
About us
Pioneering carbon, climate & biodiversity finance since 1988
A small team based in Münstertal, near Freiburg, with a global footprint - three continents, three decades of impact.
Who we are
Developing climate & biodiversity projects around the world
With over three decades of experience and a strong international network, we provide a professional service for the implementation of forest carbon and biodiversity projects. Founded in 1988, we originated as a development cooperation and consulting firm. In 1998, we implemented our first reforestation project with the goal of climate change mitigation, promotion of biodiversity, and contribution to the development of a sustainable forestry sector.
Since 1997 we have established three of our own ARR projects covering over 18,000 ha, and supported over 30 other ARR projects worldwide with PDD writing and project setup.
Our collective efforts led to the planting of over 10 million trees, corresponding to the sequestration of more than 2 million tons of CO₂. We have empowered several hundred people in the Global South with knowledge about reforestation and sustainable forest management. In 2024, we welcomed a new management team and launched our first biodiversity credit development project.
Our people
Meet the team
A multi-disciplinary group of foresters, scientists, finance experts and field practitioners.
Our story
A journey since 1988

1988
Founding of our company as “Institut für Umwelt und Entwicklung GmbH”. Consulting assignments for the European Commission.

1992
Proposal of an Emissions Trading Scheme to the European Commission, laying the foundation for what later became the EU ETS.

1997
Consulting for the Kyoto Conference with Al Gore, where forests were recognized as crucial for climate change mitigation. Groundwork for the first forest projects.

1998
Start of Patagonia Verde in Chubut, Argentina - planting begins on degraded steppe land in a joint agroforestry project, later certified under the International Carbon Registry.

1999
Tree planting at Forestal Río Aquidabán in Paraguay, establishing the project's long-term forest carbon foundation.

2002
Initiation of the Kikonda Reserve, establishing a climate forest from scratch - including the development of tree nurseries and the training of dozens of workers.

2007
Receiving of the ‘best planter award’ from Ugandan Environmental Minister Maria Mutagamba.

2018
Consulting of Volkswagen AG regarding the support of the Forest Project “Eco Chavos” in Mexico.

2020
Sale of the Kikonda timber plantation to Nile Fibreboard Ltd., completed on 1 December 2020.

2026
Founding of PrimeBiochar Materials Ltd. in Uganda - our local presence for practical biochar production and carbon removal projects.
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Ready to make a measurable climate impact?
Whether you are an investor, a corporate buyer of carbon removals, or a partner in the field - we'd love to hear from you.
35+
years
experience













