Inter IKEA's $108 Million Forest Restoration Investment Sets New Standard for Industrial Decarbonization
Inter IKEA Group has committed US$108 million to a pioneering forest restoration project in Brazil, focusing on the Atlantic Forest biome. This initiative marks a significant step toward integrating nature-based solutions into corporate climate strategies.
The project aims to restore approximately 4,000 hectares of degraded land across Parana and Santa Catarina. It incorporates conservation, reforestation, and commercial forestry practices to demonstrate sustainable land use that benefits both the environment and local economies.
By utilizing a model that combines reforestation with sustainable forestry, the project will sequester carbon in biomass and soil, supporting global efforts to achieve net zero emissions. This scalable approach aims to serve as a blueprint for future corporate investments in ecological restoration.
Partnering with BTG Pactual Timberland Investment Group, Inter IKEA leverages expertise in sustainable forestry, ecosystem restoration, and carbon accounting. The collaboration emphasizes transparency and measurable results through independent verification of carbon sequestration, biodiversity health, and water quality.
The project also seeks to protect Brazil's endangered Atlantic Forest, which has been reduced to a fragment of its original size. Restoration efforts include reforesting degraded pastures and managing pine plantations under Forest Stewardship Council standards to support local livelihoods.
An independent advisory panel, including NGOs such as Apremavi, will oversee impact measurement and community engagement. This ensures that biodiversity conservation and socio-economic benefits are prioritized and transparently reported.
Inter IKEA's overarching climate goal is to halve greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050. Its forest investment aligns with this target by scaling natural carbon sinks and endorsing responsible resource sourcing.
This initiative exemplifies how private sector capital can integrate climate, biodiversity, and community objectives. It demonstrates a practical pathway for industrial decarbonization through large-scale ecological restoration, environmental sustainability, and socio-economic resilience in vulnerable regions.