Innovation, Reforestation, and Technology

THE CLIMATE INVESTMENT FUND

The CommuniTree Carbon Programme, the latest addition to the Climate Investment Fund is a cutting-edge reforestation initiative that creates long-term income opportunities for farmers in Central America, particularly those most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

This award-winning programme, the largest of its kind in Nicaragua, combines innovation and community engagement to transform underused land into productive forests, offering sustainable solutions to local farming families.

Run by Taking Root, the CommuniTree Carbon Programme is driven by innovation to connect local farmers with global reforestation efforts. The programme offers smallholder farming families new ways to use their underutilised land by planting trees that sequester carbon.

In return, farmers receive direct payments over time, providing a steady income. This innovative approach ensures that forest restoration not only benefits the environment but also enhances the livelihoods of local communities.

The Impact

To make forest restoration a sustainable solution to climate change, CommuniTree recognises that trees must offer long-term value to local communities. In one of the poorest countries in the Americas, conservation and income cannot be an either-or choice.

Farmers receive payments over a 10-year period for growing forests, with at least 60% of the carbon credit sale price returned to them, utilising innovative carbon financing models. Through the programme, farmers are empowered to innovate and create new businesses, selling products such as high-value woodcrafts, biochar, and sustainable shade-grown coffee.

They are many community benefits to the innovation CommuniTree brings:

  • Job Creation: The programme creates thousands of seasonal jobs within local communities, from seed gathering and nursery building to tree planting. This innovation in employment generation drives economic growth in rural areas.

  • Climate Resilience: The reforested areas help farmers adapt to climate change by reducing the risk of extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, and rising temperatures. The innovative design of poluculture forests provides natural climate buffers for farmers.

  • Biodiversity Enhancement: By planting native tree species, the program promotes biodiversity and encourages natural regeneration across forested areas, blending traditional knowledge with innovative conservation practices.

  • Landscape Restoration: Innovative reforestation methods restore degraded landscapes, replenish water aquifers, stabilise soil, and provide essential shade for livestock, which helps regulate local microclimates.

  • Income Stability: Forest-related activities occur during farmer's off-seasons, providing an additional source of income when it is most needed, enhancing financial resilience through innovative scheduling.

Technological innovation is a key driver of the CommuniTree programme which tracks and maximises its impact. Taking Root's innovative platform (formerly known as FARM-TRACE), employs mobile, satellite, and machine learning data to monitor progress and deliver effective, targeted interventions. This cutting-edge approach ensures unparalleled transparency for funders and provides real-time inisights into the program's impact on farmers and the environment.

Commitment to long-term change means the CommuniTree programme is more than just a reforestation initiative. It's a forward-thinking solution to both climate change and rural poverty. By leveraging innovative practices in carbon financing, agroforestry, and community-led conservation, the programme helps build stronger, more resilient communities while restoring vital ecosystems.

Through a combination of innovative approaches to reforestation, farmer empowerment, and cutting-edge technology, the CommuniTree Carbon Programme is transforming the future for farmers in Nicaragua.

Support this cause

Your generous support is fundamental to the continuation and ongoing success of these inspiring initiatives. There are also opportunities to hop on board and actively get involved.

To find out more and how your donation will make a positive impact, please email support@pelorusfoundation.com.

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