CanopyCo is a new organization dedicated to preserving and repairing the Ecuadorian rainforest through modern reforestation techniques and education. It recently (November 2008) celebrated its first anniversary and is looking forward to many more.

As a business, CanopyCo is dedicated to the latest in ecology: carbon-neutrality. Carbon-neutrality is a means by which eco-conscious organizations and businesses make sure that their operations do not adversely affect the environment. Almost every business damages the environment somehow: as employees drive to work, they use gasoline and cause pollution. Paper comes from trees. Batteries and other trash must be properly recycled. These are only a few examples. Worst of all are the carbon emissions, which contribute to global warming, identified by many scientists as a grave problem facing the world today.

In other words, even businesses that operate in cities contribute to the destruction of our environment, often without realizing they are doing so. Carbon-neutrality is a way for responsible companies to undo this damage. Companies such as CanopyCo calculate the carbon emissions of any given organization and "offset" it by planting trees in previously deforested areas. The additional trees soak up carbon dioxide and return healthy air to the environment in addition to providing habitat for native wildlife. It's a great way for a company that cares to make sure they're doing no harm by doing business. CanopyCo sells offsets to Ecuadorian as well as international clients.

Protecting and repairing the environment doesn't begin and end with companies, however. Individuals and families should take responsibility for their surroundings as well. That's why CanopyCo sponsors rural education and development projects aimed at teaching ecology to rural farmers. One such project is biogas. Animal waste produces methane gas, which is harmful to the environment. The gas can be captured as it is released, however, and used for cooking. The biogas project thus seeks to solve two problems at once: the potential harm of methane and the need for cooking gas.

One of the worst offenders in terms of carbon emissions is air travel. Airplanes burn vast quantities of jet fuel and the resulting emissions are devastating. Therefore, CanopyCo offers "flight offsets" where you can pay to have some trees planted in your name every time you fly. It's a great way for caring individuals to make a difference.

CanopyCo has secured several sites in need of reforestation and has spent their first year working hard to get trees in the ground. Their current focus is their site at Peribuela, where they have been actively planting native trees including Alisos, Pumamaqui, Palo Blanco, Facuna, Laga and Arrayan. Replanting only native trees is a crucial part of CanopyCo's reforestation plan, as other species in the area have adapted to them and their presence will strengthen the ecosystem as a whole. For example, birds accustomed to eating the fruit of a particular tree will spread seeds through their droppings, resulting in even more reforestation, whereas if presented with an unfamiliar tree the birds may ignore it. The nurseries have been doing very well and they hope to have planted 3,000 trees in the area by March!

CanopyCo is a modern organization, combining hard work with the trees in the field with the latest in reforestation theory and technology. They work with local farmers (who know the land better than anyone) as well as international experts to achieve the best results possible. Their blog is regularly updated, which allows their clients to monitor CanopyCo's efforts on their behalf to offset their carbon emissions.

Huagan Cruises/galapagosislands.com/Columbus Travel is a proud sponsor of CanopyCo. For more information, visit CanopyCo's excellent website: http://www.canopyco.org/index.htm