Scalability
To create maximum impact, change models must be able to scale.
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Our business model was designed from the ground up to be more inclusiveEffective development models have scalability in their DNA. During the development of the Equitable Forestry model, we considered scalability from a couple of perspectives.
Financial scalability
Sustainable funding is key to effectively scaling projects. During our time as Peace Corps volunteers we witnessed well intentioned projects falter due to lack of funding. Based on that understanding, the financial engine of the Equitable Forestry model is impact investments that combine financial returns with social and environmental returns. We believe that investments like the ForestBond can attract more capital towards slowing tropical deforestation.
Developmental scalability
Any effort to address social and economic deforestation causes must be flexible enough to meet local needs and be accepted as an alternative to traditional practices. The rigid structures of many development projects don’t adequately incorporate community needs and desires. This can prevent communities from forming a sense of ownership over the new ideas. Development projects often fail to provide local communities the technical training necessary to ensure lasting results.
Our goal is that local communities and partners consider the Equitable Forestry Model as an alternative way to manage their natural resources. After operating in the region for over four years and completing 50 acres of reforestation, we’ve earned widespread local trust to expand our work. Having heard about our work via word-of-mouth, other farmers in the area have expressed interest in partnering with us.
In the long term, our goal is to build locals’ capacity to develop and manage their own profitable forestry projects. To this end, we involve partners as much as possible in all aspects of the business. After the initial 25-year leases end, we expect partners and their communities to have the knowledge, financing, and experience to execute a new cycle of timber cultivation without our involvement.
