Offset8 and iRise are proud to announce a historic expansion of their reforestation initiative in Malawi— securing land rights to scale from 6,000 to approximately 100,000 hectares. This landmark agreement represents the largest reforestation land commitment in Malawi’s history and paves the way for transformative environmental and socio-economic impact across the country.
Offset8 is committed to advancing high-quality Nature-Based Solutions (NBS), focusing on initiatives that deliver measurable, lasting benefits to both people and the planet. In 2024, Offset8 partnered with iRise to finance a 6,000-hectare reforestation project in Malawi, which also included the distribution of 140,000 clean cookstoves to rural communities.
Following the success of the initial phase, both organizations recognized the potential to achieve even greater impact. After extensive feasibility assessments, robust community consultations, and collaboration with local authorities, Offset8 and iRise have now secured a land expansion agreement for reforestation covering approximately 100,000 hectares.
This milestone opens the door for additional investors to join a holistic, high-impact solution — one that not only aims to restore ecosystems with native species but also strengthen food security, create local jobs and deliver millions of tonnes of CO₂ removals annually.
“Securing an additional 100,000 hectares is a testament to the success of our partnership with Offset8 and to the commitment of local communities,” said Alexander Pettefer, CEO of iRise Carbon. “Together, we’re not only restoring forests but also empowering communities and building climate resilience.”
Offset8’s Co-founder, Ivan Mozharov, added: “This milestone proves that carbon finance can be a powerful driver for nature-based solutions. By scaling this project, we are delivering real impact — for the climate, for biodiversity, and for the people of Malawi.”
The project will issue high-integrity carbon credits aligned with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement and ICVCM’s CCP label, supporting global climate goals while fostering inclusive economic growth in Malawi. This land expansion agreement sets the stage for the next phase of growth.
Together, Offset8 and iRise are helping to regenerate the Warm Heart of Africa, delivering trusted carbon credits to global markets—rooted in integrity, community, and climate impact.
About Offset8
Offset8 Capital Limited is an Abu Dhabi Global Market-based proprietary asset management firm and a financial advisor regulated by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of the ADGM. Offset8 seeks to finance climate mitigation and adaptation projects, with a focus on mangrove restoration, reforestation, and biochar. Of particular relevance will be projects that aim to support local communities in Africa and Southeast Asia and to contribute to both environmental conservation and sustainable economic development. Offset8 Capital Limited acted as a financial advisor to Offset8 Holding Limited that will finance the project.
About iRise Carbon
iRise is a mission-driven organization focused on addressing climate change while alleviating poverty. Its integrated model is designed for rural communities affected by severe land degradation, combining sustainable agroforestry with the development of community infrastructure. The result: scalable, high-quality carbon offset projects that deliver genuine economic, social, and environmental benefits. iRise is committed to a just, equitable transition to net zero, balancing impact across people, nature, and financial returns.
Disclaimer
This press release is for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for any other purpose. Notwithstanding anything contained in this press release, this press release does not constitute, and no reader of this press release may treat the same as, an offer to sell, a solicitation or invitation for the sale and purchase of any securities, instruments or any other properties, and the information contained in this press release shall not form the basis of any offer or contract. Under no circumstances is this press release to be construed as an offering of an interest in any collective investment fund in any jurisdiction. No action has been taken to permit an offering of interests in any collective investment fund in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose would be required.
None of Offset8, its affiliates and their respective partners, members, employees, officers, directors, agents, advisers and representatives (collectively, the “Offset8 Group”) have any liability for, and neither assumes nor accepts responsibility in relation to, the use of, or reliance on this press release by any person. The Offset8 Group makes no representation or warranty as to the truth, accuracy or completeness of the information in this press release (including statements of opinion or expectation) nor shall have any liability (whether arising from negligence or otherwise) for any representations (express or implied) contained in, or for any omissions from, this press release or for any written or oral communications transmitted to the recipient (or its advisors or representatives).
Offset8 Capital Limited, a proprietary asset management firm based in Abu Dhabi Global Market, is proud to announce its collaboration with DAI Labs Inc., a Japan-based AI technology company, to apply AI and GIS technologies in carbon credit projects.
Since 2024, Offset8 has been working in partnership with iRise Carbon to develop climate-focused projects in the Republic of Malawi. These initiatives, known as the iRise Project, include the restoration of 6,000 hectares of degraded land, the distribution of over 140,000 cookstoves, and improvements in local food security.
Today, DAI Labs proudly announced its selection as a recipient of a prestigious grant under Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI)’s “Subsidies for Global South Future Oriented Co Creation Project in the FY 2023 Supplementary Budget” program. The grant will support the implementation of an AI- and GIS-based carbon and land use monitoring system in Malawi, developed in collaboration with Offset8 Capital and iRise Carbon. The software demonstration project, covering a 6,000-hectare area, is scheduled for completion by February 2026.
Leveraging its expertise in satellite data analysis and image-based AI systems, DAI Labs will integrate spectral satellite imagery and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data to monitor existing carbon stocks, identify high-potential reforestation sites, and forecast carbon sequestration. iRise Carbon will contribute on-the-ground data and technical support essential to training and validating the system. Offset8 will contribute its expertise in strategy and implementation support for the project.
This project forms part of a broader Article 6-authorized effort to restore degraded land and improve food security in Malawi. By the end of the grant period, the partners aim to deliver a cost-efficient, high-fidelity monitoring tool that improves the accuracy and transparency of carbon credit generation. The long-term ambition is to scale this technology to forest projects globally, helping reduce MRV costs and strengthening trust in the international carbon market.
Media Team
media@offset8capital.com
+97128124183
About DAI Labs
DAI Labs is an AI technology company headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo. The company specializes in developing and implementing cutting-edge AI systems for corporate and municipal clients, with a strong focus on delivering high-quality AI prototypes within short timeframes. With extensive experience in designing and operating advanced AI models, DAI Labs also contributes to addressing a wide range of social challenges.
The company applies its technologies across various fields, including the development of forest monitoring systems that combine AI and GIS (Geographic Information Systems). Through the provision of flexible, client-tailored AI solutions, DAI Labs supports operational efficiency and promotes digital transformation (DX).
About Offset8
Offset8 Capital Limited is an Abu Dhabi Global Market-based proprietary asset management firm and a financial advisor regulated by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of the ADGM. Offset8 seeks to finance climate mitigation and adaptation projects, with a focus on mangrove restoration, reforestation, and biochar. Of particular relevance will be projects that aim to support local communities in Africa and Southeast Asia and to contribute to both environmental conservation and sustainable economic development.
About iRise Carbon
iRise Carbon is a mission-driven organization with a focus on mitigating climate change while alleviating poverty. iRise Carbon delivers its integrated model in rural, underdeveloped communities with significant land degradation. The company combines indigenous afforestation, while integrating community infrastructure, to deliver high-quality carbon offset volumes and lasting, genuine economic and social development. The iRise Carbon program is scalable, prosperous, and equitable – driving a just net zero transition without compromising community or society, nature or returns.
Disclaimer
This press release is for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for any other purpose. Notwithstanding anything contained in this press release, this press release does not constitute, and no reader of this press release may treat the same as, an offer to sell, a solicitation or invitation for the sale and purchase of any securities, instruments or any other properties, and the information contained in this press release shall not form the basis of any offer or contract. Under no circumstances is this press release to be construed as an offering of an interest in any collective investment fund in any jurisdiction. No action has been taken to permit an offering of interests in any collective investment fund in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose would be required.
None of Offset8, its affiliates and their respective partners, members, employees, officers, directors, agents, advisers and representatives (collectively, the “Offset8 Group”) have any liability for, and neither assumes nor accepts responsibility in relation to, the use of, or reliance on this press release by any person. The Offset8 Group makes no representation or warranty as to the truth, accuracy or completeness of the information in this press release (including statements of opinion or expectation) nor shall have any liability (whether arising from negligence or otherwise) for any representations (express or implied) contained in, or for any omissions from, this press release or for any written or oral communications transmitted to the recipient (or its advisors or representatives).
Introduction
The Indonesian Biochar Association was established in 2012 by a group of passionate environmentalists, including Hashim Djojohadikusumo, among others. The association was formed to promote the use of biochar as a sustainable solution for agricultural waste management, soil health improvement, and climate change mitigation. The founders recognized the transformative potential of biochar and aimed to create a platform that promotes its understanding, production, and use as a tool for sustainable agriculture and climate action.
A Systematic review of over 1,500 scientific papers, highlights the positive impacts of biochar in agriculture. On average, biochar application significantly increases plant productivity (+16%), crop yield (+13%), water use efficiency (+20%), soil organic carbon (+39%) and available soil nutrients (+45% for phosphorus). Furthermore, biochar can reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides (-11%) and plant heavy metal uptake (-29%). The association supports research initiatives to improve biochar production techniques and understand its benefits, offering training programs and workshops to educate farmers, agricultural professionals, and policymakers about biochar.
It also advocates for policies that support the development and adoption of biochar technologies, working with government agencies to create favorable regulatory frameworks and incentives for biochar projects. Additionally, the association works to develop markets for biochar products, helping producers find buyers and promoting the use of biochar in various industries. By facilitating knowledge exchange and partnerships among stakeholders in the biochar industry, the association plays a crucial role in advancing biochar technology and its adoption in Indonesia.
Advancing Biochar Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) in Indonesia
The latest climate model scenarios show that all pathways that keep temperature rise to 1.5 degrees C require carbon removal. The amount ultimately needed will depend on how quickly we can reduce emissions in the near term and long term. Biochar has emerged as a promising tool for carbon dioxide removal (CDR), and the association's efforts have led to significant progress in several key areas. Biochar's ability to sequester carbon for long periods makes it an effective tool for mitigating climate change, and the association promotes its use to capture and store carbon, helping Indonesia meet its carbon reduction targets. Biochar also improves soil fertility and water retention, leading to increased agricultural productivity, and the association's initiatives have helped farmers adopt biochar, resulting in healthier soils and higher crop yields. By converting agricultural residues into biochar, the association addresses waste management challenges, reducing the need for burning crop residues, which contributes to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. The insetting the which will be used by commons prosaically in agriculture with issues like traceability.
Biochar removal offers a comprehensive blend of economic, environmental, and social benefits. In regions most affected by climate change, it can deliver climate justice, directing mitigation benefits where they're most needed a sentiment echoed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 2022 report.
The association's efforts have created new economic opportunities for farmers and rural communities, as producing and selling biochar generates additional income, contributing to local economic development. Biochar enhances the resilience of agricultural systems to climate change by improving soil structure and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers, making farming more sustainable and less vulnerable to climate impacts.
Achievements and Future Directions
The Indonesian Biochar Association has made significant impacts through various initiatives. Despite successes, challenges remain, such as limited awareness, high production costs, and the need for supportive policies. The association is addressing these by increasing outreach and education, promoting efficient production techniques, supporting cost-effective research, and advocating for supportive policies. Building partnerships with government agencies, research and financial institutions, carbon standards, project developers, and industry stakeholders is also a key focus.
The association is at the forefront of promoting biochar for sustainable agriculture and climate action in Indonesia. Through research, advocacy, and capacity-building, it aims to unlock biochar's potential to improve soil health, manage agricultural waste, and sequester carbon, playing a critical role in advancing sustainable agriculture and climate action in Indonesia.
For more details or to join the association, please visit the contact page on the official website.
