How SilviaTerra is Democratizing Carbon Offsets for Landowners Worldwide
The Mission to Bridge Carbon Markets and Small Landowners
Zack Parisa and Max Nova, co-founders of SilviaTerra, have spent a decade developing innovative solutions to make carbon offset revenue accessible to landowners of all sizes. As corporate commitments to decarbonization surge—with billions pledged toward forestry credits—their work is becoming increasingly vital in the fight against climate change.
Key Climate Challenges and Forest Potential
- Carbon Cycle Imbalance: Humanity adds ~5 gigatons of carbon annually to the atmosphere, accelerating global warming.
- Forests as Carbon Sinks: Existing forests absorb over 1 gigaton of CO₂ yearly, with potential to scale to 4-5 gigatons through conservation and reforestation (Nature Conservancy estimates suggest up to 9 gigatons).
From Alabama Woods to a $4.4M Funding Round
The founders’ journey began in Northern Alabama, where Parisa grew up surrounded by forests. After studying forestry at Mississippi State and Yale, he partnered with computer scientist Max Nova to create SilviaTerra. Their vision? To balance timber economics with carbon markets using cutting-edge technology.
SilviaTerra co-founders Max Nova and Zack Parisa. Image Credit: SilviaTerra
Revolutionary Forest Mapping Technology
Basemap: America’s First Comprehensive Forest Inventory
- Satellite + Field Data: Combines high-resolution imagery with ground measurements to catalog tree species/sizes per acre.
- Microsoft Partnership: Leveraged AI for Earth’s resources to process terabytes of data.
- USFS Collaboration: Integrated U.S. Forestry Service datasets for unparalleled accuracy.
The Natural Capital Exchange
This innovative platform addresses critical industry flaws:
- Fraud Prevention: Ensures offsets fund additional forestation, not pre-existing trees.
- Small Landowner Access: Reduces project costs from $200k to feasible levels for 40-acre plots.
- Microsoft Pilot Success: 20 Pennsylvania landowners participated in a 2019 proof-of-concept.
Landowners in SilviaTerra’s carbon offset pilot. Image Credit: SilviaTerra
Beyond Carbon: Wildfire Mitigation and Economic Shifts
SilviaTerra’s data tools also support:
- Wildfire Risk Reduction: Identifying vulnerable forest areas.
- Timber Economics: Helping landowners compare harvest revenue vs. carbon credit potential.
“We’re creating a money pump from coastal America to middle America,” says Parisa, highlighting how carbon markets can become a new “cash crop” for rural communities.
The Competitive Landscape and Policy Tailwinds
While compe*****s like Pachama and South Pole operate in similar spaces, SilviaTerra distinguishes itself through:
- Granular Data Accuracy: Unique species/size-level forest insights.
- Small-Scale Focus: Democratizing access for non-industrial landowners.
With the Biden administration exploring a Carbon Bank via the USDA, the company is well-positioned to capitalize on growing policy support for agricultural carbon projects.
Why This Matters
By aligning environmental benefits with economic incentives, SilviaTerra is reshaping how forests are valued—not just for timber, but as living climate solutions.
📚 Featured Products & Recommendations
Discover our carefully selected products that complement this article’s topics:
🛍️ Featured Product 1: 6-in-1 Dog Shampoo and Conditioner for Itchy Skin, Made in USA – 20oz Vet Formula Natural Medicated Best for De-Shedding, Itch Relief, Smelly Odor…
Image: Premium product showcase
Advanced 6-in-1 dog shampoo and conditioner for itchy skin, made in usa – 20oz vet formula natural medicated best for de-shedding, itch relief, smelly odor… engineered for excellence with proven reliability and outstanding results.
Key Features:
- Premium materials and construction
- User-friendly design and operation
- Reliable performance in various conditions
- Comprehensive quality assurance
🔗 View Product Details & Purchase
💡 Need Help Choosing? Contact our expert team for personalized product recommendations!
