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How Carbon Offsets/Credits Contribute to Reforestation of the Planet

Reforestation is a relatively simple concept.  Most of us are aware that the rain forest around the world have been and continue to be cut down or destroyed for multiple reasons: to provide wood for either lumber or heat, expand farms or grasslands for cattle, housing for expanding populations or because they lie in the way of new road construction.

To stop this destruction is not an easy task.  Harvesting the rain forest offers the local people income from the sale of ‘exotic’ woods, heat for their homes and materials to provide them with shelter.  We must remember that the tropical forests we are trying to preserve are in Africa, Asia and South America, all areas where the populations are struggling for survival.

When preserving the rain forest fails a second alternative is to replant another forest to replace it.  This act of planting one forest to replace another that was destroyed is called reforestation.  Reforestation is not an ideal solution.  Rain forests by nature are sometimes hundreds or even thousands of years old and we can not hope that a newly planted forest will replace the loss a mature rain forest.  However, replanting young trees that can be used in time for materials and fire wood may divert the destruction of the old trees in existing rain forests.

While not perfect, reforestation is still a viable option. 

Reforestation projects face three basic challenges. 

These challenges are: 1) economic, 2) technological and 3) social.

Economic Challenge of Reforestation

Economic challenges occur because the land suitable for a reforestation is most often in very poor areas of the world and the people of those areas do not have funds for either supplying the stock for replanting or income to exist while they are waiting for the young trees to develop to a size that is useful and/or profitable.  Selection of an area for a reforestation project requires studying the area to determine if it provides adequate biodiversity. 

One of the uses of carbon offsets to provide loans for both the seed stock and subsistence to for the farmers while they waiting on the new trees to mature.

Technological Challenge of Reforestation

Remote areas make planting and harvesting difficult and require additional equipment and skills to produce hardy seedlings and trees that survive and thrive.  The local population may need support  and education about pest and disease control and fire management.

Again offsets may supply funds to provide this support.

Social Challenges

Introducing a reforestation project in a rural area that has very little community interaction or organization is a challenge in itself.  Additionally, the concept of investing for future generations or waiting on delayed returns may require training for local people.  The goal is to help the locals become invested in the management and success of the project.