Afforestation, reforestation, and revegetation (ARR) is a nature-based carbon removal approach that restores degraded lands and expands forest cover to capture and store carbon. By planting trees and reintroducing vegetation in areas where forests have been lost or never existed, ARR sequesters atmospheric CO₂ while delivering crucial ecological and social benefits.

ARR is one of the most established and scalable carbon removal solutions. Forests naturally absorb carbon over decades, making this method highly durable and cost-effective compared to engineered solutions.

How does ARR remove carbon?

Trees absorb CO₂ from the air during photosynthesis and store it in their trunks, roots, and surrounding soil. Over time, well-managed forests act as long-term carbon sinks, locking carbon away for decades or even centuries.

There are three primary types of ARR:

Afforestation: Establishing forests in areas that have not been previously forested.
Reforestation: Restoring tree cover in regions where forests were cleared or degraded.
Revegetation: Enhancing vegetation in areas with minimal tree cover, often to improve soil health and biodiversity.

Beyond carbon: The co-benefits of ARR

ARR projects do more than capture carbon—they provide a range of co-benefits that contribute to biodiversity, water security, and economic development for local communities.

1. Biodiversity restoration: Forests provide critical habitats for wildlife, helping to protect endangered species and promote ecological balance. When done right, ARR focuses on planting native species and restoring overall ecosystem diversity.

2. Water and soil conservation: Tree roots stabilise soil, prevent erosion, and enhance water retention. This is particularly important in arid regions where restoring barren land improves land productivity and food security.

3. Community resilience and livelihoods: Many ARR initiatives are designed with local communities in mind, providing jobs, education and economic opportunities. The income they provide can go a long way to making sure that these communities are able to build resilience and adapt to the consequences of climate change.

Meet the ARR projects

Opna works with a range of high-impact ARR projects that are actively restoring forests and sequestering carbon worldwide.

ZeroCO2 (Guatemala): This Plan Vivo-certified project combats deforestation in the Petén region while supporting local communities. By 2028, it aims to restore 2,300 hectares, sequestering 167,000 tonnes of CO₂ and benefiting over 200 farming communities.
FCF Climate Fund (India): Focused on reforesting degraded uplands in West Bengal and Jharkhand, this project is improving soil health, water availability, and biodiversity while generating high-quality carbon credits.
Cultivo (Mexico & India): Using data-driven approaches to select high-impact landscapes for reforestation, Cultivo’s projects restore ecosystems while ensuring long-term carbon sequestration.

Scaling ARR for a net-zero future

ARR remains one of the most effective and accessible carbon removal solutions. With its ability to restore ecosystems, support local communities, and deliver long-term climate benefits, investing in ARR is a tangible way for companies to contribute to a net-zero future.

ARR as part of your climate strategy

For companies looking to invest in high-impact, nature-based carbon removal, ARR is a highly attractive solution. By supporting high-integrity projects, businesses can reduce their carbon footprint while driving positive environmental and social impact.

At Opna, we connect businesses with trusted ARR projects that align with their sustainability goals. Get in touch at hi@opna.earth to learn how biochar can be part of your net-zero strategy.