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The Challenge: Making Regenerative Forestry Economically Unavoidable
The knowledge required to create productive, diversified and resilient forest landscapes already exists.
Many projects have demonstrated that it is possible to:
- produce several timber species on the same plot;
- combine trees, crops and livestock within agroforestry systems;
- naturally restore degraded soils;
- improve water infiltration and retention;
- reduce erosion, wildfires and local temperatures;
- produce fruit, nuts, mushrooms, medicinal plants, oils, resins, fibres and other non-timber forest products;
- restore habitats and ecological corridors;
- increase carbon storage in soils and biomass;
- improve plant health through fungi, bacteria and other micro-organisms;
- create local employment in production, processing, maintenance, research and ecosystem management.
Yet the systems that remain easiest to finance and administer are often those based on one species, one product, one harvesting date and a limited set of financial indicators.
A monoculture is easy to present in a financial spreadsheet. A regenerative forest, by contrast, produces many forms of value at different times, for several beneficiaries and over several decades.
The challenge is therefore to build the economic, legal and financial instruments required to make all the forms of value created by a living forest visible, measurable, shareable and remunerated.
What We Mean by a Regenerative Forest
A regenerative forest does not merely maintain tree cover or replace harvested trees with new plantations.
It is a forest system designed and managed to progressively improve:
- the diversity of plant, animal, fungal and microbial species;
- soil fertility and structure;
- water availability and quality;
- resistance to droughts, wildfires, storms and pests;
- carbon storage capacity;
- the production of renewable resources;
- the income and skills of local populations;
- the capacity of a territory to adapt to climatic and economic change.
This approach may apply to:
- natural forests;
- production forests;
- agroforestry farms;
- silvopastoral systems;
- agricultural landscapes incorporating trees;
- watersheds;
- mountain areas;
- desertified or degraded regions;
- mangroves and coastal forests;
- peri-urban forest belts;
- urban forests and ecological corridors.
Why Monocultures Can Generate Major Losses
Monocultures have often been developed to simplify planting, mechanisation, harvesting, processing and marketing. This apparent simplicity may, however, concentrate risks.
A forest depending on one species, one age class, one market or one management model may be highly exposed to:
- a species-specific disease or pest;
- drought exceeding the tolerance of the selected species;
- the rapid spread of wildfire;
- soil degradation and declining yields;
- a fall in the price of the primary product;
- changing regulations;
- increasing irrigation, fertilisation or treatment costs;
- the partial or total loss of capital before harvesting;
- conflicts with local populations when benefits are insufficiently shared.
A diversified forest does not remove every risk. It can, however, prevent the entire business model from depending on one species, one harvest or one source of income.
Creating Abundance for People and Ecosystems
A regenerative forest can produce several complementary streams of value.
Diversified Forest Production
A single operation may combine:
- construction timber;
- high-quality wood products;
- energy from residual biomass;
- cork;
- bamboo;
- fibres;
- resins;
- essential oils;
- latex;
- raw materials for biobased chemistry;
- molecules for medical, cosmetic or industrial applications.
Food Production
Agroforestry and food-forest systems may produce:
- fruit;
- nuts;
- seeds;
- mushrooms;
- honey;
- aromatic and medicinal plants;
- animal fodder;
- cocoa;
- coffee;
- spices;
- products from integrated livestock systems.
Climate Services
Forests can create value through:
- CO2 absorption and storage;
- reduced local temperatures;
- protection against wind;
- erosion control;
- reduced flood risks;
- water retention;
- watershed protection;
- reduced exposure to certain natural disasters.
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health
The restoration of diversified ecosystems can support:
- pollinators;
- natural predators of pests;
- microbial soil fertility;
- ecological connectivity;
- genetic diversity;
- the resilience of animal and plant populations;
- the reduction of certain ecological imbalances that increase risky contact between wildlife, domestic animals and human populations.
The relationship between biodiversity loss, habitat fragmentation and the emergence of certain diseases also highlights the importance of a One Health approach connecting human, animal and environmental health.
Social and Territorial Value
Regenerative forests can also create:
- skilled rural jobs;
- additional income for farmers;
- local processing activities;
- new companies;
- short supply chains;
- cooperatives;
- training centres;
- scientific and educational activities;
- improved food security;
- reduced rural exodus;
- greater stability in territories exposed to climatic, economic or geopolitical crises.
Expected Fields of Proposal
All integrated nature-based techniques and all innovations useful for forest regeneration are welcome.
This call, however, gives priority to proposals capable of transforming these techniques into sustainable, profitable and financeable economic activities.
Integrated Management of Forest Ecosystems
How can timber production, water protection, biodiversity, agriculture, wildfire prevention and local economic activities be organised within a single management model?
Proposals may address:
- multifunctional management plans;
- decision-support tools;
- ecological and economic monitoring systems;
- contracts involving several landowners;
- cooperative models;
- value-sharing mechanisms between beneficiaries.
Mixed-Species Forestry and Forest Polyculture
How can mixed-species stands become as easy to finance, insure, manage and market as single-species plantations?
Proposals may notably address:
- species combinations;
- staggered harvesting schedules;
- adapted mechanisation;
- phased income models;
- purchasing contracts covering several products;
- yield forecasting tools;
- risk reduction and risk pooling.
Agroforestry and Silvopastoral Systems
How can farmers finance the initial years before trees generate their main income?
Expected models may combine:
- annual crops;
- perennial crops;
- fruit trees;
- construction timber;
- livestock;
- ecosystem services;
- supply contracts;
- carbon or biodiversity revenues;
- local processing;
- patient capital.
Micro-organisms and the Health of Soils, Trees and Food
Mycorrhizal fungi, bacteria, yeasts and other micro-organisms play a major role in plant nutrition, soil structure, water retention, disease resistance and the nutritional quality of food production.
Proposals may address:
- the production of inoculants adapted to local contexts;
- methods for restoring forest soils;
- nurseries incorporating microbiological health;
- microbiome monitoring;
- business models allowing these solutions to reach farmers and forest managers;
- links between soil health, plant health, food quality and human health.
CO2 Absorption, Storage and Valorisation
Projects may integrate:
- carbon stored in biomass;
- soil carbon;
- long-lived wood products;
- biochar made from otherwise unused residues;
- the substitution of highly emitting materials;
- reduced wildfire and forest degradation.
Carbon-based proposals must demonstrate strong environmental integrity, prevent double counting, incorporate non-permanence risks and avoid reducing forests to a simple number of tonnes of CO2.
Biodiversity as a Measurable Economic Asset
How can the restoration of a habitat, the protection of a species, the reconnection of ecological corridors or an improvement in functional diversity be rewarded without reducing biodiversity to an oversimplified indicator?
Proposals may include:
- outcome-based contracts;
- high-integrity certificates;
- payments for ecosystem services;
- territorial contribution mechanisms;
- restoration funds;
- nature-linked bonds;
- insurance systems linked to ecological risk reduction.
Natural Disaster Prevention
A well-managed forest can reduce certain risks related to wildfires, erosion, landslides, floods, avalanches, sandstorms and desertification.
Projects may seek to transform avoided expenditure into revenues capable of financing prevention.
This may notably involve:
- contracts with insurers;
- resilience agreements with public authorities;
- payment mechanisms based on avoided risks;
- partnerships with infrastructure operators;
- resilience bonds;
- territorial prevention funds.
Regreening Deserts and Degraded Territories
Regreening is not merely a matter of planting trees. It may require soil restoration, slowing water flows, protection against overgrazing, the reintroduction of adapted species and the creation of economic activities capable of maintaining the system over time.
Proposals may combine:
- water collection and infiltration;
- assisted natural regeneration;
- resilient local species;
- agroforestry;
- food production;
- aromatic and medicinal plants;
- adapted livestock systems;
- energy;
- local processing and marketing.
Regreening Cities
Urban forests, ecological corridors, street trees, parks, school grounds, green roofs and urban wetlands can reduce heat islands, absorb water, improve air quality and support well-being.
Business models may be based on:
- climate-performance contracts;
- the value of energy savings;
- reduced healthcare costs;
- stormwater management;
- real-estate contributions;
- public-private partnerships;
- maintenance delivered by local businesses or social enterprises.
Terrestrial Biodiversity Hot Spots
Territories containing exceptional biodiversity often require business models capable of competing with revenues from deforestation, extraction or agricultural conversion.
Proposals may combine:
- high-value forest products;
- local processing;
- payments for ecosystem services;
- scientific research;
- licensing of biobased innovations;
- carefully managed ecotourism;
- responsible supply contracts;
- conservation finance;
- direct economic participation by local communities.
Forests, Climate, Peace and Economic Security
Land degradation, water scarcity, agricultural losses and the destruction of natural resources can intensify social tensions and population displacement.
Productive and diversified forest systems can instead create income, restore resources, improve food security and reduce certain vulnerabilities.
Proposals may concern territories affected by:
- conflict;
- forced displacement;
- rapid land degradation;
- the disappearance of agricultural activities;
- dependence on imports;
- the loss of local economic infrastructure.
Participatory Science, Data and Impact Monitoring
Residents, farmers, foresters, schools, researchers and public authorities can contribute to measuring:
- tree growth;
- species diversity;
- soil quality;
- humidity;
- temperatures;
- carbon stocks;
- wildlife;
- income;
- jobs created;
- resistance to climatic events.
Proposals may include applications, sensors, open protocols, territorial observatories and verification systems combining scientific data with local knowledge.
Business Models Particularly Sought
The Geneva Forum is looking for models that go beyond dependence on one grant, one carbon credit or one harvest occurring several decades in the future.
Proposals may combine several revenue streams.
Sale of Diversified Products
- construction timber and high-quality wood products;
- non-timber forest products;
- agricultural and food production;
- natural molecules and ingredients;
- energy made from residual materials;
- biobased materials;
- high-value local processing.
Payments for Ecosystem Services
- carbon storage;
- water protection;
- erosion prevention;
- wildfire risk reduction;
- flood protection;
- biodiversity restoration;
- temperature regulation;
- infrastructure protection.
Long-Term Contracts
- advance purchase agreements;
- supply contracts;
- price guarantees;
- partnerships between producers and industry;
- management contracts with public authorities;
- public procurement;
- outcome-based contracts.
Blended Finance
Projects may combine:
- project-development grants;
- patient equity;
- concessional loans;
- commercial debt;
- public or philanthropic guarantees;
- insurance;
- impact investment;
- crowdfunding;
- green or nature-linked bonds;
- working capital for the initial years.
Territorial Mutualisation
Several farms or landowners may share:
- a nursery;
- equipment;
- experts;
- a processing facility;
- certification;
- a monitoring system;
- a commercial service;
- insurance coverage;
- a territorial brand;
- shared access to investors.
Monetising Risk Reduction
A regenerative forest can create value by reducing future losses.
Proposals may examine financial participation by:
- insurers;
- reinsurers;
- municipalities;
- water-management organisations;
- energy operators;
- infrastructure owners;
- companies dependent on natural resources;
- real-estate actors;
- disaster-prevention authorities.
What Makes a Project Bankable
A project is not bankable merely because it produces an important environmental benefit.
It must also enable funders to understand:
- who legally carries the project;
- who owns or controls the land;
- what the land-use rights are;
- which products or services will be sold;
- who the customers are;
- when the first revenues will appear;
- which investments are required;
- what the operating costs are;
- which risks may affect revenues;
- which guarantees or insurance instruments are available;
- how impacts will be measured;
- how local communities will participate in decisions and benefits;
- how the project can be replicated or expanded.
Proposals may concern a project that is already bankable or an innovation intended to make currently non-bankable projects financeable.
Expected Criteria
Proposals will be particularly relevant when they demonstrate:
- realistic economic profitability;
- clearly identified revenue sources;
- diversification of products and risks;
- measurable ecological impacts;
- improved soil fertility and water cycles;
- a contribution to biodiversity;
- climate-change adaptation capacity;
- local value creation;
- fair distribution of revenues;
- participation by affected populations;
- clear governance;
- replication potential;
- a financing strategy adapted to each phase;
- a credible method for scientific, economic and social monitoring.
Projects should not oppose profit and nature protection. They should show how ecosystem restoration can become the foundation of a more productive, resilient and sustainable economy.
Solutions and Partners Sought
This call is notably open to:
- farmers and forest owners;
- cooperatives and producer groups;
- forest-management companies;
- agri-food and industrial companies;
- nurseries and seedling producers;
- soil and micro-organism specialists;
- researchers and universities;
- participatory science organisations;
- NGOs and international organisations;
- territorial and local authorities;
- chambers of agriculture;
- forestry agencies;
- Indigenous Peoples and local communities;
- banks and investors;
- impact investment funds;
- foundations;
- insurers and reinsurers;
- developers of data systems, sensors and monitoring tools;
- responsible raw-material buyers;
- local processing companies;
- specialists in land law, contracts and governance.
Partnerships may take the form of:
- a pilot project;
- research and development cooperation;
- a commercial agreement;
- a cooperative;
- a joint venture;
- a territorial fund;
- a payment-for-ecosystem-services mechanism;
- a participatory research programme;
- an international consortium;
- a Global Impact Project.
Accepted Stages of Development
Proposals may concern:
- an idea requiring structuring;
- a method already tested;
- an economic prototype;
- a pilot farm or forest operation;
- a company looking for partners;
- a value chain to be created;
- a technology available for demonstration;
- a model requiring finance to scale;
- a solution proven in one country and replicable in other territories.
Expected Results
Proposed projects should seek to achieve one or more of the following results:
- make regenerative forestry more profitable than degrading management;
- shorten the period before the first revenues;
- diversify income for farmers and landowners;
- reduce climatic and economic risks;
- finance initial restoration costs;
- attract private investment without sacrificing ecological integrity;
- create local jobs and enterprises;
- develop processing value chains;
- restore soils, water and biodiversity;
- improve food security;
- reduce vulnerability to disasters;
- create projects that can be replicated at scale;
- demonstrate that nature regeneration can simultaneously produce abundance, profit and impact.
Relevant Sustainable Development Goals
Depending on their focus, proposals may notably contribute to the following goals:
- Goal 1: No Poverty;
- Goal 2: Zero Hunger;
- Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being;
- Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation;
- Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth;
- Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure;
- Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities;
- Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities;
- Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production;
- Goal 13: Climate Action;
- Goal 15: Life on Land;
- Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions;
- Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
Suggest Your Solution!
You may propose:
- an integrated nature-based technique;
- a new forest product;
- an economic value chain;
- a financing model;
- an insurance mechanism;
- a payment-for-ecosystem-services system;
- a measurement method;
- a management tool;
- a pilot project;
- a company;
- a territorial project;
- an international programme;
- a need that other participants could help address.
To propose a solution to the world in this field:
1. Choose the international conference within the Geneva Forum where you wish to present your idea or solution (see the list of conferences).
2. Fill in the form further down this page to submit the abstract of your presentation. Indicate “Yes” in response to the question Is your presentation a proposal for a disruptive technology?
3. Attend the next Geneva Forum and present your proposal during a five-minute pitch.
4. Participate in the collaborative workshop held after the presentations to meet farmers, forest managers, researchers, entrepreneurs, institutions, investors and other potential partners.
On site, the Geneva Forum team may notably:
- connect you with existing research and participatory science programmes;
- identify territories and operators capable of hosting an experiment;
- facilitate discussions with scientific, technical and financial partners;
- support the structuring of the economic model;
- contribute to the design of a pilot project;
- explore financing and risk-reduction mechanisms;
- prepare the creation of a company, consortium or Global Impact Project;
- organise the conditions for scaling.
Techniques capable of restoring forests, soils, water and biodiversity already exist. The next paradigm shift will consist of demonstrating that they can also create more economic value, greater security and greater abundance than systems that degrade ecosystems.
Come with a practice, technology, territory or business model. Leave with the partners capable of transforming it into a profitable, regenerative and replicable project.
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