Top 50 Innovative Forestry Companies and Leading Global Organizations Utilizing Technology to Combat Deforestation

Here is a list of 50 forestry tech and global organizations that are making a positive impact on society.

The Omdena “Impact Tech Leaders Series” comprises game-changing startups, stories, and thought-leadership pieces from leading impact ventures solving real-world problems.

Introduction

Forests are a crucial part of our planet’s ecosystem, providing homes for wildlife, supporting biodiversity, and helping to reduce carbon emissions. Unfortunately, deforestation has become a major problem worldwide due to human activities like agriculture, urbanization, and mining. However, technology is playing a vital role in the fight against deforestation, with innovative solutions and new technologies emerging every day. 

In this article, we will highlight the top forestry companies, startups, and organizations that are utilizing technology to combat deforestation.

What is deforestation and how technology is helping to combat it

Deforestation is the permanent removal of trees from an area, often due to human activities. Deforestation contributes to climate change, as it releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and reduces the planet’s ability to absorb carbon. Technology is helping to combat deforestation through a variety of approaches, including satellite imaging, machine learning, and reforestation efforts.

How technologies are helping to monitor and manage forests

Technology is helping to monitor and manage forests by enabling researchers and forest managers to track changes in forests over time, identify areas of concern, and take action to protect and restore forests. Such as:

• Satellite imaging can detect changes in forest cover, while machine learning can identify patterns and trends in forest loss. 
• Drones and other remote sensing technologies can monitor forests and gather data on their condition.

New innovations in forestry technology that will help conserve forests

New innovations are emerging that have the potential to make a significant impact on forest conservation efforts. 

• Biodegradable sensors can monitor soil moisture and temperature in remote forest areas, while blockchain technology can track the origin and certification of sustainably harvested wood products. 
• New tree-planting technologies, such as the use of drones and robots, are making it easier and more efficient to plant trees in areas that have been impacted by deforestation.

How blockchain can be used to protect forests and increase transparency

Blockchain technology has the potential to be a powerful tool in protecting forests and increasing transparency. By using blockchain-enabled solutions, stakeholders can ensure that data is secure, immutable, and transparent. This will allow for better tracking of deforestation activities and help to identify the sources of illegal logging. 

Additionally, blockchain can be used to create digital certificates that track the provenance of timber products from their source to the end user. This will help to ensure that only legally sourced timber is being used in production processes. 

Blockchain also has potential applications in creating incentivization models for conservation efforts and reducing the cost of forest management by streamlining processes such as land registration, payments, and monitoring.

Top 50 Forestry Tech Startups & Global Organizations That Are Making an Impact  

Forestry companies, startups, and organizations are using technology to combat deforestation, addressing a variety of challenges, including reforestation, sustainable forest management, and the development of new technologies. 

Some examples of top forestry companies, startups, and organizations include DroneSeed, Silviaterra, Rainforest Trust, World Wildlife Fund, and other largest forestry companies in the world.

The order does not follow a ranking.  

1. NCX

NCX (previously known as SilviaTerra) is a technology company that provides precision forestry data, tools, and analytics. Their mission is to optimize forest management, carbon sequestration, and wood-based products with data-driven forest stewardship.

• Founded: 2010
• Funding: $50M, Series B

2. Rainforest Connection (RFCx)

Rainforest Connection (RFCx), is a nonprofit Conservation Technology organization that has developed acoustic technology to protect rainforests from illegal logging and monitor biodiversity to better inform conservation efforts around the world. Their Guardian system is able to detect illegal logging threats, alert on-the-ground partners to take action, and ultimately guard these carbon sinks against being destroyed. Their biodiversity monitoring and analysis system, the RFCx Arbimon platform, allows them to also monitor hundreds of species including endemic and threatened species, quantifying their species richness, behavior, and distribution within vulnerable areas. Their data allows them to better understand the effects of human and environmental impacts on wildlife and guide more effective preservation efforts.

• Founded: 2013
• Funding: N/A, Non-profit

3. Pachama

Pachama uses AI and satellite imaging to monitor carbon sequestration in forests and provide carbon-offsetting solutions for businesses.

• Founded: 2018
• Funding: $55M, Series B

4. Ecobot

Ecobot is a mobile and web-based platform that streamlines the process of wetland and endangered species surveys, reducing the time and cost associated with these assessments.

• Founded: 2018
• Funding: $2M, Seed

5. Cervest

Cervest is building an AI-powered platform that provides predictive analytics for climate risks, including deforestation, to help companies and governments make data-driven decisions for sustainable land use.

• Founded: 2015
• Funding: $22.7M, Series A

6. One Tree Planted

One Tree Planted is a non-profit organization that partners with reforestation projects around the world to promote reforestation and sustainable land use.

• Founded: 2014
• Funding: N/A, Non-profit

7. WeForest

WeForest partners with local communities to restore and protect forest ecosystems around the world.

• Founded: 2009
• Funding: N/A, Non-profit

8. World Resources Institute (WRI)

World Research Institute is a global research organization that is focused on protecting the Earth’s environment and its capacity to provide for the needs and aspirations of current and future generations. Its duties include protecting communities and natural ecosystems from damage caused by greenhouse gas emissions, and generating opportunities for people by catalyzing a global transition to a low-carbon economy; driving the scale-up of clean, affordable power systems throughout the world to deliver sustainable socio-economic development; ensuring the world’s food systems reduce their impact on the environment, drive economic opportunity, and sustainably feed 9.6 billion people by 2050; alleviating poverty, enhance food security, conserve biodiversity, and mitigating climate change by reducing forest loss and restoring productivity to degraded, deforested lands; achieving a water-secure future by mapping, measuring, and mitigating global water risks; and improving the quality of life in cities by developing and scaling environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable urban and transport solutions.

World Research Institute spans more than 50 countries and constitutes an employee base of 450 experts and staff. The organization is based in Washington, D.C., United States.

• Founded: 1982
• Funding: Grant

Omdena teamed up with World Resources Institute and 50 technology changemakers to use Natural Language Processing (NLP) to uncover economic and financial incentives for forest and landscape restoration in Latin America. The project concentrated on five countries: Mexico, Peru, Chile, Guatemala, and El Salvador. You can learn more about the project and its outcomes on this page, as well as read case studies on web scraping here.

9. Global Forest Watch

Global Forest Watch (GFW) is a dynamic online forest monitoring and alert system that empowers people everywhere to better manage forests. For the first time, Global Forest Watch unites satellite technology, open data, and crowdsourcing to guarantee access to timely and reliable information about forests. GFW is free and follows an open data approach in putting decision-relevant information in the hands of governments, companies, NGOs, and the public.

GFW is supported by a diverse partnership of organizations that contribute data, technical capabilities, funding, and expertise. The partnership is convened by the World Resources Institute.

• Founded: 2014
• Funding: N/A, Non-profit

10. Forest Stewardship Council™

Forest Stewardship Council promotes responsible forest management and certification to ensure sustainable forestry practices.

• Founded: 1993
• Funding: N/A, Non-profit

11. Trees for the Future

Trees for the Future works with local communities to plant trees and restore degraded lands for sustainable land use.

• Founded: 1989
• Funding: N/A, Non-profit

12. The Green Belt Movement

The Green Belt Movement promotes environmental conservation, community development, and women’s empowerment through tree planting and sustainable land use practices.

• Founded: 1977
• Funding: N/A, Non-profit

13. The Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy works to protect land and water resources around the world through conservation and sustainable land use practices.

• Founded: 1951
• Funding: $25K, Grant, Non-profit

14. Conservation International

Conservation International works to protect biodiversity and promote sustainable land use practices through partnerships with local communities and governments.

• Founded: 1987
• Funding: Grant, Non-profit

15. Rainforest Foundation US

Rainforest Foundation US works to protect the rights and lands of indigenous people in the Amazon rainforest through advocacy, grant-making, and technical support.

• Founded: 1989
• Funding: N/A, Non-profit

16. Friends of the Earth

Friends of the Earth is an environmental advocacy organization that works to promote sustainable land use practices and protect natural resources.

• Founded: 1970
• Funding: N/A, Non-profit

17. The Rainforest Alliance

The Rainforest Alliance works with businesses and local communities to promote sustainable agriculture and forestry practices that protect natural resources and promote social equity.

• Founded: 1987
• Funding: N/A, Non-profit

18. Cool Earth

Cool Earth works with local communities to protect rainforests and promote sustainable land use practices that benefit both people and the environment.

• Founded: 2007
• Funding: N/A, Non-profit

19. The Arbor Day Foundation

The Arbor Day Foundation promotes tree planting and sustainable land use practices through education and outreach programs.

• Founded: 1972
• Funding: Grant, Non-profit

20. Earthworm Foundation

Earthworm Foundation works with businesses and governments to promote sustainable land use practices and protect forests and natural resources.

• Founded: 1999
• Funding:  €1.6M, Seed

21. The Wildlife Conservation Society

The Wildlife Conservation Society works to protect wildlife and their habitats through conservation, research, and education programs.

• Founded: 1895
• Funding: N/A, Non-profit

22. The World Wildlife Fund

The World Wildlife Fund works to protect biodiversity and promote sustainable land use practices through conservation, research, and advocacy programs.

• Founded: 1961
• Funding: N/A, Non-profit

23. The Trust for Public Land

The Trust for Public Land works to protect land and natural resources for public use through conservation and advocacy programs.

• Founded: 1972
• Funding: N/A, Non-profit

24. The Sierra Club

The Sierra Club works to promote sustainable land use practices and protect natural resources through conservation and advocacy programs.

• Founded: 1892
• Funding: N/A, Non-profit

25. The Natural Resources Defense Council

The Natural Resources Defense Council works to protect natural resources and promote sustainable land use practices through scientific research, policy advocacy, and legal action.

• Founded: 1970
• Funding: N/A, Non-profit

26. The Earth Island Institute

The Earth Island Institute works to protect natural resources and promote sustainable land use practices through conservation, education, and advocacy programs.

• Founded: 1982
• Funding: N/A, Non-profit

27. Mast Reforestation

Mast Reforestation is a climate tech company with a mission to make reforestation scalable. As bigger, hotter, and more frequent fires increasingly destroy forested land each year, Mast facilitates faster, more resilient forest regeneration. Mast provides vertically integrated reforestation services to get forest restoration projects up and running in weeks, not years. Services include seed collection, seedling cultivation, site preparation, seedling hand planting, aerial drone-based seeding, and ongoing site monitoring. To fund its projects and open new revenue streams for landowners, Mast sells forward-looking carbon removal credits that allow companies seeking carbon neutrality to invest in reforestation projects for 200 years or more. Mast’s investors include Alexis Ohanian’s Seven Seven Six, Social Capital, DBL Partners, Marc Benioff’s TIME Ventures, Elemental Excelerator, and more. To learn more, visit MastReforest.com.

• Founded: 2016
• Funding: $36M, Series A

28. Columbia Land Trust

Columbia Land Trust specializes in land conservation, forestry, wildlife habitat, nature, environment, and river restoration services.

• Founded: 1990
• Funding: Grant, Non-profit

29. Greenpeace USA

Greenpeace USA is currently working on campaigns to save the Arctic, fight climate change, defend democracy, protect forests, and oceans, and promote sustainable food.

• Founded: 1975
• Funding: N/A, Non-profit

30. The Rainforest Trust

The Rainforest Trust works to protect rainforests and other critical habitats around the world through conservation and advocacy programs.

• Founded: 2016
• Funding: N/A, Non-profit

31. The Orangutan Foundation International

The Orangutan Foundation International works to protect orangutans and their habitats through conservation, research, and education programs.

• Founded: 1986
• Funding: N/A, Non-profit

32. The Center for Biological Diversity

The Center for Biological Diversity works to protect endangered species and their habitats through conservation and advocacy programs.

• Founded: 1989
• Funding: N/A, Non-profit

33. The Conservation Fund

The Conservation Fund works to protect natural resources and promote sustainable land use practices through land acquisition, conservation easements, and community partnerships. They have over 7 million acres of land protected across the United States.

• Founded: 1985
• Funding: N/A, Non-profit

34. The Nature Trust of British Columbia

The Nature Trust of British Columbia works to protect natural areas and wildlife habitats in British Columbia through land acquisition, conservation agreements, and stewardship programs. They have conserved over 175,000 acres of land in the province.

• Founded: 1971
• Funding: N/A, Non-profit

35. The Nature Conservancy of Canada

The Nature Conservancy of Canada works to protect natural areas and wildlife habitats across Canada through land acquisition, conservation agreements, and stewardship programs. They have conserved over 6.4 million acres of land in the country.

• Founded: 1962
• Funding: N/A, Non-profit

36. Descartes Labs

Descartes Labs is a geospatial intelligence company that uses machine learning and AI to analyze satellite imagery and provide insights for various industries, including forestry.

• Founded: 2014
• Funding: $20M, Series B

37. Treepoints

Treepoints is a platform that allows users to track their carbon footprint and invest in reforestation projects around the world.

• Founded: 2019
• Funding: $199.2K, Pre-Seed

38. CollectiveCrunch

CollectiveCrunch is a green technology company that is committed to building a sustainable future for forestry. CollectiveCrunch develops products that significantly reduce timelines in forest inventories and enable transparent and accurate insights into biodiversity and carbon stocks.

• Founded: 2016
• Funding: €5.1M in Venture – Series Unknown

39. Forest Admin

Forest Admin is a no-code platform that enables developers to build custom admin panels for their applications, including those used in forestry and conservation.

• Founded: 2017
• Funding: $7M in Series A

40. Forestry Networks

Forestry Networks protects forests, communities, and the environment from wildfire damage by mapping forest networks with drone and AI-powered computer vision technology via their proprietary remote ENT (Ecological Network Terminal) monitoring system. Forests are networks, Wildfires spread via those networks. Our company reduces wildfire risk, property damage, and carbon emissions by drone-mapping forests, vegetation, and fuel sources and utilizes AI-driven data analysis to identify forest fire risk and provide arborists and forestry personnel with intelligent risk mitigation reports to optimize their efforts of mitigating fire damage while protecting natural ecosystems and communities.

• Founded: 2022
• Funding: N/A

41. Digital Earth Africa

Digital Earth Africa is a partnership between the African Union Commission and the European Space Agency to improve Africa’s use of earth observation.

• Founded: 2019
• Funding: N/A

42. Vizzuality

Vizzuality is a technology and design company that helps organizations tell data-driven stories.

• Founded: 2009
• Funding: Seed 

43. Terra Global Capital

Terra Global is a woman-run, for-profit social enterprise, and small business with a mission to facilitate financially, socially, and environmentally sustainable landscapes. Terra is a global leader in sustainable forest and agriculture program development, land-use greenhouse gas quantification and finance, and providing technical expertise and investment capital to their global client base in a collaborative and innovative manner.

• Founded: 2006
• Funding: $640M in Venture round

44. Woodwell Climate Research Center

Woodwell Climate Research Center (formerly Woods Hole Research Center) is an independent research institute dedicated to understanding climate change and its impacts on ecosystems.

• Founded: 1985
• Funding: N/A

45. Forest Carbon

Forest Carbon is a carbon-offsetting company that helps organizations reduce their carbon footprint by funding tree-planting projects.

• Founded: 2007
• Funding: N/A

46. Canopy

Canopy is a non-profit organization focused on protecting forests and the species that depend on them by transforming the forest products industry.

• Founded: 1998
• Funding: N/A, Non-profit

47. The Forestland Group

The Forestland Group (TFG) is a forestry investment firm dedicated to the pursuit of sustainable land use and conservation. TFG acquires, manages, and sells institutional quality timberland and rural land assets in the eastern United States.

• Founded: 2005
• Funding: $15M, Series Unknown

48. Stand for Trees

Stand for Trees is a non-profit organization focused on protecting the world’s forests and reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+). Stand for Trees provides a platform for individuals and organizations to support the conservation of forests and their communities through the purchase of verified carbon credits.

• Founded: 2007
• Funding: Private Non-Profit

49. Forest Trends

Forest Trends is a non-profit organization that works to promote sustainable forest management and conservation. Forest Trends conducts research, provides policy analysis and recommendations, and creates innovative financial mechanisms to incentivize forest conservation and restoration. Forest Trends also supports local communities and indigenous peoples in securing their land rights and in implementing sustainable forest management practices.

• Founded: 1999
• Funding: Non-Profit

50. Treedom

Treedom is a social enterprise that enables individuals and organizations to plant trees in Africa, Latin America, and Italy. Treedom partners with local farmers and communities to support reforestation efforts and sustainable development, while also providing opportunities for education and income generation. Treedom allows its customers to follow the growth of their trees and to directly support the people who plant and care for them.

• Founded: 2010
• Funding: $11.7M, Series Unknown

51. Ecosia

Ecosia is the search engine that plants trees with its ad revenue. Over 20 million users have helped plant over 150 million trees all over the world. Those trees help restore landscapes, nourish communities, protect wildlife, and neutralize CO2. Ecosia uses artificial intelligence (AI) to improve its search results, relevance, and user experience. They also apply AI to optimize their tree planting operations and monitor their environmental impact.

• Founded: 2009
• Funding: €15K, Grant round

Conclusion

Technology has the potential to play a critical role in combating deforestation and preserving the world’s forests. Through the innovative work of forestry tech startups and global organizations, we can protect these valuable resources and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.