When we talk to investors, one of their first questions is, “How do we make money in restoration?” The question inspired us to make this infographic, which shows the major revenue streams from restored land:

  1. Wood: Larger trees are often used for timber in construction, while smaller trees are used for pulp and paper. Parts of trees such as branches are consumed as fuelwood to produce energy
  2. Non-wood forest products: This is a growing category that includes all forest products that are not wood, such as fruits, cacao, nuts, feed for animals, essential oils, etc.
  3. Crops and livestock: Restoring degraded agricultural land improves its productivity, enhancing crop yields and sustaining livestock
  4. Tourism: A beautiful landscape creates lucrative opportunities for nature and wildlife tourism and has a multiplier effect on the local economy

These four markets are shown in the infographic. Also, new markets are developing rapidly for the many services that restored landscapes provide, such as carbon storage and improved water quality.

To learn more about why restoration is an attractive investment opportunity, please contact the New Restoration Economy at NRE@wri.org.