Planboo, a pioneering biocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More developer in tropical regions, has recently announced a significant partnership with Omiti Biochar, a Namibian initiative dedicated to developing biochar carbon removal projects through community partnerships. This collaboration marks the commencement of the “From Bush to Biochar” project in Namibia’s Erongo region. The project’s primary aim is to transform the invasive encroacher bush, which poses substantial environmental challenges in the country, into biochar, thereby restoring the savannah’s delicate ecosystem and uplifting local communities.

Encroacher bush thickening is a critical issue in Namibia’s savannah regions, leading to a decline in grassland, adversely affecting wild animal populations—some of which are threatened with extinction—causing land degradation and reducing agricultural productivity. The “From Bush to Biochar” initiative represents a multifaceted approach to not only addressing carbon removal but also rehabilitating the environment and supporting community development.

With Planboo having successfully raised over $1.1 million to scale biochar projects utilizing MRV technology, and in collaboration with Sustainable Travel International to enhance biochar carbon removal efforts, this partnership with Omiti Biochar underscores a significant step towards sustainable environmental management and carbon removal in Africa. The project, starting with a local team of 12 people and a five-year timeline, aims to remove 22,441 tonnes of CO2 from the atmosphere, with the potential for further expansion.

Keith Thompson, Operational Director of Omiti Biochar, emphasized the initiative’s focus on balancing community needs with environmental conservation, highlighting Africa’s rich natural resources and the importance of innovative, non-detrimental solutions for future generations. This partnership exemplifies a commitment to sustainable development, leveraging local engagement, and technological innovation to tackle environmental issues.