SeaTrees launched as one of the Sustainable Surf’s programs and has evolved into a beacon of hope and innovation. As a program of the nonprofit organization Sustainable Surf, SeaTrees is wholeheartedly focused on spearheading coastal restoration projects across the globe in a determined effort to reverse the effects of climate change and support biodiversity.
Big Sky VC, in admiration of the transformative potential of SeaTrees’s mission, has been a steadfast supporter of the organization. What began as small donations has evolved into significant funding for larger projects, demonstrating Big Sky’s commitment to nurturing initiatives that make a tangible impact on our oceans and planet. This partnership has been instrumental in scaling SeaTrees’ operations and expanding its roots through global reach.
SeaTrees was born from the belief that the ocean is the hero of our story – a powerful force capable of boosting biodiversity, supporting local communities, and reversing climate change. The program focuses on planting, protecting, and restoring coastal ecosystems, including kelp and mangrove forests, seagrass meadows, coral reefs, oyster reefs, and coastal watersheds.
SeaTrees is leading the charge in environmental innovation by introducing the world’s first commercially available marine biodiversity credit on the blockchain, setting an unprecedented standard in conservation efforts. This pioneering initiative will be showcased through a monumental art installation called “Biodiversity Jenga” at the United Nations Biodiversity COP16. The art will be central as representatives from 196 nations come together to make commitments to preserve the planet by 2030.
Renowned artist and activist Benjamin Von Wong has collaborated with SeaTrees and the Colombian Ministry of Environment to craft a remarkable 2.5-story monument as a powerful symbol of this important mission. Playing a pivotal role in this collaboration is Brian Spitz of Big Sky Partners, leveraging his extensive expertise in web3 technology to bring together crucial tech entities like Builderz Backpack, Solana, and Regen Network, ultimately bringing this visionary project to fruition.
At the core of SeaTrees’s approach is the concept of Blue Carbon—carbon stored by coastal and marine ecosystems. Blue Carbon ecosystems can be significantly more effective at storing carbon per unit area than any ecosystem on land. These environments not only sequester carbon but also provide essential habitats for diverse plant and animal species, support sustainable jobs, and often serve as biodiversity hotspots.
SeaTrees operates through a unique model that connects people and brands ready to take action with communities, social entrepreneurs, and scientists working to protect and restore critical ocean ecosystems. The program funds its work through donations from brands and individuals committed to reversing climate change and creating sustainable livelihoods for local communities.
A key aspect of SeaTrees’ approach is its partnership with local nonprofit organizations at each project location. These partners manage the restoration and protection work, leveraging their established community and government relationships. This strategy ensures that projects are community-led and provide maximum benefits to local populations.
SeaTrees’s project development process is rigorous and based on methods used in carbon offset project development, setting a high bar for quality, transparency, and scientific accuracy. The process is designed with built-in flexibility to work around the world in varying social and economic conditions, covering five different blue carbon ecosystem types, each with unique restoration methods.
The impact of SeaTrees has been substantial and growing. As of World Oceans Day 2024, the program proudly announced a major milestone of planting four million SeaTrees across all project sites and types. This impressive achievement breaks down into several key metrics:
SeaTrees’ projects are evaluated through the framework of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring they produce multiple benefits beyond carbon sequestration. These include improvements in ocean health, biodiversity, job creation, education, human health, gender equity, and more.
The vision of SeaTrees is rooted in the belief that through a combination of innovative business models, modern science, and indigenous wisdom, we can accelerate the Earth’s natural balancing mechanisms. This approach aims to repair our planet in real time while creating jobs and livelihoods that maintain healthy ecosystems for the future.
SeaTrees’ mission is to provide financial support to “regenerative” projects that protect and restore critical “blue carbon” ocean ecosystems and to connect people and brands ready to act with the communities and experts working on the ground.
By 2030, SeaTrees aims to support 100 projects worldwide, significantly scaling up its impact on global ocean health and climate change mitigation.
Big Sky Partners’ involvement with SeaTrees has been pivotal in the program’s growth and impact. What began as small donations from Big Sky’s founder, Michael Schwab, has blossomed into substantial funding for larger, more ambitious projects over the past decade.
This increased support has enabled SeaTrees to expand its reach dramatically, moving from local initiatives to global projects with far-reaching consequences. Big Sky’s backing has been crucial in helping SeaTrees scale its operations, particularly in developing and implementing large-scale mangrove planting and blue carbon projects.
Big Sky’s expertise and network have played a vital role in advancing SeaTrees’ innovative initiatives, such as their blockchain project aimed at making carbon credits more transparent and verifiable. This collaboration exemplifies how venture capital can drive positive environmental change, creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond the initial investment.
This symbiotic relationship demonstrates the power of aligning financial resources with environmental stewardship, paving the way for a more sustainable and ocean-positive future.
Looking ahead, Big Sky VC and SeaTrees are set to continue their partnership, working towards the ambitious goal of having 100 blue carbon projects by 2030.