Tropical forests are one of our most powerful tools to fight climate change — but many are stuck in a cycle of degradation.
A new approach called LIFT — short for “liana-impacted forest treatments” — offers a simple and cost-effective scientific solution to accelerate recovery in forests that have already been disturbed. This approach not only helps forests thrive again — it also creates jobs; supports sustainable forest management; and enables new sources of funding for conservation.
The problem
About 25 percent of tropical forests are “selectively harvested,” meaning that individual trees are logged, rather than full deforestation.
When trees are harvested, gaps in the canopy allow sunlight to reach the forest floor—creating ideal conditions for fast-growing lianas (woody vines) to thrive. When very abundant, these vines can stifle tree growth, slowing forest recovery and reducing the forest’s ability to store climate-warming carbon.
Grounded in cutting-edge science, LIFT carefully thins the super-abundance of lianas in degraded forests, giving trees the space and light they need to grow back stronger and faster. The result? Healthier forests, larger trees, more carbon captured and stored, new income streams for local people, and more sustainable forestry systems.
No liana thinning
In disturbed native forests, such as those that have been selectively harvested for timber, lianas become super-abundant, reducing tree growth and carbon sequestration.
With liana thinning
Thinning super-abundant lianas in disturbed forests increases tree growth, resulting in an 88% increase in annual biomass accumulation in trees compared to untreated forest. This increases carbon sequestration and, over decades, restores old growth forest structure.
How it works
LIFT combines field-tested science, technological innovation and strategic partnerships:
Field
We work with forest operators, communities and governments to thin lianas safely and effectively.
Science
We monitor forest recovery, carbon gains and biodiversity outcomes using rigorous experimental design and are collaborating with remote sensing nonprofit CTrees to develop advanced remote-sensing analyses to validate impact.
Transparency
To build a high-integrity forest carbon market, we’re developing a rigorous new Verra VCS methodology; clear field protocols; and a digital monitoring system. This ensures that every credit is backed by reliable data, giving investors confidence in the climate impact they’re funding.
Finance
By measuring how much additional carbon forests store with LIFT, we help forest managers access carbon markets, through which companies buy credits to offset emissions. Better forest management also boosts future timber yields, creating a double benefit: stronger climate impact and better business results.
Where we’re working
The LIFT program is currently working in three countries — Peru, Brazil and Indonesia — to launch pilot projects in partnership with governments, local communities and companies. Check this space for updates.