In recent years, more than 40% (650 million hectares) of forests in Latin America and the Caribbean have been completely deforested or degraded. Latin America and the Caribbean contain some of the most ecologically valuable forest ecosystems in the world, but in recent history 20% of forest lands (nearly 350 mha) have been completely deforested and a further 20% (300 mha) badly degraded. The drivers of this change include large-scale and small-scale agricultural, infrastructure, mining.
The World Resources Institute (WRI), is working to increase the flow of finance for the restoration efforts needed to bring about restoration and the landscape scale, and meet the 20 million hectare target.
EcoPlanet Bamboo works only on degraded land, and to date has deployed more than $60 million to the restoration of approximately 4,000 hectares of cleared, compacted land on Nicaragua's Atlantic coast. Protecting remaining natural forest, while reconnecting remnant patches and providing an economically viable alternative fiber for wood and timber manufacturing industries globally, EcoPlanet Bamboo's company culture, mission and vision complements the various aspects of Initiative 20x20.
The Initiative reognizes that reforestation (natural and assisted), conservation of forests and the avoided deforestation are all important elements of an integral restoration process.
EcoPlanet Bamboo is leading the industrialization of bamboo as a viable and environmentally attractive alternative fiber for timber manufacturing industries.