Clova Bay Permanent forest
Forest Type - Indigenous and Introduced
Emission Reductions
48,000 tCO2e total stored
1,660 tCO2e annual removals
Start Date - 1993
Project Type - Regeneration and resforestation
194 hectares
Standard - Permanent Forest Sink Initiative (PFSI)
The permanent forest of Clova Bay is located in the beautiful Marlborough Sounds. The forest is mainly indigenous with small pockets of introduced tree species totalling 194 hectares registered under the Permanent Forest Sink Initiative (PFSI).
The owners aim to restore indigenous flora and fauna to the property, a restoration supported by neighbouring remnants of historic forest.
Initially cleared by early Europeans settlers, the standing forest was cleared using fire to create temporarily fertile farmland. After years of dealing with erosion and falling productivity, grazing of the pasture was mostly stopped and the land began regenerating into scrub.
When the land was acquired by the current owners, restoration began with active pest control and planting of the remaining bare areas relying on the owner’s funding.
The property borders ancient and untouched indigenous forest, within a state forest reserve. These grand trees provide seeds for diverse regeneration and succession on the property, complemented by the native nursery scrub and pest control programs. The owners are also beginning trials into manual seed spreading to facilitate the natural regeneration process.
Initially, the landowners bore the costs of restoration to actively maintain tracks and roads through this high rainfall area. However, the income this land generates from the carbon scheme now allows for long term financial stability, securing the land and forest regeneration for future generations.