for global collaboration to make the restoration of tropical ecosystems a reality.

Takeaways

• 😀 B Corp-certified Caputo Forest is pioneering sustainable tropical forestry systems.
• 😀 Over 20% of emissions are caused by land-use change, particularly tropical deforestation.
• 😀 Despite the loss of 10 million square kilometers of tropical forest, there is an opportunity to restore them.
• 😀 Only 25% of tropical soils are usable for agriculture long-term; the rest should be restored as forests.
• 😀 Over 1 billion people rely on tropical forests for their livelihoods.
• 😀 The 'Generation Forest' model combines natural forests with plantations to restore degraded tropical landscapes.
• 😀 Tropical forests can provide timber, carbon sequestration, and habitat, but must be managed sustainably.
• 😀 Generation Forest involves planting hundreds of tree species per hectare, ensuring biodiversity and long-term ecological health.
• 😀 After 12 years, Generation Forest will begin generating revenue, with sustainable harvests continuing indefinitely.
• 😀 Collaboration with stakeholders and investors, like the Good Energy Foundation, is crucial for scaling up restoration projects.
• 😀 The Generation Forest model supports both environmental restoration and local communities, fostering both ecological and economic resilience.

Q & A

What is the Generation Forest concept introduced by Andreas IKEA?

The Generation Forest is a new tropical forestry system that combines the benefits of natural forests and plantations. It involves planting hundreds of tree species per hectare, and after certain periods of thinning, new trees are planted in the open spaces, creating a multi-strata forest system. This approach helps restore tropical landscapes while providing timber, carbon absorption, and habitat restoration.

What are the environmental and economic challenges of tropical forests?

Tropical forests face significant challenges, with over 10 million square kilometers already lost due to deforestation. Environmental challenges include land degradation and soil loss, while economically, it's been difficult to find a sustainable way to use these forests without damaging them. Natural forests are hard to manage profitably, while plantations have environmental drawbacks, such as soil depletion.

How does the Generation Forest address these challenges?

The Generation Forest system overcomes the limitations of both natural forests and plantations by planting diverse tree species, ensuring soil protection, creating habitats, and providing economic returns. Through periodic thinning and replanting, the system maintains biodiversity and allows for continuous timber production without exhausting the soil.

What role does land-use change play in global emissions, according to Andreas IKEA?

Land-use change, including deforestation, contributes to over 20% of global emissions. This is a significant issue, especially in tropical regions where deforestation is rampant, but it also presents an opportunity to restore large areas of degraded land.

What is the current state of tropical forests worldwide?

There are approximately 7 million square kilometers of tropical forests left, out of the original 17 million square kilometers. The loss of 10 million square kilometers presents both a significant environmental crisis and an opportunity to restore these landscapes.

How does the Generation Forest project impact local communities?

The Generation Forest project not only restores forests but also creates jobs and supports the livelihoods of over 1 billion people who depend on tropical forests for their livelihoods. By restoring these ecosystems, the project helps enhance local communities' well-being and economic stability.

What are the primary differences between natural forests, plantations, and Generation Forests?

Natural forests are ecologically sustainable but economically hard to manage, while plantations provide timber and carbon absorption but lack biodiversity and degrade the soil. Generation Forests combine the advantages of both, with diverse species, ongoing replanting, and sustainable timber production, ensuring long-term ecological and economic viability.

What is the financial model for the Generation Forest?

The Generation Forest project can generate a positive cash flow starting in year 20, with healthy profits by year 25. After that, individual tree harvesting occurs annually. The project offers sustainable revenue generation and environmental restoration, making it an attractive investment model.

What are the risks associated with plantation forestry in tropical areas?

Plantations in tropical areas have several risks, including soil degradation and loss of biodiversity. They do not protect the soil or provide habitat for wildlife in the long term. Also, plantations can only sustain a limited number of cycles before the soil's nutrient content is exhausted.

What role does external funding play in the Generation Forest project?

External funding, such as that from the Good Energy Foundation, has been crucial in supporting research, training, and the development of the Generation Forest system. This funding helps scale the project and allows investors to participate in the movement, either through equity investments or other forms of financial support.