EFFICACI

About the project:

Engaging Family Forests to Improve Climate-Smart Commodities (EFFICACI) is a pioneering project that brings family-owned forests into the fight against climate change. With family forests covering 39% of US forests, this initiative aims to close the gap in their involvement in climate-smart commodities (CSC) markets. Their goal is to empower forest owners, particularly underserved and rural communities, to participate in climate-smart practices, contributing to environmental sustainability while providing economic incentives.

EFFICACI works closely with forest owners, focusing on implementing climate-smart forest management practices. With personalized support, we ensure landowners understand the long-term benefits of sustainable forestry. Special programs and workshops are in place to support underserved communities in adopting these practices.

GOAL And Objectives 

• Engage Family Forest Owners: Recruit and support traditional and underserved landowners to implement climate-smart practices through the Family Forest Carbon Program.
• Promote Climate-Smart Commodities: Build a market-driven approach that incentivizes sustainable forest management and long-term economic benefits.
• Use Advanced Digital Tools: Utilize AI, remote sensing, and digital tools like iForester for optimized forest management and carbon tracking.
• Support Underserved Communities: Provide specialized financial and technical support to minority and underserved landowners.

Key Partners

Led by the American Forest Foundation, EFFICACI is a collaborative effort that combines expertise in forest management, conservation, and digital technology.

American Forest Foundation: Leads the project, engaging family forest owners through its Family Forest Carbon Program.

The Nature Conservancy: Provides conservation expertise and co-develops carbon monitoring methodologies.

Purdue University: Contributes advanced digital forestry tools for AI-driven monitoring and carbon verification.

The Center for Heirs Property Preservation: Supports historically underserved landowners in accessing climate-smart forestry opportunities.

Women Owning Woodlands: Empowers women forest owners by providing resources and support to participate in climate-smart forestry practices.