MORFO has developed a solution for large-scale ecological restoration of forest ecosystems. We restore areas that were previously forested and have been deforested, becoming unproductive. We focus on tropical and subtropical regions such as the Amazon Forest, the Atlantic Forest and the African Equatorial Forest.
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MORFO's solution is a multi-stage reforestation process:
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‍‍1 > Analysis‍
Firstly, data collected via drones, satellites and on-site analysis are used to diagnose the area to be reforested.
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‍2 > Seed selection and collection‍
Suitable local or even endemic species are selected from an in-house catalog (i.e. previously studied and tested in the laboratory). They are then collected by local communities to best meet the needs of the ecosystem.
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‍3 > Plantation‍
Our drones disperse seedpods that contain all the biological and nutritive elements required for long-term reforestation. A single drone can cover up to 50 hectares per day, planting 180 seedpods per minute, on steep, hard-to-reach, or dangerous terrain. This method is up to 100 times faster traditional reforestation solutions, and does not need a plant nursery.
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‍4 > Forestry monitoring
Plantation growth is given special attention through biomass, biodiversity and carbon stock monitoring, using drone and satellite imagery, as well as on-site analysis.

Ecological succession describes how a forest ecosystem progressively moves from one stage to another, following a disturbance, whether they be natural or caused by human activity.

Of the 6 stages of forest growth, reforestation is often only used during three stages, aiming to accelerate growth. At MORFO, for example, our interventions focus on the following three stages:

>Perennial herbaceous stage
Thanks to these fast-growing plants, soils begin to recover and insects and animals reappear. Ecosystem reconstitution begins.

>Pioneer species stage
This stage is crucial to launch the forest basis, since it plays a fixation role.

>Fast-growing tree species stage
The planting of these species accelerates vegetation cover growth. It is important to adapt density ratios according to the forest's development stage.

We pay particular attention forest growth and health by monitoring biomass, biodiversity, and carbon stocks, though in-depth regular analyses. This helps us diagnose any issues or low success rates so that they can be resolved, for example through future planting.

MORFO uses many tools to carry out accurate and regular monitoring: drone and satellite imagery, artificial intelligence, on-the-field analyses, and more.

MORFO reforestation monitoring is regular and long-term. It extends over a period of 5 to 30 years. This period varies according to the complexity and scale of the project, as well as conservation and preservation objectives.

Due to favorable environmental conditions, trees generally grow faster in tropical and subtropical forests than in other forest biomes. These forests have a warm, humid climate with abundant rainfall and relatively high temperatures throughout the year. These conditions enable trees to have constant access to water and soil nutrients, enabling a longer period of active growth.

Note that tree growth rates can vary considerably depending on various factors such as other species present and their ages, soil characteristics and other environmental conditions specific to each region.

It is important to mention, however, that reforestation is not just about planting trees, but about restoring entire functioning ecosystems. Promoting plant species diversity in high-quality forest restoration is one of MORFO's priorities.

Over 1,000 people have already worked directly or indirectly with MORFO in Brazil, Gabon, French Guiana and France. What's more, MORFO allocates 1/3 of its budget to local stakeholders.
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We are convinced that close collaboration with local stakeholders is essential for the long-term success of our projects. By working with local stakeholders, we are able to improve the quality of future reforestations by better understanding the characteristics of the area in question.
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Local communities are involved in all stages of MORFO's solution:
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> Consultation and planning
Local inclusion begins with public consultation, gathering feedback and expectations from local communities. This feedback is then used to adapt projects, taking into account aspects such as species to be planted, planting methods, follow-up periods, forest exploitation, and local stakeholders' needs and expectations.
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> Seed collection and plantation preparation
We work closely with local stakeholders to collect seeds, prepare the land and monitor reforestation projects over the long term. We collaborate with local associations to provide valuable assistance in setting up projects, and in some cases, to help with planting in the traditional way.
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> And so much more...
Soil analysis, nursery management, soil preparation, planting of seedlings, forest maintenance and supervision.