## NAVIGATING 2024: Market challenges and key takeaways 

In 2024 investments in the VCM slowed as investors awaited clearer signals. Concerns over the effectiveness of Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) projects, especially avoidance projects like REDD+, fueled skepticism, impacting the entire Nature-based Solutions (NbS) market. According to SBTi (Feb 2024), concerns about carbon credit quality remained a major deterrent for companies. Yet, NbS remain critical, accounting for one-third of necessary climate mitigation (data source: UNEP).

Meanwhile, new initiatives emerged to strengthen VCM governance. The Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM) implemented its 10 Core Carbon Principles (CCPs), while SBTi clarified its Beyond Value Chain Mitigation (BVCM) guidelines and UN-approved crediting mechanisms (Article 6.2 and 6.4) made progress. These frameworks shape a high-integrity VCM, for both supply and demand.

**Given this landscape, investors should prioritize securing high-integrity carbon credits by evaluating projects individually and selecting those that adhere to the most rigourous integrity standards.**

## HIGHLIGHT #1 Core benefits: Projects that tick all the boxes

When investing in a nature-based CDR project, evaluate its multifunctionality. High-integrity projects not only create carbon sinks but also maximize positive impacts on communities and ecosystems, known as “core benefits”. NbS cover a range of project types, such as Afforestation, Reforestation, and Revegetation (ARR), Agroforestry, Improved Forest Management, Improved Agricultural Land Management (IALM), and Wetlands Restoration and Conservation (Blue Carbon). These projects should deliver long-lasting and multifunctional benefits across biodiversity, community livelihoods, and soil-water system improvements. 

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_Beneficiary farmers of the MuLaKiLa project in Rwanda, which was developed by Reforest'Action, attending training as part of the project_ 

The question everyone is asking #1

**Do international carbon standards assess core benefits?** Leading carbon standards like the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) and Gold Standard require projects to demonstrate measurable contributions to at least three Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, for more in-depth verification, investors may consider additional certifications like the CCB Standards from Verra.

## HIGHLIGHT #2 Additionality and conservativeness: A winning combination 

Additionality is a critical factor, as carbon removals must not occur without carbon finance. The criteria for proving additionality vary across standards but generally require demonstrating that VCM funding is essential for the project’s viability. Conservativeness is equally important and relies on two factors:

**1. Baseline scenarios:** Establishing what would happen in the absence of the project, including biodiversity and community impact baselines, ensuring alignment with your objective of investing in projects that deliver multifunctional core benefits.
		 
**2. Carbon quantification:** Ensuring that the number of credits issued accurately reflects actual removals while preventing overstatement. Adopting a reasonably conservative approach is essential for upholding the integrity of the VCM.

The question everyone is asking #2 

**Do forest-based CDR projects meet additionality and conservativeness criteria?** Forests are among the most effective carbon sinks. With decades of scientific research backing their carbon sequestration potential, their removals can be modeled and verified with high accuracy. Deforested or degraded lands provide clear baselines, strengthening additionality assessments.

## HIGHLIGHT #3 A commitment to transparency, fairness and traceability

Strong governance is essential for high-integrity carbon removal projects. Key aspects include:

- **Full transparency:** Ensuring clear disclosure of decision-making processes
- **Robust benefit-sharing:** Ensuring fair distribution of financial and social benefits
- **Enhanced traceability:** Ensuring long-term monitoring of carbon credit transactions
- **Third-party validation and verification:** Ensuring the achievement of claimed emission removals and other targets

These four factors are critical to maintaining the overall quality of issued carbon credits, ensuring the consistency and credibility of the VCM. 

The question everyone is asking #3 

**How can fair value distribution be ensured?** Benefit-sharing guarantees that financial, social, and environmental project benefits effectively reach local communities, Indigenous peoples, and landowners. This approach aims to ensure fairness, inclusion, and alignment of incentives with the needs of local communities. Trusted carbon programs incorporate these principles into project design documentation.

## HIGHLIGHT #4 Monitoring and reporting: Proof is in the impact

Monitoring evaluates whether a project successfully meets its carbon removal and core benefit targets. It ensures that expected impacts are taking place as planned and that the baseline assumptions guiding these estimations remain valid over the project’s lifetime. A combination of field protocols, remote sensing, and geomatics tools is needed to monitor the stability and health of ecosystems, as well as their impacts on nature and local communities. 

![Core benefit biodiversity High Integrity Project.jpg](https://backoffice.reforestaction.com/uploads/Core_benefit_biodiversity_High_Integrity_Project_36152c2e6b.jpg)
_The MuLaKiLa project in Rwanda is designed to improve connectivity between two native forests, creating ecological corridors useful for birds. The connectivity matrix is therefore an indicator that will be monitored over time._ 

The question everyone is asking #4 

**What does a third-party validated monitoring plan tell us?** A monitoring plan is a fundamental document that outlines the procedures for data collection, key impact indicators, and steps to track project performance. It must be based on transparent, scientifically validated methods, cover multifunctional key indicators, and be adaptable to changing conditions. 

## HIGHLIGHT #5 Managing risks: Mitigating and sharing the load

While permanence is a key criterion in nature-based large-scale project development, the most important takeaway is that eliminating risk entirely is impossible. Instead, understanding the in-the-field risks is essential, as these factors shape project durability, the certainty of field impacts and investment valuation. Success lies in accepting these variables and focusing on managing and anticipating them effectively, with a strong emphasis on transparency. 

The question everyone is asking #5 

**Can in-depth due diligence actually help reduce risk?** Yes. Due diligence is a critical tool for identifying and assessing risks, including human-induced risks (e.g. land use change), nature-induced risks (e.g. climatic hazards.), external risks (e.g. political instability) and internal risks (e.g. key person risk). By ensuring transparency and alignment with environmental and social goals, due diligence strengthens investor confidence and secures project sustainability.

### What to remember: two key takeaways to keep you on track

**1) Invest in projects that meet the highest quality standards for climate, nature, and communities.** Only best-in-class projects can truly support your corporate climate strategy, while strengthening market standards and ensuring real climate impact with minimal risk. 

**2) Contribute to positive market dynamics to restore confidence in the VCM.** All stakeholders should align to uphold transparency, traceability, fair value distribution, and inclusive decision-making to drive meaningful climate action. Unlocking investment in high-integrity projects also requires risk-sharing financing frameworks backed by market players.

**Are you interested in investing in a high-quality nature-based carbon removal project? Visit our [solution page](https://www.reforestaction.com/en/developing-certified-carbon-projects) or [contact our team of experts.](https://www.reforestaction.com/en/contact)**

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Nature-based carbon removals: How to identify high-integrity projects? Reforest’Action’s insights 

**Soils and water resources are two vital elements of the environment. They function as a system and are intrinsically linked. Indeed, most of the water that reaches the surface of terrestrial ecosystems, notably through precipitation, infiltrates into the soil or runs off the surface. What are the flows and interactions within the soil-water system? How do soils, depending on their structure, texture, state of health, type of cover and use, influence the quality and quantity of water available to plants and living organisms? These questions are crucial to understanding the impact of forestry and agroforestry restoration projects, both in terms of increasing the infiltration of rainwater into water tables and reducing runoff and its risks.**

## The link between soil and water 

### The role of soil in the water cycle 
As a living part of the geosphere, soil is both the support and the product of living organisms, since it results from the transformation of the surface layer of bedrock, degraded and enriched with organic matter. Soil is thus one of the planet's main carbon sinks. 

It also plays a vital regulatory role in the water cycle. Although soil water only represents 0.064% of the total freshwater available on the planet, it is essential for plant nutrition and the photosynthesis process, as well as for the life of the wide variety of micro-organisms found in the soil, including animals (earthworms, arthropods, nematodes, protozoa), fungi and bacteria.

### Interactions between soil and water 
Generally speaking, the amount of water available in the soil for plant, animal and fungal biodiversity comes from precipitation. More than half of annual precipitation passes through the soil and plants (crops, forests, plants, etc.), before being evapotranspired for the most part. This is green water. The rest of the rain reaches rivers, lakes and infiltrates the water table. This is blue water.

The amount of water temporarily stored in the soil circulates in microporosities, i.e. small cavities in the soil, and constitutes the soil's water reserve. This capacity depends on climate, soil structure and texture, depth and organic matter content (carbon content).

The main particles (derived from the weathering of rocks) that make up soil texture are sand, silt and clay. Each has a different water retention capacity (low for sand, high for silt and clay). 

By calculating the granulometric distribution (texture), i.e. the proportion of each of these fundamental fractions within a given soil, it is possible to define a soil's hydrological group and thus gain a better understanding of its water retention capacity.

## The influence of soils on water availability

### The role of the available water storage capacity in the soil
By storing part of the excess rainwater and making a useful water reserve available to vegetation and micro-organisms, the soil has the capacity to delay and mitigate the water deficit that can occur when rainfall volumes are restricted.

When the useful reserve is too low, it is considered to be limiting for living organisms, and is unable to feed the various tree and plant species in the absence of precipitation. The photosynthesis process can then slow down or even come to a halt, causing vegetation to die back. 

Conversely, during extreme climatic events, excess water in the soil can be detrimental to plants. Waterlogging causes root asphyxia and reduces tree rooting depth.

### Water flows in ecosystems
Knowing the useful reserve of a soil, it is possible to determine deep drainage flows, i.e. groundwater recharge, or conversely the depletion of soil water resources. 

To do this, we need to compare the volume of precipitation with the potential evapotranspiration. This bioclimatic index translates into millimeters of water the evaporative capacity of the atmosphere, controlled by solar radiation, atmospheric drying and wind speed. 

If the volume of precipitation is less than or equivalent to the potential evapotranspiration, then blue water flows are non-existent (there is no runoff and the water tables are not recharged), even if green water flows continue (plant transpiration takes place until the available water storage capacity in the surrounding soils is depleted). On the other hand, if the volume of precipitation exceeds the potential evapotranspiration, then the available water storage capacity begins to recharge. Runoff, i.e. the flow of water over the soil surface (as opposed to water entering through infiltration), is directly correlated with precipitation. It occurs when the intensity of rainfall exceeds the infiltration rate, or when the soil profile is saturated with water (saturation of the soil's available water storage capacity, which may trigger transfer to the water table). 

## The impact of runoff on soil and water quality

### Erosion
Limiting runoff and its environmental risks, such as erosion, is one of the challenges of forestry and agroforestry ecosystem restoration projects. 

Runoff is one of the driving forces behind erosion: flowing water carries with it particles of varying size, depending on the quantity of water in motion and the slope coefficient, creating an abrasive effect on the land subject to runoff. Erosion can thus be the source of soil and nutrient losses that are detrimental to agronomy. 

### Flooding
Runoff can also lead to river flooding, landslides, mudslides and downstream flooding.

### Agricultural pollution
Last but not least, runoff can exacerbate pollution linked to agriculture: fertilizers and other treatment products are washed into watercourses, then into coastal environments and the seas and oceans, instead of staying where they are spread, leading to a deterioration in water quality and biodiversity as a whole.

## Towards sustainable resource and ecosystem management
It is essential to project the impact of forestry and agroforestry ecosystem restoration projects in order to take into account the health of the soil-water system in the design and management of projects, and to assess the benefits generated on water resources through their implementation. 

To do this, Reforest'Action establishes a baseline scenario and a project scenario, the study of which enables us to understand how changes in land use and soil cover will impact on water resources. In other words, by reintegrating trees into a landscape, where they were absent or barely present, using different techniques, what impact can be observed on the water cycle, increasing the infiltration of rainwater into the water table and reducing runoff and its risks? To find out more, read our article “[Modeling the impact of (agro)forestry projects on the soil-water system](https://www.reforestaction.com/en/magazine/soil-water-impact)”.


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On an ecosystem scale, what is the link between soil and water?

**Soil and water function as a system and are intrinsically linked. It is essential to take the health of this system into account when designing projects, and to assess the benefits generated by their implementation. By reintegrating trees into a landscape, where they were absent or sparsely present, what impact can be observed on the water cycle, increasing the infiltration of rainwater into the soil profile and reducing runoff and its risks? To obtain spatialized data for these impact indicators, Reforest'Action uses a projection tool based on remote sensing.**

## A tool for projecting impact on soil and water

### Modeling water flows on a watershed scale
In order to model the quantity of water infiltrated and the quantity of water runoff on the scale of an ecosystem and to project the evolution of these metrics after the implementation of a project, Reforest'Action's Impact and R&D division uses the VWBA (Volumetric Water Benefit Accounting) model developed by the World Resources Institute, and relies on the Invest tool which takes into account a wide range of factors, some of which thanks to remote sensing:
- Precipitation volume
- Potential evapotranspiration 
- Soil hydrology group
- Topography
- Type of land use and cover
- Runoff coefficient (curve number)

### Our three impact projection indicators
The tool used by Reforest'Action illustrates the circulation of water within a watershed (the surface area that receives water flowing towards a single watercourse or groundwater table). This tool can also be used to map water flows.
It is then possible to model the landscape after project implementation, obtaining spatialized data for three impact projection indicators: evapotranspiration, avoided runoff and local groundwater recharge in milliliters.

![aet_image_ALA.png](https://backoffice.reforestaction.com/uploads/aet_image_ALA_f310bd91ca.png)
_Mapping water flows within the watersheld of the regenerative agriculture project developed by Reforest'Action in India (Odisha)._

![annual_runoff.png](https://backoffice.reforestaction.com/uploads/annual_runoff_4c6714522a.png)
Mapping of annual runoff within the same project area

![annual_local_recharge 1.png](https://backoffice.reforestaction.com/uploads/annual_local_recharge_1_8c5d80ede1.png)
Mapping of local groundwater recharge within the same project area

### A project design tool 
“In concrete terms, this tool is an impact projection tool, as it enables us to model the amount of runoff that could be avoided by implementing projects,” explains Richard Sourbès, GIS and remote sensing expert at Reforest'Action. “The model we use enables us to adapt project design to the local soil-water resource, by targeting, upstream of the project, areas where reforestation or the integration of trees in agroforestry will be of great interest. It's also a project design tool and a planning aid.”  

## Expected impacts of projects on the soil-water system

### Reduced runoff and water purification
Planted trees require a significant input of water as they grow, temporarily reducing the amount of water available in the soil. However, from their very first years of growth, they reduce runoff by absorbing excess water from the soil surface, thus ensuring the proper functioning of the water and nutrient cycle necessary for the development of flora and fauna. 

Preventing runoff also helps to clean up the water that infiltrates the soil, a particularly beneficial impact in agricultural environments. In fact, water filtration by trees prevents the transfer of pollutants from the soil to the water system.

“In concrete terms, planted trees reduce runoff, significantly increase the potential evapotranspiration of the ecosystem and, to a lesser extent, local groundwater recharge. They also reduce the connection between the agricultural environment and the hydrographic network, and thus limit potential pollutant transfers (excess organic matter, fertilizers, pesticides, etc.). It is this triple function that reduces the risk of degradation of water bodies. The trees planted therefore help to influence the quality and quantity of water in the hydrographic network adjacent to the project,” explains Jean-Christophe Renaud, in charge of regenerative agriculture projects for Reforest'Action. 

### Increase in actual evapotranspiration
In the medium term, the restoration or creation of a forestry or agroforestry ecosystem reduces the response time of a watershed to rain stimulus, by reducing runoff: in other words, the drop of water reaches the outflow less quickly. What's more, in the first 30 years following the implementation of a project, an increase in actual evapotranspiration (the total amount of water that evaporates from the soil and plants present in an area when the soil is at its natural moisture content) can be observed, giving rise to cloud formation and an increased volume of precipitation at watershed scale. 

“Based on the results of our impact projections, forestry and agroforestry ecosystem restoration projects can ultimately increase both the quality and quantity of water (green and blue) circulating at watershed scale,” concludes Jean-Christophe Renaud.

## Practices borrowed from regenerative hydrology
Through this research and development work, Reforest'Action aims to take into account the regeneration of freshwater cycles in the design and implementation of projects, and thus deploy practices that improve the distribution, infiltration and storage of rainwater and runoff, in order to improve the resilience of ecosystems to water-related issues (drought, erosion, desertification, flooding...) - all key practices in the science of regenerative hydrology.


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Modeling the impact of agro/forestry projects on the soil-water system

**Our impact management process has been digitized and we have developed an MRV (Measurement, Reporting & Verification) platform. The aim is to offer investors a tool that provides centralized, selected information on nature-based projects, their monitoring and relative impacts over time. This tool will enable investors to demonstrate the value generated by these nature-based solutions, using key performance indicators and reliable, traceable and verifiable data.**

![MRV_maquette.jpg](https://backoffice.reforestaction.com/uploads/MRV_maquette_83b721a179.jpg)

## A data collection, analysis and reporting tool 

The MRV platform developed by Reforest'Action aims to collect, analyze and report reliable and verifiable data on the implementation, monitoring and impact measurement of our Nature-based Solutions. It enables us to combine all our impact management tools and report the results of project monitoring in the field and by remote sensing, in complete transparency.

The platform also provides impact projections, i.e. modeling and assessment of impacts prior to implementation, enabling us to gain information on projects, adjust their design, implement adaptive management measures and assess their level of performance over the long term.

Our MRV platform relies both on the collection of data from the field (type of species planted, nature of activities carried out in the field, impact on local communities, etc.) and from satellite imagery (forest cover density, actual carbon sequestration by above-ground biomass, number of trees in place, stand health, etc.).

It offers a solution that meets both the needs of project development and the transparency requirements of the companies that finance them:
- In the back office, Project Data Management enables our teams to manage projects, from identification to field monitoring, by centralizing all project-related data (design, audit reports, satellite measurements, etc.).
- In the front office, the dashboard can be used to display project-related key performance indicators (KPIs) for companies committed to monitoring the impact of the solutions they finance.

![Schema-plateforme MRV.png](https://backoffice.reforestaction.com/uploads/Schema_plateforme_MRV_afc2dffaee.png)

## A tool that meets the growing need for transparency and reporting 

Ultimately, Reforest'Action's MRV platform is intended to link all project stakeholders to improve transparency and add value, including in the field. In its first version, available at the end of 2024, it is dedicated to project financiers and provides key performance indicators and impact data, facilitating the monitoring of investments and reporting required by certification frameworks such as the CSRD.

It meets the market's need for transparent, robust and reliable data, addressing the following needs:
- ensuring companies comply with regulatory frameworks (CSRD, Net Zero, etc.)
- supporting companies' reputations and their need to demonstrate the impacts of the NbS they finance
- providing a clear return on investment (ROI) for financed solutions

**Our impact monitoring approach, supported by our digital data reporting tool, enables us not only to work for the health of restored ecosystems, but also to make Nature-based Solutions a reliable impact investment solution.**


_Are you a company looking to invest in Nature-based Solutions and benefit from a tool that enables you to demonstrate the value generated by these projects? [Contact one of our experts to discuss your needs.](https://www.reforestaction.com/en/contact)_


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Measuring the impact of NbS projects: launch of our MRV platform

**Defined by the IUCN in 2009, the concept of Nature-based Solutions (NBS) is founded on the idea that natural processes, and not just technological ones, can make a significant contribution to tackling major contemporary challenges such as climate change and biodiversity erosion. Nature provides vital services to all living things, and in particular to humankind. It is therefore essential to preserve, restore and manage it sustainably to ensure our future.**

![Nature-Based-Solutions-forest.jpg](https://backoffice.reforestaction.com/uploads/Nature_Based_Solutions_forest_f54ea0ac1f.jpg)

## What are Nature-based Solutions?

Nature-based Solutions are defined by IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) as “actions to protect, sustainably manage and restore natural or modified ecosystems to directly address societal challenges in an effective and adaptive manner, while ensuring human well-being and producing benefits for biodiversity.”

This concept was formulated by IUCN at the Copenhagen Conference in 2009, when forests were proposed as a solution for mitigating climate change. It was at COP21 in 2015 that the place of Nature-based Solutions in climate action was recognized by States, notably via the Paris Agreement.

These are actions that aim to protect, restore and sustainably manage natural ecosystems - be they forests, rivers, wetlands or even bocage meadows - in a logic of mutual benefit, since these ecosystems generate benefits for humanity. Nature-based Solutions also bring benefits for [biodiversity](https://www.reforestaction.com/en/magazine/what-biodiversity-definition-and-issues), by integrating this objective into the very design and implementation of these actions.

![EN_NbS.jpg](https://backoffice.reforestaction.com/uploads/EN_Nb_S_775d13cbc8.jpg)

## How are ecosystems and human societies interconnected?

### A multitude of services to humanity

Ecosystems are multifunctional by nature. The variety of ecosystem functions they produce are not man-made, but the result of slow, patient work shaped by Nature over millions of years. Today, [natural ecosystems](https://www.reforestaction.com/en/magazine/reconnecting-living-sustainable-humanity) make vital contributions to people's lives, such as the production of food, energy and raw materials, as well as a multitude of ecosystem services. For example, forests store carbon, regulate the water cycle, limit local heat peaks, reduce the risk of soil runoff and landslides, and meet vital human needs such as the production of timber and energy, food and medicinal products, and places of well-being and recreation.

### Nature's services to human societies are not unlimited

The worldwide overexploitation of ecosystems leads to their degradation, and thus to their inability to provide resources in the long term. The Global Footprint Network's annual Earth Overshoot Day is a direct illustration of this idea. This date, which marks the day when humanity has consumed all the natural resources the Earth can produce in one year, is obtained by comparing mankind's ecological footprint (which measures the exploitation of the Earth's natural resources) with the planet's biocapacity (its capacity to replenish its reserves and absorb greenhouse gases). Still in surplus in 1961, with a quarter of its reserves unused, the Earth became in deficit in the early 1970s. This day was changed from October 10 in 1999 to August 1 in 2024.

In most regions of the world today, Nature has been significantly altered by multiple human factors, and the vast majority of indicators relating to ecosystems and biodiversity show a rapid decline. For example, the IPBES estimates that today :

- 75% of natural terrestrial environments are degraded;
- 66% of oceans have been altered;
- 85% of wetlands have disappeared;
- 5% of the world's animal and plant species are threatened.

Forests, which are home to 80% of the Earth's biodiversity and support 25% of the world's population, are in constant decline. On a global scale, forest area today represents around 68% of its estimated pre-industrial level. According to the FAO, 240 million hectares of forest were lost to deforestation in tropical zones between 1990 and 2015. In temperate zones, the effects of climate change are affecting forest health: 42% of tree species are now threatened with extinction in Europe, according to the IUCN. Forest animal biodiversity has fallen by [53%](https://www.dw.com/en/worlds-forest-animal-population-sinks-drastically-wwf-report/a-50015580) since 1970.

### Ecosystem degradation also weakens populations

Ecosystems, biodiversity and climate are interdependent. Ecosystems and their biodiversity influence climate, helping to regulate temperature and precipitation. They are essential players in the carbon, water and nitrogen cycles. They help absorb some of the heat and greenhouse gases emitted by human activities. These feedbacks between climate and biodiversity are at the origin of the dynamic balance of the environment in which human societies have developed, and which is today affected by both climate and ecosystem changes. Alterations to ecosystems and the climate-biodiversity pair make human beings more vulnerable, with the loss of food sources, the deterioration of water quality, the [development of new diseases](https://www.reforestaction.com/en/magazine/destruction-ecosystems-favours-rise-new-diseases-and-pandemics) and the exposure of societies to extreme climatic events (droughts, storms, etc.).

Strategies and actions to combat climate change must therefore not only drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but also invest in protecting ecosystems. [Healthy ecosystems](https://www.reforestaction.com/en/magazine/ecosystem-restoration-essential-climate-and-biodiversity) not only help mitigate climate change, but also enable human societies to adapt to its consequences.

![Wooded hills with women's tree-planting communities](https://backoffice.reforestaction.com/uploads/Nature_based_solutions_communities_c9eebab421.jpg)

## Nature-based solutions for today's societal challenges

### Preserving nature is essential to ensure the future of human societies and businesses

According to the IUCN, the use of NbS would enable us to achieve current societal objectives such as :

- Reducing natural hazards
- Socio-economic development
- Food security
- Water and energy supply
- Health and well-being for all
- Adapting territories to climate change
- Mitigating the effects of climate change on populations (rising sea levels, fires, heatwaves...)

According to the IPBES, these natural solutions will account for 37% of the climate change mitigation measures needed by 2030 to achieve the goal of global warming below 2°C by 2100. But implementing NbS on the scale required to meet these societal challenges requires the involvement of all stakeholders, including private sector companies.

### Forests: a key component of Nature-based Solutions

NbS value the services provided by ecosystems that have been preserved, restored or sustainably managed, and are based on various underlying concepts listed by the IUCN. Among these Nature-based Solutions is the restoration of forest landscapes. This process aims to mobilize and involve local communities in restoring the multifunctionality of forests, in order to sustainably meet human needs. This type of project can be implemented through a variety of actions involving the preservation, restoration and sustainable management of forests. All these actions enhance forest biodiversity, and increase carbon capture, which helps mitigate the risks of climate change:
- Preservation of existing forests in good ecological condition
- Restoration of degraded forests or creation of forest ecosystems
- Adoption of sustainable forest management practices
- Creation of protected areas (national or regional parks, nature reserves, etc.) to protect associated territories and preserve ecosystem services
- Reforestation and ecological restoration of degraded forest habitats using adapted and diverse species, giving priority to indigenous species;
- Creation of hedgerows and [agroforestry systems](https://www.reforestaction.com/en/magazine/agroforestry) to regulate climate and the water cycle, conserve soil and create biological corridors for flora and fauna;
- Exclusion of unsustainable practices such as monospecific plantations, clear-cutting that weakens soils and overexploitation of stands;
- Development of [Assisted Natural Regeneration](https://www.reforestaction.com/en/magazine/assisted-natural-regeneration-complementary-solution-tree-planting-restore-degraded-forests);
- Creation of islands of senescence, made up of ageing trees which, as they decompose, promote the fertility of forest soils, the main reservoir of biodiversity in the forest;
- Promoting wood products from sustainably managed forests.

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## Developing Nature-based Solutions with Reforest'Action

Reforest'Action offers Nature-based Solutions that enable companies to:
- Contribute to [global carbon neutrality](https://www.reforestaction.com/en/carbon-neutrality-solutions)
- Develop [regenerative agriculture](https://www.reforestaction.com/en/regenerative-agriculture) within their value chains 
- Support the [restoration of forest ecosystems](https://www.reforestaction.com/en/ecosystems-restoration) 

Our mission: to regenerate terrestrial ecosystems on a large scale to meet global environmental challenges and support corporate climate and transformation strategies, drawing on our field experience, local communities, research and technology. 

Today, our 1,650 forest and agroforestry projects in 45 countries are creating multiple impacts, based on the stability of ecosystems over time, to combat climate change, protect biodiversity and support local communities. Each project financed by Reforest'Action is thus at the heart of global climate action and Nature-based Solutions. 

At the heart of our approach, monitoring the impact of our projects via our [Research & Development team](https://www.reforestaction.com/en/the-impact) also enables us to optimize their results and deliver reliable and transparent data to investors, by means of key performance indicators, regarding the value generated by our Nature-based Solutions.


**Drawing on the role of healthy ecosystems for human life and the well-being of all, Nature-based Solutions address both climate and biodiversity issues. It is crucial to encourage their development at all scales to meet the Sustainable Development Goals formulated by the UN, and to direct more funds towards restoration in order to act more rapidly and effectively in favor of the climate and biodiversity at the service of all Living Things. If you're interested in Nature-based Solutions, and forestry in particular, please [contact us](https://www.reforestaction.com/en/contact).**



Defined by the IUCN in 2009, the concept of Nature-based Solutions (NBS) is founded on the idea that natural processes, and not just technological ones, can make a significant contribution to tackling major contemporary challenges such as climate change and biodiversity erosion. Nature provides vital services to all living things, and in particular to humankind. It is therefore essential to preserve, restore and manage it sustainably to ensure our future.

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What are Nature-based Solutions?

**To improve the monitoring of forest restoration projects, remote sensing can provide complementary indicators and support field surveys. By making it possible to monitor canopy diversity, the spatial distribution of plant species and forest evolution over time, the spectral species method and its associated tools developed by Reforest'Action are invaluable in forest management and restoration projects. They aim to enable forest managers to evolve their practices in order to optimize species diversity, as well as the stability and resilience of the forest ecosystem as a whole.** 

![Spectral-Species-canopy.jpg](/uploads/Spectral_Species_canopy_39e93e4b05.jpg)
 
## Remote sensing applied to the monitoring of vegetation
 
### Analyzing terrestrial ecosystems from space

Space-based remote sensing enables us to observe terrestrial environments using remote data acquisition methods based on the properties of electromagnetic radiation. Satellite sensors can measure the amount of energy (reflectance) reflected or emitted by a surface as a function of the wavelength of the electromagnetic spectrum, and analyze and monitor changes in the surface over time. The total reflectance recorded in each spectral band (blue, green, red, infrared, etc.) forms the object's “spectral signature”. Each surface thus has its own spectral signature, enabling it to be identified on satellite images.
 
### Defining the spectral signature of plant species

Remote sensing makes it possible to establish the spectral signature of plants by analyzing their optical properties in the visible, near-infrared and mid-infrared ranges. These properties depend in particular on the vegetation's cellular structure, as well as its water and pigment content. 
- **Cell structure.** The anatomical structure of leaves plays a significant role in the spectral signature of vegetation at longer wavelengths. Near-infrared radiation passes through the leaf to the cell layer, where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged in the processes of photosynthesis and respiration. In this layer, near-infrared radiation is strongly reflected. It therefore depends directly on leaf anatomy. 
- **Water content.** Leaf water content is also a factor influencing vegetation's spectral signature in the mid-infrared wavelengths. The higher the water content, the lower the reflectance of vegetation. In remote sensing, this wavelength range is used to identify water-stressed vegetation cover.
- **Leaf pigment content.** All plants contain green pigments (chlorophyll), orange pigments (carotenes) and blue-red pigments (anthocyanins). The presence of these leaf pigments (particularly chlorophyll, which is the most abundant) in plants is responsible for their high absorption of visible radiation.

These three elements vary according to season, plant species and life cycle. In other words, the spectral signature of vegetation is not constant. It reflects differences in the structure and characteristics of plant cover. 
 
![Spectral-species-canopy-from-ground.jpg](/uploads/Spectral_species_canopy_from_ground_72dbe3beac.jpg)

## The spectral species method

### From spectral signatures to spectral species: identifying the spatial distribution of plant species

At the scale of a forest plot, remote sensing can identify different spectral signatures, which can be distinguished and attributed to distinct plant species, grouped under categories known as “spectral species”. 

“Through opensource platforms, we have access to Copernicus satellite data, which is revisited every five days or so. We can download the current satellite view of a plot within one of our projects by entering its GPS coordinates,” explains Richard Sourbès, Impact Officer for Reforest'Action. “We then process this data using the Python programming language. On the satellite view, each pixel represents a surface that emits energy in 12 spectral bands. These reflectances in each spectral band are recovered by our software. They make up the spectral signature of the forest surface analyzed. We then try to classify each pixel into groups called spectral species according to the similarity of their signatures, and we thus obtain an estimate of the number of different species present in the canopy.”

This method provides a map of the spatial distribution of spectral species observed in the forest. The map takes the form of a satellite view of the plot, with each pixel color corresponding to a spectral species. 

![Spectral-species-map.jpg](/uploads/Spectral_species_map_ae538870db.jpg)
 
### From the spatial distribution of species to an index of their diversity: monitoring plant biodiversity

This first tool can then be used to calculate diversity indices, in particular the Shannon index. The Shannon index is the most commonly used diversity index in ecology. It is used to calculate species richness and distribution within a forest. In other words, the more numerous and evenly distributed the plant species, the higher the index. 

Reforest'Action uses the Shannon index to determine the specific diversity of spectral species, which is an indicator of the biological (taxonomic) diversity of canopy species. This plant diversity is represented in the form of a heat map, which locates, in warm color, spots of high plant diversity, and in cold color, spots of low plant diversity. It is then possible to follow the evolution of this biodiversity throughout the forest's growth. 

“In concrete terms, the forest stand is re-divided into cells of around 1000 m2, in which the abundance of each of the spectral species present is calculated”, explains Richard Sourbès. “In other words, the Shannon index is calculated by a simple change of scale: going from a 10x10 m pixel to a 33x33 m pixel, we obtain zones containing a greater or lesser diversity of spectral species, enabling us to identify the most diverse areas of the plot studied. Within a cell, the more numerous and evenly distributed the spectral species, the higher the Shannon index.  Conversely, a cell containing a single spectral species will have a Shannon index equal to zero, representing zero species diversity.” 

This mapping is particularly important: it enables field monitoring missions to be steered more effectively, in particular by targeting sampling zones adapted to the results of remote monitoring, and by enabling more precise management recommendations to be formulated. The tool also complements field surveys, which cannot be carried out on all forest stands, as they sometimes extend over dozens or even hundreds of hectares.

![Shannon-Index-Map.jpg](/uploads/Shannon_Index_Map_4dc16676fd.jpg)
 
## Valuable tools for monitoring restoration projects

By making it possible to monitor canopy diversity, the spatial distribution of plant species and forest evolution over time, the spectral species method and its associated tools (spectral species map, Shannon index) are invaluable in forest management and restoration projects. 

Because the data obtained is geo-referenced, it is particularly effective for locating potential invasive species that could threaten the stability of the forest ecosystem, or a lack of species diversity at stand level. They can be used to provide an initial diagnosis of canopy plant biodiversity on a forest scale, to better understand the ecological and environmental factors that favor or hinder plant biodiversity, to establish good practices that lead to high diversity, or to take corrective measures in the opposite case.  

Forest managers can use this data to develop their management practices to optimize species diversity, as well as the stability and resilience of the forest ecosystem as a whole. 

In the medium term, the aim is to be able to calculate the Shannon index for all our projects, in order to monitor the diversity of species represented on the forest plots that have been restored. This index will enable us to measure the impact generated by our projects in terms of plant biodiversity restoration, and will join a range of impact measurement tools currently being developed by Reforest'Action's Innovation & Impact Department.

![Spectral-Species-field-data.jpg](/uploads/Spectral_Species_field_data_23a1e9b997.jpg)

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Spectral species: an innovative method for monitoring plant biodiversity from space

**Richard Sourbès, Impact Officer for Reforest'Action, is responsible for monitoring and measuring impact using remote sensing and geomatics (GIS) tools. He explains the needs met by these tools and what they bring to the design of our forest and agroforestry ecosystem restoration projects, as well as to the monitoring of their results.**

![Banniere-Richard-Sourbes-Impact.jpg](/uploads/Banniere_Richard_Sourbes_Impact_7300ae7e38.jpg)
 
### How is impact management a cornerstone of Reforest'Action's activities?
 
**Richard Sourbès :** Scientific and technological innovations, such as satellite tracking and artificial intelligence, are opening up new perspectives to support the development of forestry and agroforestry ecosystem restoration projects. Since 2021, Reforest'Action has been conducting research to develop an information and data analysis system around our projects and their impacts. This system, based in particular on remote sensing and geomatics, is crucial to increasing the efficiency of our activities and bringing transparency to the investors who fund our projects. It aims to guide both the design and the monitoring and evaluation of our projects' results over the long term. 
 
### How do remote sensing and geomatics (GIS) fit together? 
 
**Richard Sourbès :** Remote sensing uses raster data acquired remotely by spaceborne sensors (satellites) or airborne sensors (drones) to analyze the physico-chemical characteristics of land surfaces across a range of spectral bands.

Geomatics, or geographic information systems (GIS), combine cartography, computer science and statistical analysis to process vector data, i.e. georeferenced data (characterized by GPS coordinates). 

At Reforest'Action, these two disciplines are used in complementary ways. Remote sensing provides us with satellite images overlaid with GIS databases, such as topographic and hydrographic data. Combined, remote sensing images and GIS databases enable us to carry out high-quality geospatial analyses. 
 
### How does geospatial analysis play a part in the design phase of a project?
 
**Richard Sourbès :** Before a project is implemented, a study is carried out to analyze its priorities and constraints, as well as its suitability for our specifications or for certification to an international carbon standard. Data analysis by Reforest'Action's Impact Department begins with this preliminary study.  

In particular, we analyze the landscape matrix of the project area using satellite images and geospatial databases, to estimate land cover typology, soil composition and relief. We also carry out a risk analysis to determine whether the project area is prone to deforestation, fire or flooding. 

In this phase, we produce a number of maps, the analysis of which enables us to contextualize the project and gain a better understanding of the issues specific to its ecosystem typology. By overlaying the maps obtained, we can then estimate the high-potential areas in which we can develop our project. 
 
### How can geospatial analysis be used to guide field monitoring of the health of restored ecosystems?
 
**Richard Sourbès :** Prior to the monitoring missions carried out by Reforest'Action in the field during the first five years of the project, the sample plots to be audited can be defined using satellite images, which are analyzed to produce a stratification of the project. This involves dividing the project area into several sub-plots that are homogeneous in terms of project design, vegetation types and topography. This stratification process is then used to set up an operational monitoring system that reflects the reality of the project as objectively as possible. 

Remote sensing is also used to assess forest ecosystem health from a distance, before verifying it in the field. Analysis of the vegetation moisture content index (Normalized Difference Moisture Index - NDMI) and biomass density index (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index - NDVI) provides an overview of vegetation vigour in the project area, and identifies potential malfunctions, such as water stress. 

![NDVI-NDMI.jpg](/uploads/NDVI_NDMI_d3abca0d6e.jpg)

Field missions, guided by this analysis, will then aim to explore areas identified remotely as being in a potential state of stress, but also those that appear healthier, in order to better understand the ecosystem characteristics at the root of this differential.

These tools enable us to better monitor the progress of our projects, optimize field follow-up missions and suggest corrective measures as soon as a negative trend is detected.
 
### How can remote sensing be used to assess plant diversity within a forest ecosystem?
 
**Richard Sourbès :** In collaboration with [The Global Biodiversity Standard](https://www.reforestaction.com/en/magazine/the-global-biodiversity-standard-reforestaction), Reforest'Action has developed a method and tools dedicated to mapping [tree species diversity within canopies](https://www.reforestaction.com/en/magazine/spectral-species-monitoring-plant-biodiversity-from-space), based on a concept by J.-B. Féret and G. P. Asner. These tools are fed by satellite images. They allow us to evaluate, by proxy, the biological diversity of canopy species within a given plot, by grouping them into categories called “spectral species” according to their physical and biochemical properties. Using remote sensing, we can thus measure the evolution of forest diversity within a project area over time. 
 
### How can the spectral species method better integrate plant biodiversity into forest management?
 
**Richard Sourbès :** This method and its associated tools are invaluable for forest management and restoration projects. The georeferenced data obtained can be used to deliver an initial diagnosis of canopy plant biodiversity at forest scale, to better understand the ecological and environmental factors that promote or hinder this diversity, to establish good practices that lead to high diversity, or to adopt corrective measures in the opposite case. Forest managers can then draw on this data to develop their management practices in order to optimize species diversity, as well as the stability and resilience of the forest ecosystem as a whole. 

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Remote sensing and geomatics: technological innovation to support forestry and agroforestry projects

**While a quarter of all known plant and animal species are now endangered, initiatives continue to develop to help preserve them. Among these, The Global Biodiversity Standard (TGBS) is the only international standard to recognize and encourage the protection, restoration and enhancement of biodiversity. As part of the TGBS technical and scientific network, Reforest'Action contributes its expertise in forest ecosystem restoration and impact measurement to develop remote sensing monitoring tools, particularly for assessing plant biodiversity.**
 
![Global-Biodiversity-Standard-0.jpg](/uploads/Global_Biodiversity_Standard_0_2bb73c5ee0.jpg)

## Global biodiversity under threat
 
With a quarter of known plant and animal species now on the brink of extinction, biodiversity loss is one of the top five global risks to society over the next ten years, according to the World Economic Forum's Global Risk Report 2023. Synonymous with biological diversity, biodiversity encompasses the taxonomic, functional and structural diversity of living species. Through the ecological services it provides, biodiversity is essential to maintaining the integrity and resilience of ecosystems. 

Among the main indicators of global biodiversity loss, the decline in the extent of forests underlines their essential role as reservoirs of terrestrial biodiversity when they were the native ecosystem in place. They are home to over 80% of the planet's known terrestrial species. In this respect, a better understanding and preservation of forest biodiversity is essential to help halt the onset of the sixth mass extinction.
 
![Global-Biodiversity-Standard-1.jpg](/uploads/Global_Biodiversity_Standard_1_4d330f21cc.jpg)

## The creation of an international standard dedicated to biodiversity
 
### The ambition of the Global Biodiversity Standard

Introduced in 2022, [The Global Biodiversity Standard](https://www.biodiversitystandard.org/) (TGBS) is the only international standard to recognize and encourage the protection, restoration and enhancement of biodiversity. Against a backdrop of increasing numbers of forest creation and restoration projects, this standard aims to develop best practices for creating positive impacts on biodiversity, notably by diversifying tree communities and integrating native species into project design. In the long term, The Global Biodiversity Standard hopes to place biodiversity at the heart of all initiatives that help combat climate change and develop the livelihoods of local communities.
 
### Towards the certification of projects based on the restoration and protection of biodiversity

Based on an international scientific and technical network that includes IUCN & Botanic Garden Conservation International, CIFOR-ICRAF, Royal Botanic Gardens (Kew), Society for Ecological Restoration and Reforest'Action, The Global Biodiversity Standard is currently testing its certification method in real-life conditions, in collaboration with botanical gardens in India, Kenya, Peru, Brazil, Madagascar, Uganda, Malaysia, Jordan and Hong Kong. 

Projects submitted for The Global Biodiversity Standard certification will be assessed against criteria derived from the “10 Golden Rules for Reforestation”. This scientific paper, promulgated by Royal Botanic Gardens (Kew) and Botanic Garden Conservation International, provides guidance on how to ensure that reforestation projects promote biodiversity restoration, carbon sequestration and the creation of socio-economic benefits for local communities. 

Projects certified by The Global Biodiversity Standard must:
- Select appropriate sites to enhance native biodiversity.
- Enhance protection of existing habitats and biodiversity.
- Protect, restore and manage biodiversity in consultation and partnership with local communities and other stakeholders.
- Aim to maximise biodiversity recovery through ecosystem restoration.
- Avoid and reduce invasive or potentially invasive species.
- Prioritise the use of native, threatened and rare species.
- Promote biodiversity and adaptive capacity.
- Implement robust monitoring, evaluation, and adaptive management of biodiversity.
 
 ![Global-Biodiversity-Standard-2.jpg](/uploads/Global_Biodiversity_Standard_2_0ed75a2841.jpg)
 
## Reforest'Action's role in The Global Biodiversity Standard
 
### The contribution to remote sensing of forest biodiversity assessment

As part of The Global Biodiversity Standard's technical and scientific network, Reforest'Action brings its expertise in forest ecosystem restoration and impact measurement to the development of remote sensing monitoring tools. Reforest'Action offers The Global Biodiversity Standard a catalog of tools dedicated to remote sensing measurements. These measurements are carried out both upstream of project implementation, and downstream, as part of project monitoring. 

While tree species diversity has traditionally been assessed through field studies using samples from selected plots, this process is time-consuming and costly for large-scale analysis. Today, remote sensing provides new ways of monitoring vegetation biodiversity, offering the possibility of generating data sets to track environmental changes over the long term. This remote monitoring makes it possible to detect changes taking place within the forest cover, and thus to refine field sampling, in order to prioritize studies within areas that appear to be experiencing more or less positive evolution than others. As a complement to remote sensing, field monitoring remains essential for its accuracy, its ability to validate remote monitoring data and to calibrate the latter by providing real data to refine analyses.
 
### A tool for mapping tree species diversity in canopies

Among the catalog of tools offered by Reforest'Action to The Global Biodiversity Standard, Reforest'Action's Impact Department is collaborating directly with the standard to develop a tool dedicated to mapping the diversity of tree species within canopies. Based on a concept developed by J.-B. Féret and G. P. Asner (2014) and powered by images from Sentinel-2, a satellite in the European Space Agency's Copernicus program, the methodology and tool, re-appropriated by Reforest'Action, enables analysis of the spatial distribution of spectral species, those vegetation zones that include one or more plant species with a similar spectral signature. 

In other words, the tool can be used to assess the diversity of species within a given plot by grouping them into categories known as “spectral species”, based on their physical and biochemical properties (physiological state, water and pigment content, etc.). “Initially, we were looking for a way to measure spatial (within a project area) and temporal (over time) changes in forest stand diversity using remote sensing, in order to better guide sampling during field surveys,” explains Richard Sourbès, Reforest'Action's impact manager. “Based on the method developed by J.-B. Féret and G. P. Asner, we have developed our own tool with innovations that enable us to further refine our remote and field monitoring. While this tool has been used so far mainly in the field of research, Reforest'Action is now applying it for the first time to the operational monitoring of forest restoration projects. This innovative approach is in line with the more general use of remote sensing in the development of our forestry projects - from the design phase through to monitoring.”
 
### A field mission led by Reforest'Action to refine the tool and methodology

During a mission carried out in February 2024 as part of an international workshop organized by The Global Biodiversity Standard, a team from Reforest'Action's Impact Unit travelled to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest to compare estimated remote sensing data with data collected in the field, particularly in terms of tree species diversity in the canopy. “The aim of this mission was to compare the estimate given by satellite imagery with observation in the field, in order to verify their correlation and refine our methodology and tool”, continues Richard Sourbès. “In concrete terms, our experiments in some twenty forest and agroforestry plots demonstrated a strong relationship between the distribution of spectral tree species and that of tree species actually observed in the field.” 

This field mission showed encouraging results in terms of the relevance of monitoring spectral species as a proxy for plant diversity in the canopy. The increasing number of projects monitored using this method will enable us to improve its accuracy in the future, by adapting it to the different stages of maturity and types of forest studied by Reforest'Action. 

Ultimately, this tool should enable us to better control the evolution of our remote sensing projects, so as to optimize our field monitoring missions. It also aims to provide a better understanding of the factors influencing plant diversity and its evolution over time, so as to be able to propose corrective measures as soon as a negative evolution is detected (for example, the presence of an invasive species). Ultimately, this tool will strengthen the adaptive management of our projects and ensure the long-term survival of forest ecosystems.  

![Global-Biodiversity-Standard-4.jpg](/uploads/Global_Biodiversity_Standard_4_e23d45b127.jpg)

_To find out more about the spectral species method developed by Reforest'Action, read our dedicated article: “[Spectral species: an innovative method for studying plant biodiversity from space](https://www.reforestaction.com/en/magazine/spectral-species-monitoring-plant-biodiversity-from-space)”._


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Monitoring biodiversity to better preserve it: Reforest'Action's expertise at the service of The Global Biodiversity Standard

**Located in the heart of the Millevaches Regional Nature Park in Corrèze, the [Peyrelevade](https://www.reforestaction.com/en/projects/2720) project aims to reconstitute a diversified forest while respecting the natural growth and renewal processes of forests. Reforest'Action chose the [Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR)](https://www.reforestaction.com/en/magazine/anr-expertise-thibaud-poulain) method to enhance 14,700 trees within this natural conservation site, which is part of the Natura 2000 protected areas network. Sasha Pinot, project manager for France at Reforest'Action, provides insight into why this method was chosen, its advantages, and the expected benefits of implementing the project within the framework of climate change adaptation.**

![Banniere-itw-Sasha.jpg](/uploads/Banniere_itw_Sasha_099983b1d2.jpg)

### What does the Peyrelevade project, in the Limousin region, involve?

_Sasha Pinot :_ This natural regeneration project aims to revive a diverse forest ecosystem while meticulously honoring the natural processes of growth and renewal. Today, 14,700 trees of diverse species including Douglas fir, larch, spruce, fir, and oak are being nurtured through meticulous care and effort. Ultimately, this forest in the making will contribute to local economic development, supporting the timber industry. Restoring this degraded ecosystem will help preserve the forest atmosphere and its picturesque landscape. Home to a rich biodiversity, this forest will also contribute to carbon storage and play a role in combating climate change. Located in the heart of the Millevaches Regional Nature Park in Corrèze, Limousin, this natural site holds a special place within the Natura 2000 network, a European initiative dedicated to conserving habitats and species of importance.
 
### What history does this forest have?

_Sasha Pinot :_ Both plots have been planted with Douglas fir, spruce, and Scots pine for the past 35 years. They intended to undergo clear-cutting in the years to come, to harvest the wood produced, and then to be replanted following the same intensive pattern. Clear-cutting involves abruptly opening up an area, resulting in the long-term destruction of many natural habitats essential to certain species. In most cases, it also involves the use of heavy machinery, which destroys soil life by compacting and plowing large areas. 

![Peyrelevade-1.jpg](/uploads/Peyrelevade_1_d8761206cf.jpg)
 
### How is the implementation of an ANR project necessary to restore it?

_Sasha Pinot :_ One of the primary objectives of this project is to halt the forest degradation caused by strict and simplified forest management practices. By embracing a gentler approach, such as Assisted Natural Regeneration, landowners choose not to disrupt the forest's delicate balance. To achieve this, they observe natural processes and only intervene when necessary, in specific areas. Movement within the plots is restricted to designated paths to prevent unnecessary soil compaction. This method not only allows natural cycles to unfold but also enables the silviculturist to reduce their workload, as much of the forest's maintenance is carried out naturally.  
 
### How were the species chosen for the project?

_Sasha Pinot :_ The project promotes a variety of tree species, such as Douglas fir, larch, spruce, fir, and oak, each serving multiple functions. These species are selected from both hardwood and softwood groups and are chosen for their excellent adaptation to the site conditions. Intending to achieve 80% natural regeneration, the project also fosters the growth of other species already present in the soil through their existing seeds.
 
### What's the difference between the ANR method and conventional silviculture?

_Sasha Pinot :_ Today, French forests confront numerous threats, notably those stemming from climate change. In response to these challenges and as a departure from conventional silviculture practices, the proprietors of the Peyrelevade plots have opted to transition towards Assisted Natural Regeneration.

The main distinction between intensive forestry and Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR) resides in ecological succession. In a natural forest, the process begins with the germination of a select few trees. As the canopy matures and closes, conditions of shade and humidity become conducive to the development of more delicate forest species in the understorey. This understorey strengthens the ecosystem's structure, facilitating the establishment of plants over the long term until they reach maturity. Occasional disturbances, such as storms or natural die-offs, then stimulate the vitality of the ecosystem. A natural forest represents a mosaic of these stages, amalgamating diverse functional groups that mutually support one another.

In contrast, within intensively managed forests, vulnerable trees are typically planted on bare ground, thereby exposing them to various risks such as drought, flooding, and wildlife damage. Often comprised of only one or two species, these forests exhibit a simplistic environmental structure characterized by a singular stratum. Upon reaching maturity, all trees are harvested, necessitating a complete restart of the cycle. Such artificial forests lack resilience to disturbances and significantly curtail the environment's capacity for natural evolution.
However, it is imperative to enhance the resilience of our forests to ensure the continuity of their ecosystem services. Through the decision to honor the natural cycle of their forest and embrace ANR management, the proprietors of this project significantly enhanced their forest's capacity to withstand diverse threats.
 
### How will the forest, restored through Assisted Natural Regeneration (RNA), be more resilient in the face of climate change?

_Sasha Pinot :_ This will be the case on five levels:
- The enhancement of ecosystem stability is notable. Without the disruptive effects of clear-cutting, natural forests maintain a consistent vegetation cover, yielding numerous benefits. Minimal fluctuations in humidity and temperature prevail, as the soil remains shielded from direct sunlight and air currents. The intricate structure of the ecosystem endures, serving as a habitat for a myriad of species, each fulfilling its unique role. The absence of habitat destruction fosters the proliferation of diverse life forms. 
- Trees derive added benefits from supplementary resources. Depending on the species, roots extract water from various depths. The diversity of these root systems enables the exploration of a broad spectrum of water sources, crucial during periods of escalating drought. Moreover, this subterranean complexity contributes to soil structuring, mitigating erosion.  
- The diversity of tree species aids in regulating pests and diseases, which are primary contributors to forest degradation. Predominantly, these issues arise in stands with limited species diversity, as they lack natural predators. In a diversified forest, all species—including animals, plants, fungi, and microorganisms—compete, thus restoring equilibrium between predators and prey.
- Game damage will be minimized. Trees grown from natural seedlings are considerably less appealing to wildlife than those raised in nurseries.  
- In the long term, the forest will yield greater profitability. A diverse array of tree species ensures a harvest, even in the event of disease affecting one species. Additionally, the fertility of the environment is sustained through a dynamic cycle of organic matter, with minimal impact on the soil.

### Why talk about sustainable forest management when it comes to ANR?

_Sasha Pinot :_ By choosing Assisted Natural Regeneration, landowners cultivate high-quality wood while preserving a diverse and thriving biodiversity within the ecosystem. 

Living, productive forests naturally form across the globe, independently of human intervention. Nature provides the necessary seedlings and optimal conditions for their growth, while the diverse flora and fauna maintain a delicate balance against diseases and pests. In the natural cycle, when a tree reaches the end of its life, it falls, creating space for new growth. Young trees from natural regeneration take advantage of these openings, thriving until the canopy is restored. The Assisted Natural Regeneration (RNA) method respects these intrinsic natural principles while favoring the growth of the most beneficial trees.

The species present in the Peyrelevade stand have organically developed. A significant portion of them is local, with genetics finely attuned to the specific conditions of the region. Over time, the stand undergoes natural evolution, favoring only the most competitive and adaptive species.

Numerous instances in the region showcase owners aligning their management practices with natural processes. Situated at the heart of the Millevaches Regional Nature Park, the Peyrelevade project actively contributes to this network, gradually restoring the French forest to its historical state. Its PEFC certification serves as additional confirmation of its commitment to sustainable management, reflecting a comprehensive understanding of the forest's multifunctional role. The PEFC label assures the stringent adherence to precise regulations by all forest stakeholders, including owners, operators, and forestry contractors.

To obtain the PEFC label, various commitments must be upheld, including promoting a diverse array of tree species, abstaining from fertilizer use, safeguarding soil integrity, preserving local fauna and flora, and maintaining dead trees, essential for biodiversity promotion.
 
### How does RNA contribute to sustainable wood production? 

_Sasha Pinot :_ The overarching goal of the Peyrelevade project is to establish a diversified, multifunctional, and resilient forest, while simultaneously benefiting the local economy. 

Unlike conventional silviculture, timber is not harvested from a large area in a single block. The forest's intricate structure calls for more regular, localized harvesting. For instance, rather than harvesting an entire parcel every 80 years, the silviculturist opts to selectively remove only the finest trees every 5 years. Despite the differing approaches, the financial returns remain nearly identical. However, under Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR) management, the silviculturist benefits from more consistent income.

Implementing this method requires the expertise of skilled tradespeople, and sizable trees must be transported to specialized, smaller sawmills tailored for such operations. These ANR conversion initiatives not only create employment opportunities but also inspire younger generations to acquire and revive traditional knowledge. 

Moreover, Corrèze, being a heavily forested region with ample rainfall and a temperate climate, provides an ideal environment for forest development. Given these favorable conditions, the wood yielded by the Peyrelevade project will be of exceptional quality, thereby benefiting the entire local industry, including forest managers, loggers, and sawmill operators. 
 
### Une gestion forestière en RNA permet-elle de séquestrer autant de carbone qu’une gestion classique ?

_Sasha Pinot :_ The Peyrelevade project stands out notably for its carbon sequestration capabilities. Similar to conventional plantations, the trees continuously sequester carbon throughout their lifespan. This carbon is responsibly stored when the wood is utilized in construction or furniture. Additionally, the ANR method offers an added advantage over traditional silvicultural practices: the preservation of soil carbon. Unlike forests that export their entire production, this type of forest allows for the unimpeded growth of undergrowth and retention of deadwood. As this organic matter decomposes, the carbon it contains remains within the soil, preventing its release into the atmosphere, a common occurrence after clear-cutting and plowing.

It should be noted, however, that while carbon storage is a good indicator for studying climate change, it cannot be used to judge the quality of a forest. For instance, an intensive Douglas-fir monoculture will sequester more carbon on the same surface area than a diversified forest. Yet it is not sustainable, and its ecological value and resilience are much lower.
 
![Peyrelevade-2.jpg](/uploads/Peyrelevade_2_100b04280f.jpg)
 

**As Assisted Natural Regeneration harnesses existing resources to preserve and fortify forest heritage, fostering long-term diversity and resilience, it emerges as particularly pertinent in the face of climate change. However, for ANR initiatives to materialize, funding is essential, notably from companies eager to contribute to forest restoration. Swiss Life Asset Managers exemplifies this commitment by supporting the Peyrelevade project showcased in this article. Across France, Reforest'Action is spearheading ecosystem regeneration endeavors rooted in the Assisted Natural Regeneration method, thanks to funding from dedicated corporate partners.**


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"Assisted Natural Regeneration allows forests to be more resilient in the face of climate change": an interview with Sasha Pinot

**While there is no fixed definition of regenerative agriculture, its goal is to enhance the ability of agricultural ecosystems to renew themselves—in other words, to help them thrive again. Within corporate value chains, Reforest'Action's regenerative agriculture projects address environmental, social, and economic challenges. These challenges are deeply interconnected: drought, flooding, extreme heat, soil salinization, fluctuating markets, and seed availability all threaten crop sustainability, putting the entire supply chain at risk. Our interventions aim to build long-term ecosystem resilience while maintaining the economic viability of our activities. “The idea behind a regenerative agriculture project is to create a balanced and sustainable model that generates alternative and complementary income while preserving the integrity of the agroecosystem,” explains Jean-Christophe, Project Manager at Reforest'Action. Reforest'Action's approach supports the continuation of existing agricultural production, the development of new crops within the same area, as well as the generation of positive environmental and social impacts. Achieving these outcomes requires the right approach.**

Designing a regenerative agriculture project is a complex process with many variables. The goal is to identify ways to optimize the natural dynamics of the ecosystem. The feasibility of this optimization is evaluated during the planning and experimentation phases, which take place before field implementation and ensure the project's long-term sustainability. For Jean-Christophe, who is responsible for designing and implementing regenerative agriculture projects in tropical regions, the key is aligning the practical experience of farmers with the scientific framework: "Although our assessments, studies, and forecasts are grounded in scientific data and methods, the goal is to develop proposals tailored to the local context and approved by those most affected—the farmers. Without their full commitment, no transition is possible." This behind-the-scenes work follows a pragmatic approach, rooted in local realities and focused on delivering measurable benefits. 

## Understanding the Local Context: A Science-Based Approach

The main steps in designing a regenerative agriculture project are often grouped into what's known as the "feasibility study," a crucial first milestone. From a scientific perspective, this study assesses the project's overall viability and evaluates potential solutions. It covers key elements such as the goals to be achieved, potential challenges, an analysis of the farm and its environment, hypotheses to be tested, proposed actions, and the metrics for tracking progress. The feasibility study is summarized in a report that presents both the results of preliminary assessments and recommendations for possible solutions. However, behind this report lies a significant amount of groundwork, closely tied to the field and involving all stakeholders. “The feasibility study is about understanding the overall dynamics of the area to create a solid implementation plan,” explains Jean-Christophe. The success of a project is much more likely, and the positive impacts are maximized when a feasibility study is carried out early in the process. 

![EN_designing stages.jpg](https://backoffice.reforestaction.com/uploads/EN_designing_stages_fcea34f256.jpg)
An infographic outlining the steps involved in designing a regenerative agriculture project, as summarized in the feasibility study.

### Assessment of Key Factors

Once the project’s objectives are established, a detailed analysis of the local context is essential. Understanding how agricultural production operates, considering its environmental, social, and economic aspects, is a crucial step in project design. This helps us identify strengths and opportunities, as well as weaknesses and potential threats that need to be addressed. The first section of the feasibility study focuses on various assessments, or audits, grounded in scientific methodology. The specific factors examined depend on the project’s goals, but they typically include the following:

**1. Farm Assessment:** The project must be integrated into an existing production system. This is why farming practices, technical processes, and any transformation activities are assessed. The goal is to evaluate the farm's current sustainability and conservation levels, its capacity for adaptation, and any potential risks associated with changes in practices. 

**2. Ecosystem Assessment:** By analyzing various aspects of the project area, we can gain an understanding of the socio-ecological dynamics that shape the environment in which the farm operates. This assessment focuses on the key pillars of a regenerative project: water, soil, biodiversity, and socio-economic factors. The results of these analyses help identify past and potential future climatic changes, characterize available resources, and pinpoint priority areas for restoration.
  
**3. Value Chain Assessment:** Reforest'Action works within companies' value chains, specifically focusing on the sourcing of raw materials for regenerative agriculture projects. This assessment involves conducting a market study of the agricultural production in the relevant region or country to highlight the economic potential of the project. The purpose is to guide the development of alternative, regenerative value chains that align market needs with production goals, ultimately fostering sustainable incomes and better conservation of natural resources.

These analyses can be conducted either in the field during short trips, sometimes referred to as audits, or remotely through a literature review. In both cases, strong collaboration among the various stakeholders is essential. This involves sharing knowledge between the agricultural supplier and Reforest'Action, the project developer. Time is also an important factor in these diagnostics. As Jean-Christophe notes, the goal of this preparatory phase is "to understand past dynamics to predict their evolution five, ten, or even twenty years into the future, over the lifespan of the project." Following a scientific methodology, establishing a baseline helps narrow down the regenerative models to be developed in the feasibility study, focusing on those best suited to the environment and current farming practices.

#### Perfume Flower Cultivation in Northwest Morocco

In Khémisset, northern Morocco, Reforest'Action is developing a regenerative agriculture project in partnership with a Parisian perfume house and its supplier of essential plant oils. In the face of growing climate challenges, the project's primary goal was to explore sustainable practices for cultivating perfume flowers.

![Tractor trailer loaded with tagete at distillation unit-Loïsa-Morocco-9_10_23.jpg](/uploads/Tractor_trailer_loaded_with_tagete_at_distillation_unit_Loisa_Morocco_9_10_23_1f60bb1199.jpg)
Perfume flower distillation unit, Morocco
![Essential oil Biolandes-Loïsa-Morocco-10_10_23.jpg](/uploads/Essential_oil_Biolandes_Loisa_Morocco_10_10_23_98621cab1b.jpg)
Essential oil extracted from perfume flowers after distillation, Morocco

The first step was to assess the farm's operations, identifying areas for improvement. We analyzed each stage of the flower-growing process for our client’s perfumes, including fertilization, seed preparation, and the technical steps involved (sowing, transplanting, hoeing, irrigation, and harvesting). Next, we reviewed the value chain for essential oil production, looking at distillation techniques (steam and solvent), energy needs, and the potential use of residual biomass*. Finally, an analysis of the ecosystem and local climate helped us evaluate how water scarcity impacts perfume flower production. Water stress in the region, largely due to a significant drop in rainfall, has directly affected water availability on-site, which in turn impacts irrigation. For example, the choice of species for agroforestry is based on this critical assessment, as only drought-resistant species will survive such conditions. As Jean-Christophe notes, the key challenge of this diagnostic phase is clear, though complex: “Here, the project is primarily about selecting plant species suited to the severely limited water resources, within the framework of essential oil production.” 

_*Biomass refers to organic plant or animal material that can be used as an energy source or soil enhancer. In this case, the plant residues left after distillation serve as a valuable source of biomass._

![Dead tree because of drought-Loïsa-Morocco-9_10_23-2.jpg](/uploads/Dead_tree_because_of_drought_Loisa_Morocco_9_10_23_2_13a9c0706e.jpg)
Uprooted trees on parched ground after an extended drought, Morocco
![Biolandes worker on tractor in tagete field-Loïsa-Morocco-9_10_23-2.jpg](/uploads/Biolandes_worker_on_tractor_in_tagete_field_Loisa_Morocco_9_10_23_2_50d9fb77f3.jpg)
Harvesting perfume flowers on a farm in Morocco

## Validating Hypotheses: An Experimental Approach

Regenerative agriculture aims to both restore agricultural ecosystems and sustain economically viable yields. This holistic approach relies on experimentation and encourages learning and adaptation as key drivers of change.  

### Identifying Strategies to Be Tested in a Pilot Phase

After the findings, we move on to potential solutions. What strategies are Reforest'Action and the agricultural partner considering addressing the challenges identified, while aligning with the local context? The second part of the feasibility study focuses on identifying practical regenerative processes that could be implemented on-site, forming the foundation of the project design. These strategies are outlined as follows: 
 
**1. Hypotheses:** Following a scientific approach, we start by developing a set of hypotheses aimed at identifying causal links—essentially, how the potential solutions could lead to positive outcomes. These hypotheses are then turned into scenarios, which are tested through field experiments during the initial "pilot phase." 
 
**2. Developing Scenarios (Levers):** Next, we create a variety of scenarios using different agroecological techniques. These are tested to see which best supports the earlier hypotheses. The aim is to identify the most effective strategies, chosen for both their environmental benefits (ecosystem resilience, climate change adaptation) and their agronomic and socio-economic advantages (higher yields, product diversity, reduced inputs, increased income), ranging from the plot level to the landscape scale. Local stakeholders are involved to ensure their needs and priorities are factored into the decision-making process.    

**3. Monitoring Indicators:** Each selected strategy is then tied to specific performance indicators that will measure its impact. While environmental strategies often provide quantitative data, others, like improvements in community or farmer well-being, may require more qualitative assessment. 
 
**4. Pilot Phase:** The project starts with an experimental phase, which can last several years depending on the project. During this time, the chosen scenarios are tested on a small scale to determine if they are feasible and scalable before rolling them out on a larger scale. This phase is critical for fine-tuning solutions, determining actual costs, timelines, and evaluating the skill levels of project partners. In some cases, the feasibility study and the pilot phase happen simultaneously. This stage also helps expand our understanding of the region and its dynamics through hands-on experience. Success in the pilot phase is tracked using key indicators, which provide the foundation for measuring the project's long-term impact.

In practical terms, there are a variety of agroecological strategies that can be applied in a regenerative agriculture project. Reforest'Action helps its clients optimize their value chains by focusing on living systems, offering customized recommendations. We provide a wide range of techniques, including agroforestry within plots, planting tree and shrub borders, creating woodland islands, soil conservation practices, and using biochar.
At its core, regenerative agriculture places a strong emphasis on soil restoration—a critical priority as 90% of the world’s soils are projected to be degraded by 2050.* Reforest'Action also aims to implement strategies at the landscape level, beyond the production system itself. For instance, restoring nearby forests to connect farms with continuous ecological corridors can lead to significant improvements in both production quality and the livelihoods of the communities that rely on it.

_*FAO, Saving our Soils by all earthly ways possible, Highlighting some key achievements of the FAO-led Global Soil Partnership, Case Studies, 2022._

#### Organic Cotton Production in Eastern India

The production of synthetic fibers and fabrics is one of the world’s most polluting industries, negatively impacting both human health and the environment. For farmers, growing natural fibers like cotton in a sustainable and economically viable way remains a challenge. Since 2020, Kiabi has been committed to supporting forests, driven by the desire to make a difference where its business has the greatest impact. Wanting to take this commitment even further, the company recently turned to Reforest'Action for expertise, specifically within its cotton production chain in India. India is the world’s leading producer of organic cotton, and the project is being implemented with several of Kiabi's indirect suppliers, including the Pratima Organic Growers group, which represents over 9,000 cotton farmers and 10,000 hectares of organic or transitioning farms. In partnership with the growers' cooperative, the project has four main goals: to improve the economic viability of cotton farming, empower the farmers, promote ecological sustainability, and restore the ecological corridors that shape the landscape. 

Launched in March 2022, this regenerative agriculture project in the central Indian states of Odisha and Madhya Pradesh entered a pilot phase in 2023, with the full feasibility study completed by Reforest'Action in 2024. Jean-Christophe explains: "This project in India perfectly illustrates the core goal of regenerative agriculture: building resilience in production systems in the face of climate change. It requires adapting to new scenarios projected through science and the work of the IPCC." 

![Champ coton Odisha.jpg](/uploads/Champ_coton_Odisha_1ee60c9dd4.jpg)
Cotton field, Odisha state, India
![Coton Odisha 23.jpg](/uploads/Coton_Odisha_23_9acd9fc69c.jpg)
Harvested cotton fiber, Odisha state, India 

**Assessment:** The climate assessment of the region revealed longer drought periods, higher temperatures, a shorter monsoon season, and more intense rainfall. As a result, the area, located in the Tel River watershed, is facing water shortages that are affecting cotton crop irrigation. Other environmental challenges in the region include biodiversity loss, largely due to the clearing of the surrounding Tikhari forest reserve for agricultural purposes. The farmland involved in the project is organically certified, which provides a production framework with recommended practices, guidance on crop varieties, and farmer training. On a socio-economic level, farmers—most of whom rely on the cotton market for their livelihood—are struggling with worsening climate conditions that increase their vulnerability. Additionally, local communities face poor sanitary conditions, leading to a rise in serious diseases like malaria. Plastic pollution in the villages is also degrading the quality of drinking water and posing a threat to agricultural land.

**Hypotheses and Strategies Considered:** Agroforestry is already familiar to farmers in the region and offers a promising way to diversify crops, restore biodiversity, improve water infiltration in sandy and rocky soils, boost alternative income for farmers, and improve livelihoods in a reasonable timeframe. To support organic cotton cultivation, fruit and timber trees will be planted alongside the crops. The pilot phase, which started in June 2023, involves setting up agroforestry plantations in a test area. By 2024, additional strategies focused on soil conservation will be put in place. The project also includes a socio-economic element, providing farmer training and support with market access. Plans to improve hygiene in the surrounding villages are also part of this phase.

![Coopérative coton Odisha.jpeg](/uploads/Cooperative_coton_Odisha_ed5de73484.jpeg)
Cotton growers' cooperative, Odisha state, India

**In conclusion, a regenerative agriculture project extends beyond just field implementation. The diagnostic and experimental phases, which shape the project's final design, follow a scientific approach that is as thorough, inclusive, and rigorous as possible. To ensure the success of this approach, Reforest'Action has developed in-house expertise and works with respected global partners in sustainable agriculture.
Are you interested in developing regenerative agriculture within your value chain and positively impacting soil health, climate, biodiversity, and society? Learn more about how we can help, with over a decade of experience in agroforestry.**

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