Seeds of native species are available locally and their collection can be realized directly by the communities. We will buy those seeds and supply them to our carbon farmers. This way we can ensure a good seed supply while the local communities participate in the restoration process and learn about the value of native species. For us, seedlings only play a secondary role and may be used for pioneer species or species with economic interest.        

By designing our restoration concept, we use a productive restoration approach one may understand as a form of agroforestry. Under species with economic interest we understand the incorporation of native species that could provide flowers and nectar, fruits, oil seeds, fodder or medicinal products. These products can be harvested without affecting our carbon storage potential but offer additional incentives and income streams for our carbon farmers. We strongly believe that for a certain range of products, restoration and agricultural production can happen in total harmony.     

Here are some studies we recommend for a deep dive:
Lal, Rattan, et al. “The carbon sequestration potential of terrestrial ecosystems.” Journal of Soil and Water Conservation 73.6 (2018): 145A-152A.

Miccolis, A., et al. “Agroforestry systems for ecological restoration: how to reconcile conservation and production. Options for Brazil’s Cerrado and Caatinga biomes. Instituto Sociedade, População e Natureza–ISPN/World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), Brasília.” (2016).

Urzedo, D. I., et al. “Tropical forest seeds in the household economy: effects of market participation among three sociocultural groups in the Upper Xingu region of the Brazilian Amazon.” Environmental Conservation 43.1 (2016): 13-23.

Nijnik, Maria. “Carbon capture and storage in forests.” Issues in Environmental Science and Technology 29 (2010): 203.