Selected for JICA Co-Creation × Innovation Program “QUEST”
Through this project, we will conduct a proof of concept (PoC) in Rwanda to enhance plantation management and carbon credit MRV using drone × AI-based forest analysis technology.
■ Project Overview
Project Title: A Challenge toward Carbon Neutrality through the Creation of High-Quality Plantation Carbon Credits Using Drone × AI Technology — From Rwanda to the World
Joint Awardee: Three Trees Pte. Ltd. (lead company)
Project Period: September to December 2026
About JICA Quest: QUEST – JICA Co-Creation × Innovation Program
■ Background
As interest grows in generating carbon credits through forest restoration and tree planting as part of climate change mitigation efforts, afforestation and agroforestry initiatives involving local communities are also expanding across Africa.
In Rwanda, in addition to restoring forests and contributing to local economies through tree planting, there is growing expectation for accurately measuring carbon sequestration and using the results to generate high-quality carbon credits. 3T promotes forest restoration and agroforestry in collaboration with local communities across Africa, including Rwanda, and works to generate nature-based carbon credits.
In Burera District, Rwanda, where this PoC will be conducted, agroforestry planting is already underway. Continuously monitoring the growth of planted trees and carbon stocks is important for appropriate plantation management and carbon credit MRV.
■ Challenges
Continuously monitoring the growth and carbon stocks of trees distributed over a wide area through field surveys alone requires considerable time and human resources. This is particularly challenging in agroforestry, where trees are dispersed across farmland, creating a need for an efficient and continuous monitoring approach.
We will apply the drone × AI-based forest analysis technology we have developed in Japan to Rwanda’s agroforestry landscapes, which differ in forest conditions and planting patterns, with the aim of making plantation management and carbon credit MRV more efficient and advanced.
■ PoC Plan
In this PoC, we will conduct LiDAR drone surveys in part of an agroforestry plantation area that is currently included in a voluntary carbon credit project. By combining drone data with field survey data, we will develop and validate models for tree species identification and diameter at breast height (DBH) estimation. Our goal is to establish an efficient and highly accurate method for estimating forest biomass across the entire project area.
We also plan to conduct interviews with local residents to understand their awareness of and needs regarding carbon credit and this initiative, and to explore a project approach that can be implemented continuously with the understanding and support of local communities.
■ About 3T
3T is a Singapore-based company that develops forest restoration and agroforestry projects across Africa. Working closely with local communities, the company aims to generate high-quality carbon credits and contribute to local economic development through forest restoration.
About 3T.：https://3t.eco/
