EthioTrees wins the Lighthouse Project Competition 2026!
We are proud to announce that EthioTrees has been selected as the winner of the Lighthouse Project Competition, launched by the Foundation Development and Climate Alliance (Stiftung Allianz für Entwicklung und Klima).
The Lighthouse Competition is an annual award recognizing outstanding climate projects with a genuine pioneering character. It celebrates initiatives that combine innovation, credible climate impact, and sustainable development benefits.
“With the Lighthouse Project Competition, we aim to highlight projects that demonstrate the real-world impact of high-quality climate action initiatives. Projects like EthioTrees provide valuable momentum for the continued development of the voluntary carbon market.”
Peter Renner
Chairman of the Board, Foundation Development and Climate Alliance
For more than ten years, EthioTrees has been restoring the degraded highlands of Tigray, Ethiopia. Over that time, the project has generated nearly 1 million tonnes of traceable carbon removals while supporting local livelihoods through carbon finance and improved ecosystem services.
“Over the past decade, EthioTrees has grown from a university research spin-off into a proven model for community-led restoration at scale. This award recognizes the power of science, local stewardship, and partnership in creating lasting climate, social, and biodiversity benefits. We are honored by this recognition and committed to expanding our impact in the years ahead.”
Miro Jacob
Co-founder of Climate Lab
A key strength of EthioTrees is its participatory approach: local communities are actively involved in designing and implementing project activities, and benefit directly through employment and revenue sharing. Restoration activities include soil and water conservation, enrichment planting, and protection of natural vegetation.
Beyond ecosystem restoration, the project supports sustainable livelihoods through non-timber forest products such as frankincense and honey, backed by dedicated training and capacity-strengthening. To date, almost USD 4 million has been reinvested into local communities through social investment initiatives, including schools, water supply infrastructure, solar energy systems, and other community-led development projects.
“EthioTrees is an outstanding example of how sustainable development and climate action belong together. Wherever ecosystems are restored and natural resources protected, new opportunities emerge for local communities.”
Dr. Olivia Henke
Board of Directors, Foundation Development and Climate Alliance
Impact at scale
30,031 ha
under restoration
improving soil health, water retention, and long-term carbon sequestration
58,647
benefiting households
through income diversification and community-led benefit-sharing
+41%
in flora species richness
since the start of the project in 2016
Looking ahead, EthioTrees will also join the Sustainable Impact Pool, giving companies access to high-quality climate action projects that deliver measurable environmental and social benefits.
The award will be formally presented at the Foundation Development and Climate Alliance’s annual conference, the Sustainable Development Future Forum, on 30 September 2026. The event will premiere a specially produced video showcasing the project, its impact, and the communities involved.
Climate Lab co-founders Miro Jacob and Sil Lanckriet will be attending the event and will be happy to share more insights about the project, its impact, and future ambitions.
If you’ll be in Berlin during that time, we encourage you to join what promises to be an inspiring gathering of climate-conscious organizations, sustainability leaders, and businesses committed to driving meaningful change.
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