**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.**

large_Header.jpg

medium_Header.jpg

small_Header.jpg

thumbnail_Header.jpg

Header.jpg

Core elements of designing a regenerative agriculture project

**Between 2017 and 2022, Yagasu and Reforest'Action worked together to restore 415 hectares of mangrove in the north of the Indonesian island of Sumatra by planting more than a million mangrove trees of six different species. In November 2023, an audit carried out by Reforest'Action highlighted the excellent recovery of the mangroves and the wide range of socio-economic benefits generated by the project for local communities.**

![IMG_20231121_141657.jpg](/uploads/IMG_20231121_141657_3b10a7f915.jpg)

## Five years working to restore the mangrove

Initiated in 2017 in the provinces of North Sumatra and Aceh, Indonesia, the project was spread over four planting seasons for a total of five years, during which 260 plots of degraded mangrove were restored over a total area of 415.6 hectares. Consisting mainly of deforested riverbanks, coastal areas and abandoned fishponds, these plots were selected by our local partner Yagasu near 29 villages on the west coast of Sumatra.

![IMG20231120164535.jpg](/uploads/IMG_20231120164535_6bbbbaa638.jpg)

The aim is to regenerate mangrove forests where they have been deforested or severely degraded by the conversion of land to oil palm monoculture, and to help convert former intensive aquaculture ponds into natural mangrove areas or silvofishery ponds with moderated fishing activities. The planting of mangroves enables the original ecosystem to be reconstituted, along with its services such as fixing unstable soils and combating erosion and rising water levels. Because the existence of mangroves improves water quality and helps increase fish production, planting around or inside the ponds serves the dual purpose of maintaining the structural integrity of the ecosystem and providing a sustainable source of food for aquatic life.

![IMG20231122113205.jpg](/uploads/IMG_20231122113205_aafc5347bf.jpg)

## The conclusions of the audit carried out by Reforest'Action

A total of 1,040,478 mangrove trees were planted in the field after being produced in nurseries designed for the project. The diversity of species, which is essential to the quality and sustainability of mangrove restoration operations, was particularly observed through the selection of 6 different mangrove species adapted to the environment: Rhizophora spp, R. Apiculata, R. Stylosa, R. Mucronata, Avicennia and Ceriops. 
Thanks to the meticulous measurements carried out during the audit mission conducted by Reforest'Action in November 2023, the overall average survival rate of the trees for all the different seasons of the project was determined to be 89.88%. The plots are now in vigorous health and growth, and free of any plant disease.

![IMG20231122114442.jpg](/uploads/IMG_20231122114442_dd6632535d.jpg)

## A wide range of socio-economic benefits generated by mangroves

### Raising community awareness of the valuable resources provided by mangroves

Over the five years the project has been running, it has directly benefited 4,552 people and indirectly 9,104 people. The mangrove restoration campaign led by our project implementer Yagasu has not only generated employment in the nurseries and planting operations but has also created income-generating socio-economic activities for local people. These include the creation of traditional batik fabrics using mangrove ink, the production of foodstuffs (crisps, crackers) from mangroves, and the practice of silvofishery, which exploits the natural fish resources (fish, prawns, crabs) of these forests by creating natural ponds within them.

![IMG-28763939 (5).jpg](/uploads/IMG_28763939_5_6eb90e170c.jpg)

By becoming aware of the benefits provided by mangroves, local communities are more inclined to adopt a conservation approach to these precious forests, and to contribute to their protection, in particular by setting up community patrols to survey the mangroves and report any deforestation activity.

### Creating local commercial channels

In terms of market opportunities for the production of batik and food products, Yagasu is working with communities to create genuine local commercial channels and raise awareness among consumers from local populations and visiting tourists. As far as silvofishery is concerned, Yagasu facilitates transactions between producers and end consumers through local intermediaries. 

Women's communities in particular benefit from these socio-economic programmes, which contribute to the development of their skills and their financial independence. In fact, the income generated by the socio-economic activities within the women's groups is equivalent to an increase of around 15 to 20% on their pre-project income.

![IMG_7727.jpg](/uploads/IMG_7727_7f64aa026c.jpg)

![DSC01584.JPG](/uploads/DSC_01584_aea4f5f18e.JPG)

### Developing ecotourism to boost the local economy

In addition, the project is also enabling the development of ecotourism infrastructures and educational activities, such as nautical tourism, culinary tourism and tourism based on awareness of mangrove ecosystems. In Pasar Rawa, in particular, the ecotourism programme is generating employment for villagers and contributing to the local economy, while promoting a better understanding of the importance of mangrove conservation.

![DJI_0576.jpg](/uploads/DJI_0576_dc277a52c5.jpg)

**The project run by Reforest'Action and Yagasu in Sumatra between 2017 and 2022 has thus contributed not only to the restoration and conservation of mangrove ecosystems located in two provinces of the Indonesian island, but also to the creation of profound socio-economic impacts among local communities by promoting sustainable livelihoods and their economic resilience.**

large_IMG_7727.jpg

medium_IMG_7727.jpg

small_IMG_7727.jpg

thumbnail_IMG_7727.jpg

IMG_7727.jpg

Sumatra: economic resilience depends on environmental restoration

**In south-west China, in the mountainous province of Guizhou, Reforest'Action and Hennessy are carrying out a project to restore forest ecosystems on degraded land, for the benefit of the villagers living nearby. In addition to restoring the area's ecological properties, the project is generating a real socio-economic impact by helping to improve the livelihoods of rural and traditional populations. Since spring 2022, more than 867,000 trees of diverse species have been planted to support the regeneration of a forest ecosystem in an area subject to rocky desertification. This is one of two projects financed in China by Maison Hennessy, Reforest'Action's first contributor since 2020, as part of its “Forest Destination program”.** 

![DSC06247_yk.jpg](/uploads/DSC_06247_yk_8e765fd694.jpg)

China's history has left its mark on the Guizhou landscape, or "precious land" in Chinese. Since 1958, the Great Leap Forward under Maoism, accompanied by a massive wave of migration, led to massive deforestation in favor of agricultural production and mining. In the 1980s, Deng Xiaoping's economic reforms only accelerated the clearing of new land and the impoverishment of the soil. Demographically, Guizhou is one of China's most diverse provinces, comprising many different ethnic groups, but it is also one of the country's poorest regions. Indeed, its extremely rocky and karst topography hinders economic development and makes agricultural production more difficult.

Despite the province's recent economic development, due in particular to the construction of a modern transport network and the growth of tourism, the restoration of forest ecosystems remains a top priority for the Chinese government. The aim is both to protect existing forests and to gradually reconvert agricultural land to forest while planting trees on bare land. The reforestation project, supported by Reforest'Action and Hennessy and carried out in the field by the Guangxi Chongzuo Linda Forestry company, is therefore perfectly aligned with China's national strategy.

## Reforesting mountains to combat rock desertification

The project is located in the Qinglong district of Guizhou province, within a natural site subject to rock desertification. This phenomenon characterizes the processes that transform a karst area into a rocky landscape almost devoid of soil and vegetation*. China is one of the countries suffering most from desertification in the world, with 2.61 million km2 impacted**, i.e. 27%, of the country's total surface area. The original forest that used to cover the project area disappeared many years ago, and the fragile soil is now covered by a few naturally-growing grasses and shrubs and is highly exposed to erosion. On this depleted soil, natural regeneration is not an option, and neither the communities nor the local institutions have sufficient funds to restore their land.

*Earth-Science Reviews, Volume 132, May 2014, Pages 1-12
**Estimation of the costs of desertification in China: a critical review, 2016

![DSC05430_yk.jpg](/uploads/DSC_05430_yk_5d42f6ae26.jpg)

### A three-fold objective

The project's objectives, to be implemented over a three-year period (2021-2024), focus on three main pillars.

**1 - Restoring degraded ecosystems**
The project aims to create a forest on communal land that is currently bare by planting a mix of five species native to the region. The existing vegetation, mainly grasses and shrubs, will be preserved as much as possible. In the long term, the planted trees will limit erosion and combat rock desertification, helping to regenerate the soil's ecological properties. The diversity of the species chosen will strengthen the area's resilience in the face of potential climatic or biological hazards. Last but not least, the newly-grown forest will store approximately 100,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent over a 30-year period.

**2 - Fostering native biodiversity**
The presence of trees, including a fruit species, will contribute to the development of habitats for the region's flora and fauna, which are essential to the ecosystem's long-term stability and adaptability. The region's remote, steep slopes have encouraged the emergence of numerous endemic species of birds, reptiles, and snakes, which will benefit from the habitat extension measures. Some specimens have already been spotted near the project’s planting sites.

**3 - Improving the villagers' socio-economic conditions**
In this rural area, opportunities for villagers to raise their standard of living are limited. All forestry work under the project will be carried out by local communities, mobilized in the field by our partner. In the years to come, the potential for harvesting fruit from the trees will also represent an interesting economic benefit for the population.

![DSC06656_yk.jpg](/uploads/DSC_06656_yk_d3ca8105c0.jpg)

### Review of the project's activities

Carried out manually by recruited villagers, the plantings began at the end of March 2022, with the onset of the rainy season, and were completed in June of the same year. A total of 571,641 trees were planted on 192 hectares during this first season. The second year of the project began in April 2023 and ended in December of the same year. The latest assessment carried out by our partner at the end of September 2023 showed that over 295,000 seedlings had already been planted, representing 54% of the 2022-2023 target.

With regard to the species mix, two species (Chinese fir and cypress) were planted in 2022 in equal proportions. Purchased from an external nursery, our partner experienced difficulties in obtaining seedlings for the other three species that were to be planted. To overcome this availability problem and meet the needs of the next two years, a nursery dedicated to the project was subsequently created. In 2023, seedlings of Chinese fir, cypress, honey locust, toona sinensis, and alder were produced by the Linda Forestry company team and planted on site. In the third quarter of 2023, to support the development of the project, the local government allowed our partner to set up its nursery in an area with a larger surface area, a better water supply, and more convenient transport conditions.

![Audit23.jpg](/uploads/Audit23_2cfd6f682c.jpg)
 
**The last field audit carried out by Reforest'Action in March 2023 made it possible to assess the survival rate of trees planted in 2022, which was 93.7%. The average tree height measured was 41.7 centimeters. As the Chinese fir and cypress are native species adapted to the local environment, they were found to be in good health. To maximize results, the Linda Forestry company systematically replaces trees that fail to survive by replanting them in the following planting seasons. However, climatic conditions in 2023 were not so favorable: rainfall was significantly lower than in 2022. A second field audit will be carried out by Reforest'Action in April 2024.** 

## Maximizing socio-economic impact to promote human well-being

Promoting human well-being is fundamental to the projects supported by Maison Hennessy. In China's Guizhou province, which struggles with rural poverty exacerbated by historical environmental degradation, the project developed by Reforest'Action directly benefits the livelihoods of ethnic minorities through the generation of additional income. The socio-economic impact is therefore a major pillar of our joint approach in China and will be monitored over the long term.

### Employment and income opportunities

Agriculture is the main economic driver in the province. That's why the people living in the villages of Zhebu, the first to be affected by the project, depend entirely on farming as a source of income. With the soil depletion, agricultural productivity is reduced, as are the villagers' means of subsistence. In 2022, the project provided employment opportunities for 324 villagers. Planters, nursery workers, vehicle drivers, and forest rangers were all recruited to carry out the restoration activities under the supervision of the Linda Forestry company. These direct beneficiaries, including 80% of women, earned money at the end of their contribution, enabling them to provide for their families. Besides, an estimated 7,696 people (workers' families and other villagers) indirectly benefited from the first wave of planting. The planted trees are monitored and maintained by ten forest rangers employed by our partner. Their role is to patrol the planting area on a daily basis to prevent potential degradation risks (fires, animals grazing, parasites, or diseases) and to take immediate action to minimize losses. They are also responsible for site maintenance (weeding, etc.). Over the three years of the project, taking all activities into account, up to 55,000 man-days of work will be required, for the benefit of villagers who wish to get involved.

In parallel, the project will contribute to the local economy by opening the way to tree product commercialization. Known as "zao jia", the Chinese honey locust is one of the fifty fundamental plants used in traditional Chinese pharmacopoeia. Its fruits, which are long, bean-like pods, and its thorns are used in the manufacture of cosmetics and medicinal products, but they can also be used to make paper. The leaves of the toona sinensis, another tree planted as part of the project, are used in traditional Chinese cooking. Once mature, the fruit or leaves of these trees will be harvested and sold by the communities, who will split the earnings, to companies that will process them. The villagers concerned could generate around $150,000 a year in additional income from the marketing of forest products.

![Planting 2.JPG](/uploads/Planting_2_a255d7f68b.JPG)

### Social commitment at the core of our activities

In order to facilitate and strengthen community participation in the project, our partner has implemented a comprehensive engagement process: upstream meetings introducing the project and its benefits to involve villagers, tree-planting training to initiate the public, regular updates on the project's achievements to ensure constant mobilization, etc. These initiatives reflect the importance of working hand in hand with local people, who are both the driving force and the beneficiaries of this restoration program. Once recruited, most of the workers were involved in the project's design: through community meetings, they had the opportunity to give their opinions and discuss future activities. In addition, from March to April 2022, prior to the planting phase, 280 beneficiaries took part in a half-day training session: technical requirements, seedling management, safety, and waste management were all on the agenda.

During the last audit, Reforest'Action gathered feedback from beneficiaries by conducting several interviews. All respondents were happy to be able to contribute to activities in the field and were motivated by the idea of ensuring the proper growth of trees. They understand the importance of trees in the fight against rocky desertification. They also mentioned the much-needed income they receive from the project. In addition, a feedback mechanism has been set up for participants to make any comments and/or suggestions regarding the project's course. This mechanism is fundamental to ensuring optimal implementation and monitoring of the project and is managed both by village representatives and the villagers' committee and by the Linda Forestry company.

![DSC06012_yk.jpg](/uploads/DSC_06012_yk_50c61793a8.jpg)

**Maison Hennessy has come to appreciate the central role of forest ecosystems in ensuring a sustainable future for future generations. In 2020, the company entered into a 10-year partnership with Reforest'Action. This long-term commitment enables the implementation of an ambitious, long-term program to contribute to the regeneration of 50,000 hectares of forest worldwide. The project to restore degraded mountain ecosystems in Guizhou province illustrates the Maison's commitment to promoting the ecosystem services provided by forests for the benefit of the local populations that depend on them.** 

China: in the precious land of Guizhou, Maison Hennessy contributes to the fight against rocky desertification through reforestation

Encart customers.jpeg

Description customers.jpeg

0013X00002kIZGkQAO.png

Header customers.png

mega logo.jpeg

Founded in 1991, MEGA International is a French software editor present on 5 continents, global market leader for over 10 years. MEGA accompanies organizations of all sectors in their business and IT governance and transformation projects. Through our software solutions and services teams, MEGA helps enterprises make the right decisions, leaning on the big picture view of how the organization operates, and a pragmatic approach for a rapid return on investment.

MEGA INTERNATIONAL

Restaurer les écosystèmes terrestres à grande échelle en recréant les meilleures conditions pour leur permettre d’être stable dans la durée dans un contexte climatique et sociétal en pleine transformation.

En savoir plus sur la mission de Reforest'Action

2015_KEO SEIMA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY_carbone_Cambodge

The Seima Protection Forest (SPF)  is located in eastern Cambodia, mainly in Mondulkiri Province with a small area extending into Kratie Province. The REDD+ Project Area covers 166,983 ha of forest in the SPF Core Protection Area for a total amount of 14,266,485 tCO2 over 10 years. Local population directly depends of this forest as key source of income and play a main role in their spiritual beliefs. This forest is also a natural habitat for local fauna including Asian Elephants, primates, wild cattle, several carnivores and birds such as the Giant Ibis and Green Peafowl.

Since 2002, the Forest Administration (representative of the Royal Government of Cambodia) has collaborated with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and other local NGO partners to develop management systems for the SPF, both to conserve and restore the biodiversity values and to protect the livelihoods of local people.

NO_POVERTY

ZERO_HUNGER

GOOD_HEALTH_AND_WELL_BEING

CLEAN_WATER_AND_SANITATION

RESPONSIBLE_CONSUMPTION_AND_PRODUCTION

CLIMATE_ACTION

LIFE_ON_LAND

PARTNERSHIP_FOR_THE_GOALS

Preservation of local biodiversity by providing suitable habitats and resources.

Contributes to the mitigation of the greenhouse effect and influences precipitation patterns and the local microclimate.

Influences the quality and integrity of the soil-water system, and the cycling of water and nutrients.

Supports human well-being, by providing resources, income, education, empowerment, and supporting culture and spirituality.

The Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary covers nearly 300,000 hectares in eastern Cambodia and is rich in natural and cultural wildlife, forests, landscapes and indigenous communities. Its forest is home to 75 threatened species (classified as Critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List), over 350 bird species, 7 primate species and a population of Asian elephants. It is currently threatened by accelerated deforestation for agriculture and unsustainable resource extraction (including hunting, logging and fishing). These activities damage both biodiversity and the livelihoods of local people who depend on the forest.

The Keo Seima REDD+ project in Cambodia aims to protect 166,983 hectares of tropical forest within the Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary, restore the reserve's rich biodiversity and develop the livelihoods of indigenous communities. It is one of the most ambitious forest conservation programmes in Cambodia. The project, which is expected to avoid 14 million t CO2e per year, was validated by VCS as a REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) project in 2014. In 2015, 50,000 carbon credits were generated, corresponding to the amount of carbon stored. The project entered the scope of Reforest'Action in 2021 for the sale of carbon credits from 2015. 

2015_THE ENVIRA AMAZONIA_carbone_Brésil

2015_THE ENVIRA AMAZONIA_carbone_Brésil_20230525.png

The Envira Amazonia project is a REDD+ project designed by VCS and CCBS in the state of Acre, Brazil, which aims to protect up to 39,300.60 hectares of tropical rainforest by engaging a large landowner willing to forgo conversion of forest land to a ranching operation.

In addition, the Envira Amazonia project will simultaneously conserve a rich biodiversity and a wide range of ecosystem services, providing direct benefits to local communities and mitigate the release of million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions over the years of the project.

The three main Project Proponents are CarbonCo, LLC (“CarbonCo”), Freitas International
Group, LLC (“Freitas International Group or Carbon Securities”), and JR Agropecuária e
Empreendimentos EIRELI.

Around 60 km southeast of Feijó town in the Brazilian state of Acre, the Envira Amazonia project runs along either side of the Jurupari river in the Amazon Basin. It takes roots on 200,000 hectares of land formerly owned by businessmen and sold in 2009 to forest management experts. The Envira Amazonia Property was historically used for rubber tapping and was an extractive area for natural forest products before these activities stopped due to the crash in rubber prices in the late 1980s. The paving of the main east-west highway in Acre in 2011 has greatly increased property values, and cattle ranching along this road corridor has thus expanded.

The Envira Amazonia REDD+ project is located in the state of Acre, Brazil, and aims to protect up to 200,000 hectares of tropical rainforest. By engaging landowners willing to forgo conversion of forest land to pastures, this project is expected to generate 1,2 million teq CO2 of annual emission reduction. The Envira Amazonia project also establishes alternative, sustainable economic opportunities for local communities that promote environmental stewardship and protect biodiversity. Moreover, rainforest conservation itself protects forest ecosystem services such as air and water filtration, water and nutrient cycle regulation, flood protection, and the spiritual and cultural value of tropical forests. Combined, these activities help discourage deforestation in the wider region.

2020-2021_Kuzuko_Afrique du sud

2020-2021_Kuzuko_Afrique du sud_20230522_8.jpg

2020-2021_Kuzuko_Afrique du sud_20230522_4.jpg

2020-2021_Kuzuko_Afrique du sud_20230522_6.jpg

2020-2021_Kuzuko_Afrique du sud_20230522_1.jpg

2020-2021_Kuzuko_Afrique du sud_20230522_3.jpg

2020-2021_Kuzuko_Afrique du sud_20230522.JPG

2020-2021_Kuzuko_Afrique du sud_20230522_2.jpg

2020-2021_Kuzuko_Afrique du sud_20230522_5.jpg

2020-2021_Kuzuko_Afrique du sud_20230522_9.jpg

2020-2021_Kuzuko_Afrique du sud_20230522_7.jpg

Spekboom

Reforest’Action is joining forces with C4 EcoSolutions and AfriCarbon, two South African companies into the protected reserves of Kuzuko and Koedoeskloof. The goal is to restore these ecosystems by planting more than 500,000 seeds of Spekboom, a local species which is essential to the ecological functioning of the region. The project will develop a new sustainable grazing management system to improve the carrying capacity of livestock without degrading the environment. Numerous benefits will also be generated: the return of biodiversity, including a population of elephants, rainwater infiltration improvement, restoration of arable land and improve the living conditions of the local populations.

DECENT_WORK_AND_ECONOMIC_GROWTH

Within the Eastern Cape, in South Africa, land desertification is due to the increasing pressure of livestock on pastureland. Nowadays, the increasing scarcity of vegetation cover and the degradation of local farmers’ land and surrounding reserves are causing many negative environmental effects, such as the drying up of water resources, loss of biodiversity and soil erosion. The plantation areas are made up of former degraded pastures, and are located close to areas that have been protected for several decades.

The project is led in the field by Anthony Mills, a geochemist and expert in environmental development projects. He is the founder of two companies, AfriCarbon in 2009 and C4 EcoSolutions in 2015, which ensure the technical and operational deployment of the project.

Reforest’Action is joining forces with C4 EcoSolutions and AfriCarbon, two South African companies into the protected reserves of Kuzuko and Koedoeskloof. The goal is to restore these ecosystems by planting seeds of Spekboom, a local species which is essential to the ecological functioning of the region. The project will develop a new sustainable grazing management system to improve the carrying capacity of livestock without degrading the environment. Numerous benefits will also be generated: the return of biodiversity, including a population of elephants, rainwater infiltration improvement, restoration of arable land and improve the living conditions of the local populations.

2020-2021_Saint-Aubin-Routot Rogerville (76)_LBC

Projet de plantation EU_US_4 0123X000000a0LcQAI_4.jpg

Douglas

Chêne sessile (rouvre)

Bouleau verruqueux

Châtaignier

Hêtre commun

Érable sycomore

À Saint-Aubin-Routot Rogerville, en Normandie, une friche agricole de 13 hectares située en bordure du Bois de la Côte Rogerville fait l’objet d’un projet de boisement labellisé Bas-Carbone. Créé par le ministère de la Transition écologique et de la Cohésion des territoires en collaboration avec de nombreux partenaires, le Label Bas-Carbone, qui s’applique notamment à des projets forestiers, contribue à la réduction de l’empreinte carbone nationale de la France. Afin de créer un peuplement pérenne et résilient, des essences variées ont été sélectionnées pour la plantation. Le massif en devenir constituera un corridor écologique, lieu de passage privilégié pour la faune. Ce projet permettra le stockage de plus de 3 400 tonnes équivalent CO2 sur les trente prochaines années, contribuant ainsi à l’atténuation du changement climatique.

Supports human well-being, by providing resources, income, education, and supporting recreation and heritage.

In Saint-Aubin-Routot Rogerville, Normandy, a 13-hectare agricultural wasteland on the edge of the Bois de la Côte Rogerville is the subject of a Low-Carbon label afforestation project. Created by the French Ministry of Ecological Transition and Territorial Cohesion in collaboration with numerous partners, the Low-Carbon label, which also applies to forestry projects, contributes to reducing France's national carbon footprint. In order to create a sustainable and resilient stand, a variety of tree species has been selected for planting. The future forest will form an ecological corridor, a privileged passageway for wildlife. The project will store over 3,400 tonnes of CO2 equivalent over the next thirty years, thereby helping to mitigate climate change.

2021-2022_Agneby Tiassa_Côte d'Ivoire

Tree planting with villagers involved in the project.

2020-2021_Agneby Tiassa_Côte d'Ivoire_20230516_2.jpeg

2020-2021_Agneby Tiassa_Côte d'Ivoire_20230516_6.JPG

2020-2021_Agneby Tiassa_Côte d'Ivoire_20230516_4.JPG

2020-2021_Agneby Tiassa_Côte d'Ivoire_20230516_7.jpeg

2020-2021_Agneby Tiassa_Côte d'Ivoire_20230516_8.jpg

2020-2021_Agneby Tiassa_Côte d'Ivoire_20230516_3.jpeg

2020-2021_Agneby Tiassa_Côte d'Ivoire_20230516_11.jpg

2020-2021_Agneby Tiassa_Côte d'Ivoire_20230516_9.jpg

2020-2021_Agneby Tiassa_Côte d'Ivoire_20230516_5.JPG

Niangon

Bois jasanga

Fraké

Framiré

Acajou cédrel

Gmelina arborea

Acacia mangium

Tiama

Pohé

Chocolatier du Gabon

Petit kola

Teck

Acajou du Honduras

Reforest’Action is joining forces with the Ivorian company Agro-Map to support cocoa producers in the forest of Séguié in the Agnéby-Tiassa region, Ivory Coast, in the restoration of the forest and in the creation of agroforestry systems, which will make it possible to reconcile trees and crops in order to maintain a microclimate favourable to the development of agriculture. Over 200,000 are planted on 450 hectares.

The main objectives of the project are the development of agroforestry, the restoration of a classified forest, the preservation of biodiversity and the economic development of the populations. By restoring their environment: the local communities of Agnéby-Tiassa will also improve their food security.

QUALITY_EDUCATION

Deforestation in Ivory Coast, if not halted, could lead to the total disappearance of the country's natural forest cover within the next twenty years. The 234 classified forests in the country, including the Séguié forest in the Agnéby-Tiassa region, where our project takes place, have lost more than 70% of their forest cover in half a century. This is due to extensive agriculture and cocoa production, which have gained ground on the primary Ivorian forests, and the unsustainable exploitation of these forests to meet the growing need for firewood. This loss of animal and plant biodiversity is now causing climatic changes throughout the region, in particular a reduction in rainfall and the appearance of increasingly long periods of drought, which often have a fatal effect on the crops of local communities. 

Agro-Map is an Ivorian company specialising in the development of sustainability projects in the agricultural, forestry and environmental fields. Its objective is to reconcile agriculture and forestry in order to maintain a microclimate favourable to the development of agriculture. The Agro-Map team is in constant contact with farmers and builds strong partnerships with local communities.

Reforest'Action is partnering with the Ivorian company Agro-Map to support cocoa farmers in the Séguié forest in restoring the forest and creating agroforestry systems, which will allow them to reconcile the trees with their crops. By restoring their environment, the local communities of Agnéby-Tiassa will also improve their food security and income.

2021-2022_Palizada_Mexique

Juan-Carlos, the project implementer, and his wife 
Photo by Florian Pupat 

2022-2023_Palizada_Mexique_20230523_13.jpg

Palo de Tinto shoots
Photo by Florian Pupat 

2022-2023_Palizada_Mexique_20230523_11.jpg

Palo de Tinto wood, also known as "logwood", whose red fibers produce a black ink 
Photo by Florian Pupat 

2022-2023_Palizada_Mexique_20230523_9.jpg

2022-2023_Palizada_Mexique_20230503_4.jpeg

2021-2022_Palizada_Mexique_20240110.jpg

2021-2022_Palizada_Mexique_20240110_1.jpg

2021-2022_Palizada_Mexique_20240110_2.jpg

2021-2022_Palizada_Mexique_20240110_3.jpg

2021-2022_Palizada_Mexique_20240110_4.jpg

Bois bleu

Orme d'Amerique

Enterolobium cyclocarpum

Muntingia calabura

Mombin jaune

Texas palmetto

Attalea butyracea

Poirier rouge

Albizia guachapele

Brosimum alicastrum

Platymiscium yucatanum

Sapotiller

Reforest'Action is partnering with Planalto to restore "El Tintal", by planting 160 000 trees over 2 years and to establish a conservation area on former degraded agricultural lands. This approach will help replant native species of the region in order to reconstitute resilient ecosystems that will act as carbon sinks, but also to restore the multifunctionality of the spaces concerned.

AFFORDABLE_AND_CLEAN_ENERGY

INDUSTRY_INNOVATION_AND_INFRASTRUCTURE

SUSTAINABLE_CITIES_AND_COMMUNITIES

LIFE_BELOW_WATER

The project developed by our partner is part of the Laguna de Términos protected area, in the Mexican state of Campeche. The lagoon has been recognized as an area of high importance since 1994 by the Mexican government because of the richness of the biological ecosystems found in its estuaries. They are home to more than 130 species of mammals including the jaguar, today classified as “near threatened”. Between land and sea, the Tintal defines the ecosystem in which the Palo de Tinto, or logwood, grows within the lagoon. Emblematic of the Yucatán Peninsula, the Tintal has been severely degraded by human activities after the independence of Mexico: currently, nearly 80% of the Campeche state's land has been converted into grazing areas for cattle ranching or into crops for palm oil export. The project aims to restore this unique ecosystem.

Planalto is a rural production company located in the state of Campeche, one of the administrative divisions that make up the Yucatán Peninsula. As a productive and responsible business model, it works to implement forestry and permaculture practices in rural areas, emphasizing the use of native species and natural treatment products. Doing so, it helps promote a multifunctional reforestation model that benefits both the environment and the local communities, mainly composed of producers. During the project, Planalto will supervise the implementation of the selected seedlings in nurseries, the preparation of the soil, the planting sessions as well as the maintenance and monitoring of the planted trees.

Reforest'Action is partnering with the company Planalto to restore "El Tintal" ecosystem and to establish a conservation area for biodiversity. This multi-faceted project is located near the town of Palizada, southwest of the Mexican state of Campeche and concerns two areas located side by side. 

On the one hand, the project implementer Juan-Carlos is working to regenerate the Tintal by planting Palo de Tinto on the degraded pastures of his ranch. Palo de Tinto, also known as "logwood", is a small thorny tree from Mexico whose dark red fibers produce a black ink used for dyeing clothes and hair. Through the transformation of wood chip residues, the project aims to create its own circular bioeconomy system. 

On the other hand, Juan-Carlos has established a conservation area in the untouched jungle, with a dedicated area of 350 hectares that will serve as a refuge for native animal species such as the jaguar.

Bénéfices estimés des arbres plantés ou préservés

En savoir plus sur la mission de Reforest'Action

Actualités de Reforest'Action

Core elements of designing a regenerative agriculture project

Sumatra: economic resilience depends on environmental restoration

China: in the precious land of Guizhou, Maison Hennessy contributes to the fight against rocky desertification through reforestation