Frequently
AskeD
Questions
What is MORFO?
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.
MORFO's solution is a multi-stage reforestation process:
1 > Analysis
Firstly, data collected via drones, satellites and on-site analysis are used to diagnose the area to be reforested.
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.
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.
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.
MORFO is a Franco-Brazilian company. It was founded in May 2021 by two brothers, Hugo and Pascal Asselin, who grew up in French Guiana, close to the Amazon rainforest.
Pascal and Hugo founded MORFO with Adrien Pagès, now CEO of the company. MORFO now has 35 employees, based in our offices in Brazil and Europe.
MORFO has offices and laboratories in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and Montpellier, France.
We focus our forest ecosystem restoration efforts in tropical and subtropical zones, mainly in South America.
> 1 million hectares or 1.2 billion trees planted worldwide. Equivalent to the size of countries like Lebanon, Puerto Rico or Jamaica.
> 20 million tons of CO2 sequestered by our forests.
> Over 1,000 tropical species studied and categorized in our catalog.
> Over 10 biomes studied.
> 10,000 people involved in our projects around the world, with over 300 people working at MORFO.
Yes!
Working at MORFO means taking part in the fight against climate change by restoring forest ecosystems that concentrate unique native biodiversity, while having a significant social impact, based on three very strong areas of innovation: forest engineering, artificial intelligence and drone technology.
Join the MORFO team now by applying here!
Business model
MORFO charges a fee per hectare for each of its 4 solutions (Diagnosis, Planning, Planting, and Monitoring) for at least a 5 years period.
Prices per hectare depend on several factors such as land location, accessibility and current condition.
Would you like more information?
Ask for a free analysis of your lands!
Our customers are mainly organizations that own land to be reforested. They may be states, local governments, NGOs or companies.
Would you like to contact MORFO to reforest a plot of land?
Contact our experts!
No.
MORFO is an ecological forest restoration service that offers 4 solutions (Diagnosis, Planning, Planting, Monitoring).
We work with carbon project developers, but we are not project developers ourselves.
trees & plants
Reforestation is not just about planting individual trees, but about creating complete plant ecosystems. Promoting plant species diversity in our restoration projects is one of MORFO's priorities.
We plant at least 20 local species per project that we select according to project characteristics from a catalog of over 300 species. This maximizes biodiversity and recreates natural ecosystems, also mimicking the stages of forest ecological succession.
Our seeds are placed in seed capsules. These capsules contain all the biological and nutritional elements needed for long-term reforestation. We use drones to disperse and plant these capsules on site, ensuring effective and sustainable reforestation practices that benefit the environment.
The three main benefits of using capsules are:
> Seed protection
Seed capsules protect seeds from external factors, preserving their viability.
> Feeding during early stages of growth
Seed capsules provide essential nutrients to support seedlings during their early stages of development.
> Restoration of degraded soils
Our method helps to revitalize and revitalize impoverished soils, promoting the overall recovery of ecosystems.
MORFO devotes itself daily to research and development in our in-house laboratories and in collaboration with partners to carefully select the best seeds for each reforestation project. Our catalog currently includes over 600 species that have been studied or are currently under investigation. To be selected, species must meet a minimum of 13 criteria, some of which are mandatory while others are not.
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.
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.
In our laboratories, we achieve survival rates averaging 80% (from 55 to 100% depending on the species). The goal, by compiling our technologies and methods, is to get closer to this percentage rate on the field.
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.
DRONES & SATELLITES
> Drones are more efficient
They plant up to 100 times faster than humans. A single drone can process a maximum of 50 hectares per day, planting 180 seedpods per minute.
> Drones cut costs
They are up to 5 times cheaper to use, thanks to their speed of planting, and because drone seeding avoids the need for structuring a nursery and maintaining it for several months.
> Drones are safer
They access remote regions and enable planting in areas that might be too dangerous for humans, which is very regularly the case in the reforestation projects we run.
> But our drones don't replace humans
From terrain analysis to species selection, planting and monitoring ecosystem evolution, human intervention remains crucial at every stage. Up to 20% of all our projects are carried out by hand in partnership with local communities and NGOs.
Drones are a tool for scaling up forest restoration on two levels:
>Forest analysis and monitoring
Before planting, we use a variety of analysis methods to study the soils and characteristics of the area to be reforested. Some of these analyses include satellite imagery to obtain an overview of the area, and drone imagery with a more precise resolution for detailed information.
Data is then combined with our species catalog established to produce a planting scheme. Drones are used to geolocate species present before and after planting, enabling us to differentiate between different forest strata and accurately monitor vegetation growth.
>Drone seeding
We use custom agricultural drones capable of lifting fairly substantial loads and dispersing unique seedpods that we have developed with public laboratories and scientists. These drones are large, around 1.50 meters in diameter.
MORFO uses both manual planting and drone seeding, as these two methods complement each other. At least 20% of projects are carried out by local communities and NGOs through manual planting. Additionally, 1/3 of MORFO's budget is allocated to these local stakeholders.
We used drones to replant 75% of our project in northern Rio de Janeiro state, while local NGO ITPA restored the remaining 25% of the area. ITPA provided us with knowledge of the Mata Atlantica biome, access to a nursery for manual planting and local workers to carry out planting.
Environmental actions
Promoting species diversity in our restoration projects is one of our priorities. We carefully select species planted to maximize biodiversity and recreate the native ecosystem, mimicking the stages of forest ecological succession.
Researching and studying plant species requires intensive R&D. We have currently cataloged over 300 tropical and subtropical species, by working with recognized specialist laboratories, to improve forest growth and health.
Forests are a major solution to climate change, capturing around 35% of the carbon in the atmosphere, according to the IPCC. We recognize the importance of acting quickly and combine technology and research to reforest efficiently. With a single drone, we are able to plant up to 50 hectares per day, sowing 180 seeds per minute. We focus our efforts on tropical and subtropical areas, which have a higher carbon absorption capacity.
At MORFO, we have a few safeguards:
> We only work with companies that have verified strategies in place to reduce their emissions.
> Our carbon credits are based on 3 inseparable pillars: carbon capture, biodiversity restoration, and social impact.
> We work in areas with lower chances of natural regeneration, such as lands with extremely degraded soils.
It's important to note that reforestation's ecological benefits can vary according to regional contexts, local biodiversity and specific environmental conditions. However, reforestation remains an essential approach to restoring and preserving ecosystems and biodiversity, while helping to mitigate climate change and improve environmental quality.
> Promoting ecosystem regeneration
MORFO's solution helps to restore degraded ecosystems by promoting the natural regeneration of vegetation and restoring natural habitats for local wildlife.
> Regulating cilmate
Forests act as climate regulators by mitigating the effects of climate change, such as storms, droughts and floods.
>Protecting water resources
Forests play a crucial role in regulating water flows. They help prevent flooding and maintain a steady supply of water.
>Stabilizing the soil
Tree roots help retain soil and prevent erosion, which is particularly important in areas where the soil has suffered extreme degradation.
>Improving soil fertility
Over time, plant organisms decompose, forming organic matter and contributing to the formation of rich, fertile soil. As the soil develops, more and more plants establish themselves.
>Improving air quality
Trees absorb air pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides, ozone and fine particles, helping to improve air quality in woodland areas.
>Combating disease and invasive species
MORFO's complete restoration method helps prevent and counter disease and invasive species that can appear during single-species projects, for example.