Reforest the Tropics (RTT) has developed a comprehensive and holistic forestry model to offset carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by converting deforested tropical lands to biologically and economically sustainable new farm forests. RTT forests fix and sequester CO2 each year for long-term storage. Forest sponsors can claim the CO2 that is sequestered in RTT forests to offset the emissions generated by their business or family activities. RTT is funded entirely through private, voluntary donations. RTT believes in a market-based approach to address the issue of climate change. By offering a cost-effective, secure, and efficient approach to long-term carbon emissions balancing, we make it easy for businesses to reach their sustainability goals while making their carbon-balanced products more attractive to the public.

Reforest the Tropics works to mitigate climate change through sustainable forestry and long-term, verifiable carbon sequestration. We have over 50 years experience in research of tropical forestry plantations, and working with local farmers. Reforest The Tropics was approved to manage a United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Activities Implemented Jointly project in November 1995.

The RTT Model

RTT uses a mixed-species forestry model in order to promote biodiversity, create habitat, and reduce risks associated with tree loss from pests and diseases. The species have been carefully selected, based on decades of research. Some species excel at long-term carbon sequestration while others are added to provide income for local landowning partners. RTT periodically thins its forests in order to avoid stagnation and ensure that the forest plantations remain productive. The logs that are felled in these necessary thinnings are provided to our local partners for sale on the market. By allowing partners to profit from their forest, we promote sustainability of the program. Local partners are able to earn an income from their forested land, which slightly exceeds the profit potential of cattle farming on the same land.

RTT presently balances the CO2 emissions of over 84 participants with more than 450 acres of carbon-offset forests on 13 sites in Costa Rica. We manage forests for individuals and organizations including for the Superior Nut Company, Connecticut College, the Home Depot, the Mohegan Sun Casino, the Curtis Packaging Company, the Connecticut Municipal Electric Energy Cooperative, the Triumvirate Environmental Corporation, various universities and public schools, faith based institutions, private foundations, and many different families. Learn more about our forests, our participants and projects. Feel free to contact us for additional information.