We Develop Biomimetic Micro Food Forests for the Common Good.

The programme

Forest Commons (formerly called Arbres Sauveurs), under our parent organisation Biomimicry Europa, aims to develop innovative reforestation, agroforestry and cross-disciplinary tree-centred projects, focusing primarily on multifunctional trees which comprehensively benefit the natural environment, local populations and the mitigation of climate change, and which respond to the nuanced needs of the regions in which and communities with whom we work, namely in Haiti, Mexico, India and France. Our small-scale carbon compensation programme enables meaningful offset activities, which guarantee longterm sequestration as well as a myriad of associated benefits to local stakeholders and regional biodiversity.

Biomimicry

In its essence, Biomimicry leads us to be inspired by the living world and, through the humble observation of nature, to “gracefully reinsert ourselves into the biosphere”.

Our Vision

Stemming from a strong science-based background, guided by the principals of biomimicry, and adhering to our core premise of strengthening the human-nature connection, Forest Commons focuses on the reintegration of important multifunctional trees into local culture and ecology through the creation of small-scale agroforestry projects and tree-centred activities. By helping local communities achieve food security and by contributing to the restoration of productive local ecosystems, we aim to help reinforce social and ecological well-being and resilience over the longterm.

Our key cOncepts at a glance

Multi-functional trees

We prioritise the planting of trees that provide a multitude of both environmental and social services, to best fortify their surrounding ecosystems and reinforce lasting resilience. We place particular emphasis on the participation of women and youth; on aligning our reforestation and agroforestry efforts with the mitigation of the adverse effects of climate change, especially for vulnerable communities; and on helping these communities achieve direct and sustainable food autonomy.

Small is beautiful (and less risky)

Our initiatives are small-scale (+/- 30,000 trees per year) and human-centred, recognising that even a few trees can make a significant impact at the individual/community level. We encourage wide-spread participation and value training and capacity-building of local stakeholders as of equal importance as the planting of trees, in order to ensure such trees and the broader natural environment are valued and sustainably managed over the longterm.

Oxalogenous trees

A unique species, oxalogenous trees sequester CO2 not just in their wood, but also in the form of limestone – transformed in symbiosis with fungi and bacteria – in the soil around their root systems, where they can store the carbon for tens or even hundreds of thousands of years! They are thus particularly valuable species from a carbon sequestration stand-point.

The Mayanut tree – a programme pillar

The Mayanut tree has the ability to live for up to one thousand years, it is resistant to drought, has oxalogenous capacities, exhibits numerous benefits for the restoration and regeneration of local soils, and produces a highly nutritious nut that can help ensure community food sovereignty, which is especially important for rural farmers who are vulnerable to the effects of climate change. MNT is therefore a pivotal species to help reinforce local biodiversity and environmental and social resiliency!

Sequestering carbon “between friends”

We propose a small-scale, carefully-examined carbon offsetting programme, which prioritises relationships with individuals and small organisations who are aligned with our vision of the intersection between nature and culture, and with whom we can engage in meaningful exchanges. Furthermore, our conservative calculations guarantee that the desired amount of carbon is indeed sequestered over the longterm.

Valuing the Human-Nature Connection

At the heart of our work is the recognition of the importance of the human-nature connection. Whether through human-centred agroforestry projects, or engaging local schools and youth in planting and environmental education activities, or through the creation of projects linking the arts and sciences, we aim to inspire stakeholders to value, respect, safeguard and forge a deeper relationship with the natural world of which we are an inseparable part.

Contact us

Want to learn more about our team,
our programmes, our actions, or our partners?

Do you have a collaboration to propose,
or would you like to work with us?

Please don’t hesitate to contact us,
we would be happy to hear from you!