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Gula Gula Food Forest Program is one of the most inspiring projects we are hosting on explorer.land

- Alexander Watson, CEO OpenForests

our story

Making a sustainable impact

with Gula Gula Forest Programs

CO2Operate is partnering with local communities in Indonesia to create a new tropical paradise that benefits both people and the planet.

In West Sumatra, rainforest trees provide shade for fruit and spice trees, creating a Food Forest that benefits the entire community.

Meanwhile, on Timor, the Fashion Forest is taking shape. In addition to kapok and cotton, indigenous trees will grow soon, providing natural dyes for the women of Timor to use in dyeing the cloths they have been producing for generations.

Our mission is to make the world a more beautiful place by improving the well-being of local populations, strengthening biodiversity, and mitigating climate change.

That's why we're working intentionally and collaboratively with Gula Gula to achieve at least three of the United Nations' key sustainability goals.

United Nations sustainability goals
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3x sustainable impact

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A Win-Win-Win Solution

CO2Operate recognizes that rural poverty is both a consequence and cause of climate change and biodiversity loss. To combat these issues, we focus on restoring degraded land through natural methods which have the most immediate impact. By prioritizing the culture and needs  of local communities, jobs and incomes grow, reducing poverty.

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get involved and make a difference

Any company can join Gula Gula Forest Programs and support our mission to create a more sustainable future for all. At CO2Operate, we offer CO2 analyses to help your organization understand its carbon footprint. After completing an analysis, you can offset excess CO2 by contributing to Gula Gula Forest Programs in West Sumatra and Timor. You can also purchase Plan Vivo CO2 certificates to protect one of our existing forests.

In addition to these options, we offer a range of commercial plans that can be tailored to meet the needs of your business. Whether you want to make a one-time contribution or support Gula Gula Forest Programs over a longer period of time, we can work with you to create a plan that fits your goals.

If you want to know what suits your business, check out our commercial plans here or contact us.

Call us at +31(0)6 29 04 83 55 or email us at info@co2operate.nl

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facts about the SDGs

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 global goals designed to make the world a better place by 2030. Developed by countries affiliated with the United Nations (UN), including the Netherlands, the SDGs were created with input from organizations and individuals around the world.

Launched in 2015, the SDGs provide a framework for addressing critical challenges such as poverty, education and the climate crisis. As a global compass, they guide efforts to create a more sustainable and equitable future for all by 2030.

CO2Operate is committed to achieving the SDGs, and we are working intentionally and collaboratively with Gula Gula to make progress toward three of the key goals. Together, we are taking action to build a more sustainable future and create positive change for communities and the planet.

End poverty

Fighting poverty is not just about money; it's also about improving people's lives, health, working conditions, education, housing and the natural environment. At CO2Operate, , we recognize the multifaceted nature of poverty and work to combat it through the planting of economically valuable trees on degraded agricultural land through our Gula Gula Forest Programs.

Through our programs, communities gain access to a diverse range of food items, including fruits and spices that they can grow, eat and sell for income. Additionally, by processing these products locally, farmers are able to earn a higher income from selling finished goods. This not only helps to improve financial stability but also access to nutritious food and more sustainable agricultural practices.

Through these efforts, we make progress toward ending poverty and creating a more equitable and sustainable future for all.

Tackling Climate Change

In 2015, the world came together in Paris to recognize the urgent threat of climate change and the need for action. The Paris Agreement, signed that year, outlined the steps that must be taken to mitigate the effects of climate change and create a more sustainable future for all.

At Gula Gula Forest Programs, we are proud to be contributing to this effort by sequestering large amounts of CO2 through the development of new food forests on barren, degraded land. By planting trees and restoring damaged ecosystems, we are not only helping to mitigate climate change but also creating a more biodiverse and resilient landscape.

Our programs demonstrate the power of nature-based solutions to address complex global challenges. Join us in the fight against climate change and help create a more sustainable future for generations to come.

Life on land: Protecting Biodiversity and Ecosystems

Healthy ecosystems and biodiversity are essential for building resilience to the challenges of population growth, land use intensification, and climate change. SDG 15 aims to protect, restore and sustainably manage life on land in all its forms, with a focus on safeguarding ecosystems and biodiversity.

At Gula Gula Forest Programs, we are committed to this mission and are conducting action research to understand the impact of forest reduction on above- and below-ground biodiversity. Our findings show that as we restore degraded land through the planting of new food forests, the diversity of plants and animals is increasing.

Through our programs, we are working to protect and restore biodiversity, reduce land degradation, and create more sustainable landscapes. By taking action to protect life on land, we can ensure a more resilient and equitable future for all. Join us in this important work and help build a healthier, more sustainable planet.

The bare necessities are mother nature's gift

- Baloo (The Jungle Book)

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PHASE 1: DEGRADED SOILS (0-2 YEARS).

Bio acoustics record sounds from the forest up to 5 kilometers away, including ultrasounds from bats. The soundscape of a degraded piece of land shows activity mainly in the lower part of the soundscape. This means there is very little sound and little variation in it; the "box" is barely colored. This is mostly insects and birds, which eat the insects. Smaller animals such as civet cat or wild boar do use these areas to walk from one piece of forest to another, but otherwise there is little activity.

PHASE 2: YOUNG FOOD FOREST (2-5 YEARS)

Activity changes when trees are planted that already provide a somewhat taller and more versatile shelter. This usually happens after two to four years. When fruit trees start bearing fruit, monkeys, fruit-loving birds and other animals flock to them. Deer are frequently spotted, especially where clove trees are planted. The deer love the young leaves. Where coffee has been planted, and will bear fruit, the civet cat is a frequent guest. The arrival of deer and other "small game," attracts hunters. This is how we were able to get the Civet Cat on camera.

PHASE 3: MATURE FOOD FOREST (>8 YEARS)

The absolute highlight is the Sumatran tiger, which roams our sites and may be hunting. The tiger is an apex species; it is at the top of the food chain. Its presence shows that wildlife has returned at all levels, when agroforestry systems are mature and resemble a forest ecosystem. This became evident again when we saw a number of eagles flying around in 2023. We wanted to visit our older sites, but the farmers were not keen. After all, so many eagles flying around means wild bee nests. These bees only build their nests in intact forest ecosystems. The photo shows a bee nest in our trees. There were at least four of these. Therefore, in these older agroforestry systems, we see a fairly complete soundscape.

Hayworms, soil cultivators and deep diggers

Underground, too, teems with life. This is important for the quality of the soil and thus for growing crops sustainably. Worms are the architects of the soil. They can be divided into litterworms, soil-diggers and deep-diggers. During the three phases in which the food forest develops, we regularly determine which species occur in what quantities. From this we can deduce the quality of the soil.

Litterworms ("epigeic").

Litter layer dwellers live in the top layer of the soil. They are not strong enough to burrow further into the soil. In reproduction, however, they are very good. In no time, the family has expanded. They feed on dead leaves, grass and twigs. Real waste pickers. Well-known species are the compost worm and tiger worm.

Soil cultivators ('endogeic').

A little further into the soil, at a depth of about 30 centimeters, live soil tillers. Soil tillers are true soil improvers. They convert organic residues into food for the plants. They dig tunnels, allowing water and air to circulate better. The plants are very happy about that, because it keeps the soil airy. A well-known soil conditioner is the grass pier.

Deep excavators/penders ("anecic")

Deep-diggers are the tunnel builders among worms. They dig tunnels up to 3 meters underground. Those tunnels store excess rainwater. In transit, a deep-digger occasionally shows itself on the surface, but disappears back underground as quickly as it can. A well-known deep-digger is the dewinger.

Gliricidia Sepium: A potent resource

The Timorese people benefit greatly from the fast-growing Gliricidia Sepium tree.. It thrives in degraded and infertile soils, and is an excellent source of biomass—producing both wood and leaves that provide a significant amount of organic matter to the soil.

In addition to its role as a nitrogen fixer and biomass producer, Gliricidia also has deep roots that allow it to access water and nutrients that other crops may not be able to. This reduces competition for resources and makes it a valuable addition to agroforestry systems. Furthermore, the deep roots of Gliricidia help to improve water infiltration into the soil, regulating surface water runoff and reducing the risk of soil erosion and flooding.
Intensive pruning of Gliricidia is possible due to its ability to develop new branches quickly, leading to increased foliage and organic matter for the soil.

These branches are also suitable for weaved fencing and firewood.

Gliricidia is a cost-effective option for farmers to restore fertility to degraded land, with experience showing that 1.5–2 meter branches take root easily in the ground. Moreover, the tree responds well to intensive pruning, providing a large amount of organic matter for the soil. 

This makes Gliricidia an important component of natural soil regeneration and restoration of ecosystem functions. It is anticipated that after two to three years, the soil will be sufficiently restored for farmers to plant economically valuable crops.

Source: Gliricidia-sepium-Factsheet.pdf (regreeningafrica.org)

Joined forces: Rimbo Pangan Lestari (RPL)

CO2Operate has been working with local experts from its beginning. In 2016, these experts united to form the independent NGO Rimbo Pangan Lestari (RPL). Together, we are constantly developing, improving and implementing our Gula Gula Forest Programs.

RPL consists of a dedicated team of young people who maintain a close friendship and bring a range of expertise and experience to our work. Some are university graduates, and all are passionate about creating a more sustainable future for Indonesia and the world.

RPL's team includes experts in GIS/remote sensing, (organic) agriculture, tree nurseries, and financial management. The GIS/remote sensing unit maps farmers' land to ensure that our operations are limited to village land (adat) and do not encroach on State Forestry Administration land. This approach provides clarity on land ownership to ourselves, the villagers, and the government. The GIS team consists of geographers and anthropologists who play a crucial role in meetings with farmers. Agricultural technicians advise farmers and us on environmentally friendly methods of forest restoration, including organic cultivation techniques and tree care. RPL has also hired a tree nursery and seed raising expert who oversees the growing nursery. Finally, financially skilled individuals manage the increasingly complex mix of funding sources.

Under the inspiring leadership of a geographer, RPL employs nine full-time staff who oversee the complex reality of ecosystem restoration in every detail and with a helicopter view.

Meanwhile, RPL employs nine people full-time under the inspiring leadership of a geographer. She oversees the unruly and complex reality of ecosystem restoration with her helicopter view.

Compost, the black gold

With co-financing from the Dutch government agency RVO, a large compost unit has been set up to produce 6 to 8 tons of top-quality compost per month. The demand for this black gold is enormous not only among "our" farmers, but also among other farmers who mainly grow vegetables. Compost provides many benefits over inorganic fertilizer. It works longer, costs less, and doesn't wash away as easily during rainstorms. Final tests have shown that the compost produced matches the national quality standard for compost.

The benefits of compost

Using compost instead of inorganic fertilizers benefits farmers in two ways: it reduces their fertilizer expenses and decreases the negative impact of too many inorganic fertilizers on the environment. With less fertilizer use, above- and below-ground biodiversity is improved.

Additionally, it saves CO2 emissions, as the production of inorganicfertilizers requires the use of fossil fuels.

Plan Vivo

Plan Vivo, the leading international standard for local community-based CO2 projects, has been recognized by the ICROA Code of Best Practices. ICROA is the world's leading accreditation organization for climate action.

Plan Vivo prioritizes the active participation of local communities. Plan Vivo projects work with the communities facing major challenges and an increasingly degraded natural environment.

Plan Vivo certifications

Plan Vivo certifications represent the CO2 captured in the process of improving natural and social conditions and are sold as Plan Vivo certificates (PVCs). PVCs are more than just CO2 credits. The revenue from PVCs provides access to financial, technical, and organizational support for achieving more sustainable land use and cooperation. At least 60 percent of the income from PVCs must be directly invested in the project and its participants on the ground. This requirement promotes long-term sustainable land use by local communities and future generations.

  • Gula Gula Forest Programs offer Plan Vivo-certified PVCs that help reduce poverty
  • restore and protect the natural environment,
  • build local capacity,
  • and preserve biodiversity.


The PVCs are strictly controlled and evaluated by Plan Vivo staff and external independent parties, with operational costs covered.

Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR)

ANR, or Assisted Natural Regeneration, is a low-cost and effective method for restoring degraded land without ploughing the land. The specific approach used depends on the conditions of the land. In wet tropical areas of West Sumatra, a lodging board is used, while in drier areas like Timor, a different method is required. ANR is becoming increasingly popular in the fight against climate change and to achieve reforestation.

0-12 months: light and air

During the first year, the alang-alang is flattened using alodging board, weakening the long grass and allowing germinated seeds of native rainforest trees to take root. The saplings grow quickly as they receive more air and light, while the weakened tallgrass dies off from below, nourishing the soil and making it more fertile, adding carbon to the soil.

12-36 months: new plantings

During the second year, the now fertile soil is ready to be planted with coffee, spice and fruit trees and other commercially attractive crops. Their yields provide good income and a diverse food supply.

36–48 months: animals return home

In the third year, the ecosystem continues to recover and flourish. The area becomes increasingly attractive to a variety of insects, mammals and birds which settle in the area where biodiversity is improving by leaps and bounds.

48-60 months: ready for the future

After five to six years, the ecosystem on previously degraded land has largely been restored, and it is now thriving. The forest provides various ecosystem services, offering long-term benefits to the local population, the flora and fauna.