Intro
Welcome to Beyond the Canopy, the podcast where we dive into the most innovative approaches to ecosystem restoration and impact-driven investments. In today’s episode, we’re joined by Andreas Eke, co-founder of Generation Forest, a pioneering initiative in tropical forestry. With over three decades of experience in Panama and Latin America, Andreas has developed a model that combines high-quality timber production with biodiversity restoration, proving that economic and ecological goals can go hand-in-hand. Let’s explore his journey and how his work is shaping the future of sustainable forestry.
The episode
About Andreas Eke
Andreas Eke is the co-founder of Generation Forest, a groundbreaking forestry initiative focused on creating biodiverse, productive forests in the tropics. With over 30 years of experience in Panama and other Latin American countries, Andreas has been at the forefront of developing sustainable, economically viable models for tropical reforestation. His work integrates ecological restoration with timber production, creating forests that not only contribute to carbon sequestration but also support local communities and enhance biodiversity. Andreas is passionate about developing solutions that tackle both environmental and socio-economic challenges in the tropics.
Transcript
Alexander:
Welcome to Beyond the Canopy. I’m Alexander, and today we are focusing on what makes a high-quality reforestation project. How do you build a productive forest and a self-sustaining, diverse ecosystem at the same time? And what are the metrics, market realities, and ethical values that differentiate successful projects from ones that fail? Our guest today is Andreas, the co-founder of Generation Forest. Andreas, welcome to the show! It’s great to have you here.
Andreas:
Thanks for the opportunity to be here. It’s great to focus on these topics, especially since my career is closely linked to your work, Alexander. I remember when you first visited Panama with your wife. It was 17 years ago, and you visited one of the first places we planted trees, Maderafina in Lasas. It was a small, relatively tiny forest, but it left a big impression on you. The transformation from dry, hot Pan-American highway to lush, humid tropical forest was incredible.
Alexander:
Yes, I remember that moment clearly. The forest you’ve built is incredibly diverse and, at the same time, an engineered ecosystem. This leads me to my first question: Some might provocatively call this a “fake natural forest.” Can you tell us about your journey to Panama and how you developed the concept of engineered naturalness?
Andreas:
I wouldn’t call it fake, but I understand the point. It’s a human-made ecosystem. Humans have modified the earth’s surface to various degrees, often resulting in degradation of local environments. If we can create human-made systems that are positive, why shouldn’t we do that? The concept began with my wife, Ilana, who worked on ecological research at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama. We initially wanted to improve monoculture plantations by adding native tree species. This was our first step toward creating something more natural. We learned a lot, especially about the impact of forest investments, and eventually moved toward a more diversified approach.
Alexander:
So, your concept sits in between intensive plantations like teak or eucalyptus and conservation projects that focus purely on forest protection. Your model integrates productivity with biodiversity, benefiting both the environment and the local communities. How does it work?
Andreas:
Exactly. We focused on a system that combines both ecological restoration and financial viability. In the tropics, the challenge is balancing the economic side with sustainability. We saw that if we used sustainable practices, we could reduce the risk for investors. For example, we increased the biodiversity of teak plantations by adding native species, which made the system more resilient to pests and diseases. We understood early on that sustainable practices often have higher upfront costs, but over time, they reduce the overall risks and increase the forest’s long-term productivity.
Alexander:
So you’re creating a forest that’s productive in terms of timber and carbon capture, but you’re also restoring soil and creating a habitat for biodiversity. That seems like a complex but holistic model. What criteria do you use when selecting land for these types of projects?
Andreas:
We focus on land that has the potential to restore itself, but not all degraded land can become a thriving generation forest. We look for areas with forest vocation soils—those that are naturally suited for forest growth. We know from experience that the quality of the land affects the cost and success of restoration. In Panama, we evaluated 60,000 hectares, but only 4,500 hectares were suitable for our forest model. So land selection is a key factor.
Alexander:
How do Generation Forests handle risks like climate events, fires, or flooding, compared to monoculture plantations?
Andreas:
One of the main differences is resilience. Our forests are much more diverse, so they are naturally more resistant to risks like fires or pests. For example, when a fire starts, our understory remains green and moist, preventing the fire from spreading as quickly. In monoculture plantations, the fire spreads rapidly, and the risk of damage is much higher. By increasing biodiversity and adding different tree species, we lower the risk across the board, especially in the long term.
Alexander:
That’s fascinating. So, in terms of financials, how does the revenue model work for Generation Forests, and how does it compare to plantation models?
Andreas:
Our model is carbon-optimized, and the first 18 years are cash negative. We sell carbon credits during this period to offset costs. After that, the forest starts to pay for itself through selective thinnings. The key difference from plantations is that we don’t do a final clear-cut. We continually thin the forest, allowing it to regenerate naturally, while maintaining a steady income from timber and carbon credits.
Alexander:
You mentioned earlier that your model is open-source and could be replicated globally. What challenges do you think other projects might face when trying to implement this model in different regions?
Andreas:
The biggest challenge is adapting the model to local conditions. Each region has its own set of species and environmental factors. While the concept is open-source, it requires local expertise to select the right species and understand the local ecological conditions. Research in tropical forestry needs to expand, particularly in areas with rich biodiversity. We’ve learned a lot over the years and are happy to share our knowledge, but more investment in silvicultural research is needed.
Alexander:
And in terms of financing, how do you see the future of funding for nature-based solutions evolving?
Andreas:
There’s definitely growing interest in sustainable investments, particularly in carbon credits and biodiversity. We are seeing more companies and investors looking for projects that have both environmental and social impacts. This is important because it adds a layer of credibility and reduces reputational risks. The future is about creating a clear regulatory framework that supports these projects and gives investors confidence in their long-term viability.
Alexander:
As we come to a close, what gives you hope for scaling these kinds of trustworthy nature-based solutions?
Andreas:
Patience is key. We know what needs to be done, and we just need more funding and research. The good news is that more people, especially younger generations, are engaged and eager to contribute to restoring the planet. We’re seeing more collaboration and support for these projects, and I’m optimistic that we can scale them globally.
Alexander:
Thank you so much for sharing these insights, Andreas. It’s clear that your work is paving the way for sustainable and scalable forest restoration. How can listeners connect with you if they’re interested in learning more or getting involved?
Andreas:
You can visit our website, or you can email me directly. We also have a Generation Forest Cooperative where people can invest in our projects with as little as $2,000, or even $30 a month. I invite anyone interested to reach out!
Alexander:
That’s wonderful! Thank you again, Andreas. And thank you to all our listeners for tuning in. Remember, transparency and a holistic, long-term vision are key to building trust and attracting investment in nature-based solutions. Stay tuned for our next episode as we continue to explore game-changing approaches for a sustainable future!
