Amazon has announced a major investment in one of the world's largest nature-based carbon removal projects in South Africa's Eastern Cape. The project involves planting 180 million spekboom shrubs across 50,000 hectares of degraded land, an area more than twice the size of Seattle. Spekboom is a native succulent that absorbs carbon at rates comparable to young tropical forests while restoring soil health and bringing back native wildlife. Amazon will purchase 1.95 million tonnes of carbon removal credits from the project over more than a decade. The project is expected to create 11,000 jobs by 2030 and generate over $500 million in economic value for local communities. It already holds a 'AA.pre' rating from BeZeroCarbon, one of the highest ratings for afforestation projects. The World Bank has also launched a Spekboom Outcome Bond backed by Amazon's long-term credit purchase commitment. Phase one with 30 million plants on 10,000 hectares has been underway since April 2024. This investment supports Amazon's Climate Pledge goal to reach net-zero carbon by 2040. The project uses spekboom cuttings planted directly into soil, making large-scale restoration practical. It carries both ABACUS and CCB certifications, meeting high standards for nature-based carbon removal. The United Nations has named spekboom restoration a World Restoration Flagship initiative.
