In a world where climate change is not just a looming threat but a present-day crisis, the power of reforestation as a climate solution cannot be overstated. While planting trees may seem like a traditional approach to combating carbon emissions, when done thoughtfully and at scale, it becomes a transformative act—one that addresses environmental, social, and economic challenges all at once.
Enter NEC Indonesia, a forward-thinking tech company proving that corporate climate action doesn’t have to stop at innovation and energy efficiency. In December 2022, the company undertook an ambitious reforestation initiative in Sukaresmi and Sukaharja Villages, located in Sukamakmur District of Bogor Regency. This initiative serves as a powerful case study of how businesses can drive positive climate action, while improving livelihoods and enhancing biodiversity.
A Deeply Rooted Commitment: 6,250 Trees, 10.5 Hectares
In a gesture that goes far beyond symbolic greenwashing, NEC Indonesia planted a total of 6,250 trees across 10.5 hectares of land. This green expanse now serves as a living, breathing legacy of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) ethos. But the trees are more than just a landscape change; they represent a multi-dimensional approach to climate action.
Carbon Sequestration at Work:
According to allometric calculations, which scientifically estimate carbon uptake based on tree species and size, the projected carbon absorption capacity of these trees over their lifetime is a remarkable 710 tons of CO₂ equivalent (CO₂eq). This is not merely a theoretical contribution—these trees are actively pulling harmful emissions from the atmosphere, one leaf at a time.
The Tangible Climate and Community Benefits
What makes this program so effective isn’t just the number of trees planted—it’s the long-term, multi-stakeholder impact that defines its success. NEC Indonesia’s initiative provides a clear blueprint for any organization or local government aiming to integrate environmental action with social empowerment.
1. Cooling Urban Heat and Improving Air Quality
The 10.5-hectare addition of green cover has already had a cooling effect on the surrounding villages. As climate-related heat extremes grow more frequent in Southeast Asia, urban reforestation like this plays a vital role in temperature regulation. Cleaner air, thanks to improved oxygen release and pollutant filtering by the trees, has made local living conditions significantly healthier.
2. Water Resource Management
Tree roots are nature’s hydrologists. They improve soil water retention, reduce erosion, and contribute to natural aquifer replenishment. NEC’s green expansion has positively influenced local water cycles, helping communities become more resilient to erratic rainfall patterns and water scarcity—two symptoms of the global climate crisis.
3. Boosting Local Economies
What sets NEC Indonesia’s effort apart is its fusion of ecological restoration with economic development. Many of the trees planted include fruit-bearing and timber species, such as avocado, durian, mango, teak, mahogany, and sengon. These Multi-Purpose Tree Species (MPTS) will provide:
- Income for farmers through seasonal fruit harvests
- Employment opportunities in tree care and management
- Future timber resources, which can be harvested sustainably for economic value
“We hope this program supports both environmental conservation and social value creation,” stated Joji Yamamoto, President Director of NEC Indonesia.
Tree Health and Growth Monitoring: A Model of Transparency
Sustainability is not a one-time act—it’s a continuous commitment. That’s why NEC Indonesia has implemented rigorous monitoring practices to track tree survival and growth. According to findings from the third monitoring phase:
- Timber trees (like Teak and Mahogany) have grown to heights between 2.15 and 3.25 meters, with trunk diameters of 2.35 to 4.47 cm
- Fruit-bearing trees (MPTS) have reached 1.25 to 2.15 meters in height, with trunk diameters between 1.53 and 3.05 cm
The health of these trees reflects both careful planting strategy and long-term ecological viability.
NEC 2030Vision: More Than a Mission Statement
This entire project aligns with the company’s broader NEC 2030Vision, which places environmental sustainability at the heart of its corporate strategy. This vision reflects a growing trend in tech-for-good innovation: using not only software and hardware, but natural systems as essential infrastructure in the climate fight.
“At NEC Indonesia, we view sustainability not only as technological innovation but also as a commitment to preserving the environment for future generations,” said Yamamoto.
NEC’s blend of tech leadership and community-driven ecological work is setting an example that other corporations in Southeast Asia—and around the world—would do well to follow.
Actionable Climate Tips Inspired by NEC Indonesia’s Program
Inspired to act? Whether you're a business leader, municipal planner, or concerned citizen, NEC’s reforestation program offers replicable, meaningful steps for positive climate impact:
For Businesses:
- Invest in localized reforestation programs tied to carbon offset strategies
- Select tree species that provide community economic value (fruit or timber)
- Engage employees or customers through participatory tree-planting initiatives
- Monitor growth and report outcomes transparently to build public trust
For Communities:
- Partner with local NGOs, companies, or government to restore degraded land
- Choose a mix of tree species—native hardwoods and fruit trees—to maximize biodiversity
- Educate youth and local farmers on tree care, climate change, and conservation
For Individuals:
- Support tree-planting organizations financially or by volunteering
- Plant trees in home gardens or neighborhood parks
- Advocate for green zones and urban forestry in your local councils
Final Thought: Climate Action Grows From the Ground Up
NEC Indonesia’s 6,250-tree initiative reminds us that real climate impact is deeply rooted—in soil, in community engagement, and in long-term vision. Their reforestation program not only pulls carbon from the air but sows prosperity, resilience, and biodiversity into the lives of those most affected by environmental change.
Let’s take a page from NEC’s book and remember: when we plant a tree, we don’t just restore a forest—we restore our future.
Thank you for reading!
