The Location

📍 The Big Island, Mauna Loa, Hawaii

The Big Island, officially known as Hawaiʻi Island, is the largest of the Hawaiian Islands and is home to some of the world’s most iconic natural landmarks, including Mauna Loa, one of the Earth’s largest active volcanoes.

The island’s diverse geography ranges from black sand beaches and lush rainforests to volcanic deserts and snow-capped mountains. Hawaii’s native wildlife is equally unique, featuring species like the Hawaiian monk seal and the nēnē (Hawaiian goose), many of which are found nowhere else on Earth.

Culturally, the islands are deeply connected to nature, with native Hawaiian traditions emphasizing respect and stewardship of the land, or 'āina.

Unfortunately, Hawaii’s ecosystems have faced significant challenges, including deforestation, invasive species, and land-use changes, particularly in regions like the slopes of Mauna Loa, where environmental preservation efforts are crucial for protecting biodiversity and maintaining the cultural heritage of the islands.

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The Problem

Over the last century, deforestation caused by cattle ranching has significantly impacted Hawaii’s landscapes.

Large areas of native forests have been cleared to make way for pastureland, disrupting ecosystems that once supported rich biodiversity. This deforestation has had negative effects on wildlife, with many native species losing their habitats and declining in population.

The introduction of non-native cattle and invasive plant species further exacerbates the damage, leading to soil erosion, reduced water quality, and the loss of valuable carbon sinks.

Economically, while cattle ranching contributes to local industries, the long-term environmental degradation threatens other sectors, such as tourism and agriculture, which rely on Hawaii’s natural beauty and fertile land.

Additionally, deforestation contributes to a warming climate, as fewer trees mean less carbon is captured from the atmosphere, intensifying global and local environmental challenges.

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The Solution

Our Hawaii planting projects focus on reforestation and biodiversity.

The majority of trees being planted are Koa trees. Koa forests have been shown to be highly effective at carbon sequestration, with estimates of up to 60 metric tons of carbon per hectare stored in mature koa forests.

Koa trees are able to sequester carbon due to their large size and long lifespan, as well as their ability to grow quickly in nutrient-poor soils. As the tree grows, it absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and stores it in its woody biomass, roots, and soil.

Koa forests also provide other benefits, such as preventing erosion, improving water quality, and supporting biodiversity.

‍Partner - Saving Hawaii’s Forests

‍Planting Window - 2-3 times per year

‍Site Technology - Geospatial Data Layers, Water Quality Sensors & Hydro Vision, Dissolved Oxygen and Salinity

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What is Reforestation?

Reforestation is the process of replanting trees and restoring forest ecosystems that have been degraded or destroyed.

In Hawaii, reforestation involves planting native tree species in areas where forests have been cleared, such as on the slopes of Mauna Loa, to restore biodiversity, improve soil and water quality, and combat climate change.

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The Impact

The planting of Koa trees will help to rebuild habitats for native wildlife, stabilize soil to prevent erosion, and reduce the impacts of flooding and landslides.

Importantly, reforestation also enhances carbon sequestration, as Koa trees are highly effective at absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, playing a critical role in climate mitigation.

In addition to environmental benefits, reforestation projects create opportunities for local communities through conservation jobs and eco-tourism, while also preserving the cultural and spiritual connection that native Hawaiians have with their land.

We plant in partnership with local NGOs, as well as organizations that help with the rehabilitation of individuals in recovery by training and equipping them to work on restoration projects.

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How You Can Help

Ecodrive enables you to seamlessly integrate sustainability into your business processes.

Our technology allows you to tie everyday actions like sales, reviews, emails sent, meetings booked, and much more, to projects like reforestation in Hawaii.

Meaning you’re doing good for the planet, and your business.

Easily plug-in to your existing Shopify, Amazon, or e-commerce store, and gain access to our marketing toolkits and verification portal to fully communicate your impact to consumers and stakeholders.

Learn more by booking an Ecodrive demo with a member of our team below.

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