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This innovative project seeks to regenerate carbon-sequestering forests across the Mississippi Alluvial Valley (MAV) by converting degraded agricultural lands into rich, biodiverse ecosystems. Using advanced afforestation and reforestation techniques, the project spans over 136,000 acres and includes a mosaic of hardwoods and fast-growing cottonwoods designed to restore native landscapes.
Land previously used for conventional agriculture is being transformed through site preparation, interplanting strategies, and long-term stewardship agreements with landowners. Trees are selected not only for their ecological resilience but also for their role in accelerating forest canopy development. By the time the fast-growing cottonwoods are phased out, robust native hardwood stands remain, supporting regional biodiversity and ecological health.
This large-scale carbon initiative is delivering measurable climate benefits with over 1.5 million tonnes of CO₂ removed in just two years. Through its 40-year commitment, the project exemplifies a sustainable model for land restoration and carbon finance in North America.
ACR114
Project Registered
Mississippi, Louisiana, and Arkansas, United States
136,650 acres
ARR (Afforestation, Regeneration, Revegetation)
1,521,929 tCO₂e over two years (2021–2022)
40 years, starting January 1, 2008
Sustainable income for landowners, job creation, enhanced water quality, and biodiversity restoration
The project has a strong commitment to environmental and sustainable development that benefit local communities through the following contributions:
Environment
This project significantly enhances carbon storage by converting degraded farmland into thriving forest ecosystems. Over the course of two years, it has sequestered more than 1.5 million tonnes of CO₂ through natural forest growth. By utilizing native tree species, the initiative promotes long-term ecosystem stability and ensures carbon permanence. Furthermore, it effectively avoids baseline emissions that would have resulted from continued agricultural practices, while also preventing leakage through enforceable landowner conservation agreements.
Community
The project generates meaningful benefits for local communities. It creates new income streams for landowners through the sale of carbon credits and participation in conservation programs. The restored landscapes also support biodiversity, enhance water quality, and reduce soil erosion throughout the Mississippi River Basin. Additionally, the project incorporates regular stakeholder consultations to gather input and ensure that community voices are reflected in ongoing project implementation.
Employment
In terms of economic development, the project plays a vital role in creating rural employment. It provides jobs for foresters, planting crews, and technical specialists involved in implementation and monitoring activities. Beyond immediate job creation, the project supports long-term stewardship roles and offers workforce training focused on sustainable land management practices.
GOAL 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation
GOAL 10 – Reduced Inequalities
GOAL 16 – Peace. Justice and Strong Institutions
GOAL 7 – Affordable Clean Energy
GOAL 13 – Climate Action
GOAL 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth
GOAL 14 – Life on Land
One Tribe enables businesses to be more sustainable by funding rainforest protection projects that store carbon from being released into the atmosphere. By enabling customers to protect rainforest when they shop online we also empowers consumers to drive positive change
One Tribe is a Climate Action Platform enabling businesses and their customers to make a positive environmental impact.
Eric currently works as an independent consultant at the intersection of nature and climate, focused on catalysing market and non-market solutions to drive the just transition.
He previously was Head of Product at Earthshot Labs, supporting nature conservation and restoration projects across the global south secure project finance. Prior to Earthshot Labs, Eric led nature-based carbon project development for Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique and founded the Carbon Cooperative, a global alliance of leading nature conservation and restoration practitioners exploring carbon finance. After serving in the Peace Corps in Mozambique out of university, he spent much of his 20s working in community-based conservation and ecosystem restoration efforts in Sub-Saharan Africa interspersed with two startup ventures as co-founder and CEO of a mental health tech startup and COO of a sustainable coffee company. Eric has a dual Masters in Environmental Engineering and Environmental Policy from Stanford University where he was a NSF Graduate Research Fellow and a BS in Environmental Engineering from Tufts University.
Alan is a risk management thought-leader, superconnector, and FinTech pioneer. His mission is to enable an Earth Positive economy which includes nature in global accounting systems.
Alan is Founder of Generation Blue, a venture studio dedicated to planetary game changers powered by exponential technologies. Previously, Alan established Natural Capital Markets at Lykke AG, pioneering blockchain based forestry and carbon backed tokens. Alan has over two decades of risk management experience advising global financial institutions, and was a founding member of the RiskMetrics Group, a JPMorgan spin-off. Alan is an investor and advisor to regenerative impact ventures, including TreeBuddy.Earth, Regenativ, and Vlinder Climate.
Lori Whitecalf made history when she became the first woman to be elected Chief of Sweetgrass First Nation in 2011. She served three terms of office from 2011-2017.
Lori took a two-year hiatus from leadership to expand the family ranch and serve as the FSIN Senior Industry Liaison. She was re-elected on November 29. 2019 and again on November 30, 2021, as Chief of Sweetgrass. Chief Whitecalf practises a traditional lifestyle of hunting, fishing and gathering. She currently sits on the following boards: Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technology, FSIN Lands and Resource Commission, Battle River Treaty 6 Health Centre and Battleford Agency Tribal Chiefs Executive Council, FSIN Women’s Commission.
Tina is the Chief Business Officer for MLTC Industrial Investments, the Economic Development arm of the Meadow Lake Tribal Council. She has a diverse background of experience. Having spent 15 years as a municipal Chief Operating Officer, 20 years involved in Saskatchewan’s Health Authority Board Keewatin Yatthe and 9 years with Northern Lights Board of Education.
She continues as a Board Member with Beaver River Community Futures supporting small business development in her home region. Tina brings a wealth of experience in a variety of fields and many connections to the Indigenous communities of Northern Saskatchewan. In addition Tina holds a BA Advanced from the U of S, a Certificate in Local Government Authority from the U of R and is certified as a Professional Economic Developer for Saskatchewan and a certified Technician Aboriginal Economic Developer (TAED).
Tootoosis’ career spans 40+ years in HRM, political leadership, and Indigenous economic development, as a dedicated bridge builder and advocate for Indigenous causes.
As a key member of the Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA) team since 2021, he develops strategies for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission final report and Call to Action #92.
He is a graduate of the First Nations University of Canada and a certified Professional Aboriginal Economic Developer. Spearheading various community initiatives while serving as a Chair of the SIEDN while directing ILDII and WIBF. Founder of MGT Consulting Tootoosis is based in Saskatoon, Treaty Six Territory.
Cy Standing (Wakanya Najin in Dakota) has a long and distinguished career including serving overseas as an Electronics Technician in the Royal Canadian Air Force, former Chief of Wahpeton Dakota Nation, former Vice Chief of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indigenous Nations (FSIN), past Executive Director of Community Development Branch of the Department of Northern Saskatchewan as well as an Order in Council appointment to the Federal Parole Board.
Mr. Standing has served as a Director on many Profit and Non-Profit Corporate Boards, including serving as a Director for Affinity Credit Union with assets of over six billion dollars as well as IMI Brokerage and Wanuskewin and is currently a member of the One Tribe Indigenous Carbon Board.