WO2022032385A1

WO2022032385A1 - A forestry method

Info

Publication number: WO2022032385A1
Application number: PCT/CA2021/051108
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gary Lewis ZED; Donald William John FINLESS
Original assignee: Canada's Forest Trust Corporation
Priority date: 2020-08-11
Filing date: 2021-08-11
Publication date: 2022-02-17
Also published as: CA3189316A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method of forestry comprising: (a) calculating carbon footprint of the entity the forest is for; (b) calculating the size of the forest needed to offset the carbon footprint for a prescribe period of time; and (c) planting a forest to offset the carbon footprint. Also provided is a method of tree tracking, said method comprising: (a) entering information related to an individual tree into one or more database(s), wherein said information comprises one or more of the following: unique tree identifier, source of tree, tree type, planting date, planting location and photographs and videos; (b) monitoring said tree at pre-determined intervals; (c) entering data obtained from said monitoring into a database; and (d) issuing a report. Also provided are method of fundraising.

Description

A FORESTRY METHOD

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to forestry methods. In particular, the present invention relates to the reforestation methods and methods of monetizing the creation of forests.

BACKGROUND

Healthy forests have a natural ability to absorb and store tonnes of carbon which can offset some of the damage humans are doing to the planet. Carbon offsetting, reforestation, clean water and sustainable food production continue to drive new policies across Canada and around the world.

Large corporations, institutions, high net worth families and individuals are rapidly adopting environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria in relation to their investments and impact in both the business and community environment.

Governments, companies, institutions, schools, ultra high net worth (UHNW) families, foundations, and organizations invest in large scale healthy, accountable and professionally managed forests to offset impacts on the planet while also demonstrating leadership in and vision on environmental responsibility, supporting regional economic growth and contributing to employment across Canada and around the world.

A few non-profits offer a form of tree planting initiative or campaigns. These initiatives however lack partnership arrangements, focus on the broader vision of forests, ownership of forest, formal reporting, certified verification or auditing, authentication and tree tracing, giving back through financial support to community and education, impact analysis, maintenance programs, recognition and stewardship programs and revenue generation opportunities for participants

Forest certification is a tool for demonstrating to customers and consumers that forests are being well-managed and that key local, regional and national forest values are being taken into account in the management of the forests. A number of forest certification systems are known in the art. Such certification systems used in Canada include the Canadian Standards Association's Sustainable Forest Management Standards (CSA), the Forest Stewardship Council Standards (FSC) and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) (https://www.sfmcanada.org/en/sustainable-forest-manaaement/embracina-third-partv- certification). While each of the certification programs have differences, each program requires third-party audits, annual surveillance audits, and public disclosure of findings through audit reports. In addition, the programs also may include chain-of-custody (CoC) certification: an accounting and tracking system that follows a forest product from its source through processing, marketing and sale to its end user.

This background information is provided for the purpose of making known information believed by the applicant to be of possible relevance to the present invention. No admission is necessarily intended, nor should be construed, that any of the preceding information constitutes prior art against the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a forestry method.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of forestry comprising: (a) calculating carbon footprint of the entity the forest is for; (b) calculating the size of the forest needed to offset the carbon footprint for a prescribe period of time; and (c) planting a forest to offset the carbon footprint, wherein optionally step (c) comprises (i) acquiring sufficient land for the forest; (ii) preparing land for planting; and (iii) planting seedlings. The method may further comprise (d) conducting forest management activities and/or monitoring/auditing said forest at pre-determined intervals. Optionally, each tree or a group of trees in said forest is tracked. Optionally, the method further comprises issuing one or more bonds or non-fungible tokens, wherein each bond or token represents a tree or group of trees.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of tree tracking, said method comprising: (a) entering information related to an individual tree into one or more database(s), wherein said information comprises one or more of the following: unique tree identifier, source of tree, tree type, planting date, planting location and photographs and videos; (b) monitoring said tree at pre-determined intervals; (c) entering data obtained from said monitoring into a database; and (d) issuing a report.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of producing a certified forest comprising, (a) planting a forest, and (b) tracking each tree in said forest by the method detailed above. The method optionally further comprises auditing said forest by a third party, wherein said audit comprises one or more of the following: nursery to maturity verification of source; verification of tree varieties; verification of land acquisition; site status and preparation methodology; GPS location data and planting location; planting protocols and density reports; health of seedling and tree growth assessments; invoice source material verification; verification of planting geotag data; annual silviculture verification and growth reports; utilization of drone technology in audit process; annual “Carbon Capture/Sequestration” reports; forest stewardship assessment; forest insurance verification; silviculture methodology review with enhanced growth methodology; uniquely identifying any mature trees thinned out and sent to market to produce sustainable products; and preparations annual audit reports.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of funding a campaign to create and maintain of a forest, said method comprising: determining personalized information of a supporter of the campaign and creating a personal profile based on the personalized information; identifying donor leads based on personalized information of the supporter, information related to the campaign, and optionally a donor prediction model; sending personalized communication to the donor leads for enlisting support to the campaign; determining donor outcomes with respect to a set of personalized communications sent to the donor leads; and optionally updating or reinforcing the donor prediction model based on the donor outcomes. Optionally, the campaign further generates funds for a non-profit organization. Optionally, the method further comprises receiving funds from a donor and issuing a bond dependent on the amount of funds received, wherein said bond represents carbon off-set generated by the forest.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of creating a forest, the method comprising receiving by a server computing device a request to purchase one or more forest trust units, wherein each forest trust unit represents a pre-determined area of forest to be built and/or number of trees/seedling and, optionally planning creation of a forest which fulfills the number of forest trust units purchased. In certain embodiments, prior to the request for purchase, receiving, by the server computing device, a request to determine carbon footprint; calculating, by the server computing device, the carbon footprint of the entity; calculating the number of forest trust units needed to offset the carbon footprint for a prescribe period of time. In certain embodiments, the method further comprises fundraising to purchase forest trust units and optionally additional initiatives. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

These and other features of the invention will become more apparent in the following detailed description in which reference is made to the appended drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates a user interface to enter the platform of an embodiment of the present invention to build forests.

FIG. 2 illustrates a user interface of an embodiment of the present invention providing information about the forestry program.

FIG. 3 illustrates a user interface of an embodiment of the present invention providing links to carbon calculators and net-zero calculators.

FIG. 4 illustrates a user interface of an embodiment of the present invention providing links to forestry programs available including Corporate Forests, School Forests, Legacy Forests and Communal Forests.

FIG. 5 illustrates a user interface of an embodiment of the present invention providing information/links related to the Corporate Forest Program.

FIG. 6 illustrates a user interface of an embodiment of the present invention providing information/links related to the School Forest Program.

FIG. 7 illustrates a user interface of an embodiment of the present invention providing information/links to the Legacy Forest Program.

FIG. 8 illustrates a user interface of an embodiment of the present invention providing links to calculate your carbon footprint, calculate amount of forest required for a net-zero emissions target and calculate amount of forest required to reach a net-negative emissions target.

FIG. 9 illustrates a user interface of an embodiment of the present invention to customize images and provide a link to determine Indigenous Territory.

FIG. 10 illustrates a user interface for carbon calculators and a net-zero calculator of an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 illustrates a user interface providing a link to a net-zero calculator of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates Customer Portal Sign In and Access to Smart Forest Intelligence Dashboard of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 illustrates a Forestcaster and Demo Portal of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 illustrates a user interface of an embodiment of the Smart Forest Intelligence Dashboard.

FIG. 15 illustrates a user interface of an embodiment of the Smart Forest Intelligence Dashboard.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to methods of forestry. In certain embodiments of the present invention, the method of forestry comprises (a) acquiring land for the forest; (b) preparing land for planting which may include for example assessing the site, planning and completing site preparation; (c) strategically planting seedlings to ensure optimal growth and carbon sequestration which may include determining and planting one or more species of trees based on local climate, soil conditions, drainage and/or land history that maximizes positive impacts the forest will make including but not limited to carbon sequestration, oxygen production and/or water absorption; (d) conducting forest management activities including but not limited to monitoring the forest, tree planting, weeding, pruning, and thinning; and (e) protecting the forest which may include auditing the forest and optionally limiting or preventing clear cutting.

The most commonly emitted greenhouse gas is carbon dioxide. Trees are the major carbon sequesters, accordingly reforestation may be used to offset carbon emissions. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the present invention provides an end to end re-forestation program for entities to meet their “Environmental Social Governance” goals (“ESG”) while at the same time allowing these entities to be able to point to a specific GPS identified forest location as under their stewardship with annual review and reporting optionally provided by independent auditors. A carbon footprint is defined as the total greenhouse gas emissions caused by an individual, event, organization, service, place or product, expressed as carbon dioxide (CO₂) equivalent. Daily factors influencing the carbon footprint include but are not limited to vehicle fuel consumption, travel, and utilities. Accordingly, an entity’s carbon footprint may be calculated and “carbon calculators” are known in the art.

A carbon offset broadly refers to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions - or an increase in carbon storage (e.g., through land restoration or the planting of trees) - that is used to compensate for emissions that occur elsewhere. Carbon offsets may be estimated by averaging sequestration rates in various forest types in a specific region and assumes all trees will live an average of 100 years. In certain embodiments, there is provided one or more calculators to calculate carbon footprint and/or estimate the area of forest required to offset their emissions.

According, in certain embodiments, the present invention provides a method of carbon-offsetting by creation of a forest. In certain embodiments, there is provided a method of creating a forest that sequesters at least a pre-determined amount of carbon. In certain embodiments, the carbon footprint of creating and/or maintaining the forest is taken into account when determining carbon offset from the forest.

In certain embodiments, the method comprises: (a) calculating carbon footprint of the entity the forest is for; (b) calculating the size of the forest needed to offset the carbon footprint for a prescribe period of time (from 1 year to 100 years); and (c) building a forest to offset the carbon footprint. The size of the forest to be built may partially offset the carbon footprint, fully offset the carbon footprint (i.e. “net zero”) or more than offset the carbon footprint (i.e. “net negative).

In certain embodiments, there is provided a platform comprising one or more calculators to calculate carbon footprint and/or the number of acres of forest and/or number of trees (e.g. seedlings) required to reach a net-zero or a net-negative emissions. In certain embodiments, the platform further comprises a user interface to plan and/or order a forest and/or monitor a forest and/or forecast forest properties including but not limited to tree height and amount and/or volume of carbon stored.

The platform may be website based or application based. In certain embodiments, there is provided a computer implemented forestry method, said method comprising: (a) receiving, by a server computing device, a request to determine carbon footprint of an entity; the request may include information related to factors influencing carbon footprint of an entity (these factors include but are not limited to vehicle fuel consumption, travel, and utilities; optionally, the information is inputted by a user via a user interface; (b) calculating, by the server computing device, the carbon footprint of the entity; (c) calculating the size of the forest needed to offset the carbon footprint for a prescribe period of time; and optionally (d) planning, based on a defined set of rules, by the server computing device, creation of the forest. The planning may include for example, identifying land to be acquired and/or developing a planting prescription (/.e. number and species of trees to be planted) based on local climate, soil conditions, drainage, land history and/or desired amount of carbon sequestration.

In certain embodiments, the present invention provides a method of carbon-offsetting by creation of a forest. In certain embodiments, the method comprises creating a forest that sequesters at least a pre-determined amount of carbon. In certain embodiments, the method comprises: receiving by a server computing device a request for a carbon offset from a user; determining forest required to produce the required amount of carbon offset and creating the forest. The method optionally comprises monitoring the forest to calculate carbon offset based on collected data and providing a report of carbon offset on a regularly scheduled basis. In certain embodiments, the method provides the option of selling generated carbon offsets.

In certain embodiments, there is provided a method of creating a forest, the method comprising receiving by a server computing device a request to purchase one or more forest trust units, wherein each forest trust unit represents a pre-determined area of forest to be built (e.g. 5 acres) and/or number of trees/seedling (e.g. 5000) and planning creation of a forest which fulfills the number of forest trust units purchased.

In certain embodiments, the present invention provides methods to produce and/or maintain forests in which each tree or group of trees is tracked/monitored and forests produced by such methods.

In certain embodiments, wherein said method further comprises fundraising for creation of the forest and optionally additional initiatives. In certain embodiments, the present invention provides a method of tree tracking. Tree tracking may be used to establish provenance, authenticity and traceability throughout the entire value chain. Tree tracking may allow for end products to be identified as being from a sustainable source. The start point of the tracking may be from various stages of the tree’s life-cycle, including seed, seedling, sapling, mature tree. In specific embodiments, tracking begins when the tree (i.e. seedling or sapling) is at the nursey. In specific embodiments, the tracking beginning when the tree (i.e. seedling or sapling) is planted in its final location.

In specific embodiments of the method, each tree is entered into one or more database(s) at the start of tracking. The database(s) may include one or more of the following: unique tree identifier, source (such as seed source, nursery source), tree type (i.e. species or variety), planting date, planting location (including but not limited to geo-coordinates of individual trees an/or forest), health and/or growth assessment(s), photographs, videos and genetic information (including but not limited to DNA fingerprinting of the trees). Optionally, each tree or product therefrom is marked with the unique tree identifier and optionally other information. For example, the trees may be tagged or implanted with a scannable chip which has data related to the tree such as the unique tree identifier. After harvesting, the wood may also be marked with the unique tree identifier and optionally other information. In certain embodiments, each tree is tagged/implanted with a RFID chip which can be scanned by a drone mounted scanner. In certain embodiments, each tree is DNA barcoded. Optionally, the database includes other information such as environmental data of the trees location (such as temperature, precipitation, days of sun etc.). In certain embodiments, the geo-coordinates of the forest are associated with tree details in the forest - variety, number, locations, and any other aspects. In certain embodiments, the forest and/or each tree is plotted on a map. In certain embodiments, the database is accessible from a user interface on an app or website.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of producing a certified forest comprising, (a) planting a forest, and (b) tracking each tree or a group of trees in the forest by the method detailed above. In certain embodiments, the planting of the forest comprises obtaining seedlings for planting and obtaining land for planting the seedlings to create the forest. In certain embodiments, the donor/purchaser/investor selects the type of seedlings from a listing of seedlings. In certain embodiments, the type of seedlings is determined based a number of factors including but not limited to local climate, soil conditions, drainage, land history and/or desired amount of carbon sequestration. In certain embodiments, land to plant the forest is obtained after a pre-determined number of seedlings have been sold. In such embodiments, the selection of the land for planting is in part dependent on the type seedlings purchased.

In certain embodiments of the methods, the trees/forest is monitored/audited. Monitoring may be on a regularly scheduled basis such as yearly, or at various stages in the trees life-cycle such as at planting, pruning or harvesting. In certain embodiments, after planting, the trees are counted and photos of the planted trees are taken. In certain embodiments, the geocoordinates of the forest are associated with tree details in the forest - variety, number, locations, and any other aspects.

Monitoring/auditing may be in person and/or maybe remote, such as by the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones). The monitoring/auditing may be of the whole forest or a portion thereof (i.e. sample). Monitoring may include a variety of metrics such as growth, tree deaths, new trees etc. Various methods of remotely determining tree height including the use of drone mounted cameras and the use of drone mounted LiDAR is known in the art (see for example Birdal et al (2017), Geomatics, Natural Hazards and Risk, 8:2, 1144-1156, DOI:

10.1080/19475705.2017.1300608). In certain embodiments, the data obtained during monitoring is automatically entered into the one or more database(s). In certain embodiments, the monitoring/auditing is by an independent third party who optionally generates a report for stakeholders. In certain embodiments, the method comprises generating one or more work orders for forestry work, including but not limited to pruning or harvesting based on data obtained from the monitoring/auditing. In specific embodiments, the method automatically generates the work order. In certain embodiments, an estimate carbon capture/sequestration of the individual trees and/or forest is calculated from the collected data and entered into the database. Methods of calculating carbon sequestration are known in the art.

The present invention utilizes one or more of the following in the creation of certified forests: nursery to maturity verification of source; verification of tree varieties; verification of land acquisition; site status and preparation methodology; GPS location data and planting location; planting protocols and density reports; health of seedling and tree growth assessments; invoice source material verification; verification of planting geotag data; annual silviculture verification and growth reports; utilization of drone technology in audit process; annual “Carbon Capture/Sequestration” reports; forest stewardship assessment; forest insurance verification; silviculture methodology review with enhanced growth methodology; uniquely identifying any mature trees thinned out and sent to market to produce sustainable products; and preparations annual audit reports.

In certain embodiments, the creation of certified forests comprises: nursery to maturity verification of source; verification of tree varieties; verification of land acquisition; site status and preparation methodology; GPS location data and planting location; planting protocols and density reports; health of seedling and tree growth assessments; invoice source material verification; verification of planting geotag data; annual silviculture verification and growth reports; utilization of drone technology in audit process; annual “Carbon Capture/Sequestration” reports; forest stewardship assessment; forest insurance verification; silviculture methodology review with enhanced growth methodology; uniquely identifying any mature trees thinned out and sent to market to produce sustainable products; and preparations annual audit reports.

In certain embodiments, there is provided a method of funding the creation of the forest and optionally for other initiatives and/or monetizing (generating revenue from) reforestation/ creation of forests. In certain embodiments, the method of funding the creation of the forest comprises selling one or more forest trust units. This could include but is not limited to generating money for charity, as employment or as an investment.

The methods of the present invention may be used to raise funds for a variety of initiatives and organizations including but not limited to: schools (public and private), associations, sport teams community groups, charities, non-profits, colleges, universities and hospitals.

In certain embodiments, there is provided a method of monetizing (generating revenue from) reforestation/ creation of forests. This could include but is not limited to fundraising or as an investment.

In certain embodiments, the methods of the present invention may be used to generate income for an individual or group of individuals. As a non-limiting example, individuals or students needing employment, may start their own forest campaign through a Peer to Peer platform and raise funds for creating forests while at the same time earn money for their own needs (i.e. each $5/tree or forest trust unit = $2.50/tree or forest trust unit raised for generation of the forest and $2.50/tree or forest trust unit raised for the student or individual). In certain embodiments, a “peer to peer” method is used to raise funds for the creation and maintenance of the forests of the invention and optionally for other initiatives, such as funds for schools or community organizations. For example, volunteers may raise funds by selling trees or groups of trees to be planted or already planted in the forest. In certain embodiments, the purchaser of the tree selects the type of tree/seedling to be planted from a listing of tree types. In certain embodiments, the purchaser of the tree selects the location for the tree to be planted (may include location of the forest an/or planting location within a forest) from a listing of locations. The purchaser of the tree may get information related to the particular tree including but not limited to type of tree, location, photographs, health and/or growth reports, impact on carbon emissions etc. The information may be provided in a regularly scheduled report or via the one or more databases accessible from a user interface on an app or website. For example, the information may be obtained by entering the unique tree identifier in the user interface.

A variety of fundraising methodologies may be used including but not limited to crowdfunding or peer to peer fundraising. In certain embodiments, a “peer to peer” process of fundraising is used. The fundraising may be app-based or on-line.

In specific embodiments, a peer to peer method which is an online or app based method is utilized. In certain embodiments, the volunteers create their own fundraising page or a team page via the peer-to-peer fundraising software or platform of the present invention, they share their page online and promote it to their respective networks of their peers (e.g. friends, family, and neighbors). Optionally, coaching, support, and additional opportunities for your volunteers to get potential donors excited about the campaign.

In certain embodiments, the methods further comprise issuance of a bond.

The bond (herein referred to as a “Tree Bond” or “Forest Bond”) may be issue for the investment in sustainable forests, investment in climate change, impact investing in an environmental cause. In certain embodiments, the bond represents one or more trees. In certain embodiments, the “Tree Bond” represents the carbon off-set generated by the forest. In certain embodiments, the Tree Bond pays a dividend once the tree has fully matured, is harvested and transformed into a product. A non-fungible token (NFT) is a unit of data stored on a digital ledger, (i.e. a blockchain, that certifies a digital asset to be unique and therefore not interchangeable. NFTs can be used to represent items such as trees. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the methods further comprise issuance of a a Non-Fungible Token (“NFT”).

Each bond or NFT may represent a pre-determined number of acres of forest and/or predetermined number of seedlings planted/trees. For example, a bond or NFT may be issued for each tree, for each 5 acres of forest, for each group of 5000 seedlings planted or for each forest trust unit.

The bonds or NFTs may be sold or traded.

The bonds or NFTs may be used to reduce an organizations carbon footprint.

Although the invention has been described with reference to certain specific embodiments, various modifications thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. All such modifications as would be apparent to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A method of forestry comprising:

(a) calculating carbon footprint of the entity the forest is for;

(b) calculating the size of the forest needed to offset the carbon footprint for a prescribe period of time; and

(c) planting a forest to offset the carbon footprint.

2. The method of claim of 1, wherein step (c) comprises (i) acquiring sufficient land for the forest; (ii) preparing land for planting; and (iii) planting seedlings.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, further comprising (d) conducting forest management activities.

4. The method of any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising monitoring/auditing said forest at pre-determined intervals.

5. The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each tree or a group of trees in said forest is tracked.

6. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising issuing one or more bonds or non- fungible tokens, wherein each bond or token represents a tree or group of trees.

7. The method of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said method further comprises fundraising for creation of the forest and optionally additional initiatives.

8. A method of tree tracking, said method comprising:

(a) entering information related to an individual tree into one or more database(s), wherein said information comprises one or more of the following: unique tree identifier, source of tree, tree type, planting date, planting location and photographs and videos;

(b) monitoring said tree at pre-determined intervals;

(c) entering data obtained from said monitoring into a database; and

(d) issuing a report.

9. A method of producing a certified forest comprising, (a) planting a forest, and (b) tracking each tree in said forest by the method of claim 8.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein said method further comprises auditing said forest by a third party, wherein said audit comprises one or more of the following: nursery to maturity verification of source; verification of tree varieties; verification of land acquisition; site status and preparation methodology; GPS location data and planting location; planting protocols and density reports; health of seedling and tree growth assessments; invoice source material verification; verification of planting geotag data; annual silviculture verification and growth reports; utilization of drone technology in audit process; annual “Carbon Capture/Sequestration” reports; forest stewardship assessment; forest insurance verification; silviculture methodology review with enhanced growth methodology; uniquely identifying any mature trees thinned out and sent to market to produce sustainable products; and preparations annual audit reports.

11. A method of funding a campaign to create and maintain of a forest, said method comprising: determining personalized information of a supporter of the campaign and creating a personal profile based on the personalized information; identifying donor leads based on personalized information of the supporter, information related to the campaign, and optionally a donor prediction model; sending personalized communication to the donor leads for enlisting support to the campaign; determining donor outcomes with respect to a set of personalized communications sent to the donor leads; and optionally updating or reinforcing the donor prediction model based on the donor outcomes.

12. The method of claim 11 , wherein said campaign further generates funds for additional initiatives.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein said additional initiatives are for profit or fund-raising.

14. The method of claim 11 or 12, further comprising receiving funds from a donor/investor and issuing a bond dependent on the amount of funds received.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein said bond represents carbon off-set generated by the forest.

16. A method of creating a forest, the method comprising receiving by a server computing device a request to purchase one or more forest trust units, wherein each forest trust unit represents a pre-determined area of forest to be built and/or number of trees/seedling and, optionally planning creation of a forest which fulfills the number of forest trust units purchased.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein prior to the request for purchase, receiving, by the server computing device, a request to determine carbon footprint; calculating, by the server computing device, the carbon footprint of the entity; calculating the number of forest trust units needed to offset the carbon footprint for a prescribe period of time.

18. The method of claim 16 or 17, wherein the method further comprises fundraising to purchase forest trust units and optionally additional initiatives.

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