On a mission to plant a trillion trees by 2050, Tree-Nation is making reforestation accessible to everyone through transparent, easy-to-track technology. As one of the most effective solutions to the climate crisis, we’re planting trees with Tree-Nation to restore forests, protect biodiversity, create employment opportunities, and support local communities around the world.
For each night booked using the SLH CLUB Members rate, SLH donates two trees with Tree-Nation, planting over 100,000 trees to date. As our forest continues to grow, we unearth the real-world effects of Tree-Nation’s ongoing projects with founder, Max Renaudin.
What’s the story behind Tree-Nation?
Tree-Nation started in 2006 with a commitment to contribute to the fight against climate change. Trees absorb large amounts of carbon at a very low cost, so planting stands out as one of the most effective solutions to the climate crisis. As the crisis intensifies, it’s clear that reducing emissions alone is too slow to prevent its short-term effects. Carbon capture solutions like reforestation are essential to give us the time needed to transition to a sustainable economy.
I founded Tree-Nation to make reforestation accessible to everyone. I envisioned a platform that would connect people from all over the world with reforestation projects, enabling them to take direct action and plant trees with a few clicks. From the start, it was about democratising tree planting. Whether you’re an individual wanting to contribute to sustainability or a company looking to offset your carbon footprint, Tree-Nation makes it easy to get involved and track your impact. Our platform allows users to plant trees virtually and see the real-world effect of their contributions, right down to the location of their trees.
Tell us about your latest reforestation projects?
It’s important to note that each project is unique, offering different benefits to the environment and local communities through various methods of tree planting.
Our latest projects include Climate Smart Forests in Romania, Bosques de Agua in Argentina, and the Preservation of Mt. Elgon Ecosystem in Uganda. These projects take different approaches to restoring their local environments.
Climate Smart Forests in Romania focuses on restoring forests damaged by strong winds while protecting local wildlife, with active community involvement through volunteering and educational programs. Regular updates show how animals like bears, wild boars, and deer are interacting with the newly planted forests.
Bosques de Agua in Argentina works to restore the Tabaquillo tree forests in Córdoba’s highlands, aiming to conserve and improve one of the region’s main water reservoirs, hence the name ‘Water Forests’.
For the preservation of Mt. Elgon Ecosystem in Uganda, we partner with local farmers to grow trees, promoting sustainable livelihoods and reducing the need for logging. The project also introduces alternative income sources, such as beekeeping, which supports both livelihoods and conservation efforts.
Our platform allows users to plant trees virtually and see the real-world effect of their contributions, right down to the location of their trees.
What factors do you consider when selecting your reforestation projects?
Our platform is designed to maximise positive impact across three key areas: trees planted, biodiversity, and social welfare. This approach allows us to embrace a wide variety of projects, rather than focusing solely on high-volume tree planting in a few locations.
To ensure we select the right projects, we have developed a requirements-based methodology to evaluate them fairly. We focus on three main categories: environmental impact, socio-economic benefits for local communities, and the quality of project management.
Where have you seen the most positive impact from tree-planting? And how does this benefit local communities?
We’ve seen the most significant positive impact from tree-planting in regions like North and South America, Africa, and Asia, where we manage 52 reforestation projects. In Bolivia, trees are used as “windshields” to protect crops, improve soil health, and reduce the need for deforestation. In Tanzania and Uganda, agroforestry projects provide free fruit trees, training, and income opportunities for local farmers, while also restoring forests. These efforts not only enhance ecosystems but also improve local livelihoods by creating sustainable agricultural practices and economic opportunities for communities.
Your company is renowned for innovation and creating many tools — are there any new initiatives in the pipeline that you’re particularly excited about?
At Tree-Nation, innovation is central to making reforestation more accessible and impactful. Two key initiatives we’re excited about are the recently launched Tree-Nation Pledge and the Tree Feed, which is still in preparation. The Pledge is a subscription model that allows individuals and businesses to automate monthly tree planting and carbon offsetting, making climate action easier and more consistent. The Tree Feed is an interactive feature, much like a social media feed, where users can explore trees planted by others and even plant alongside them. Both initiatives aim to enhance user engagement and empower our sponsors to amplify their impact.
What actions do you think luxury travellers can take to support reforestation?
A great way for luxury travellers to contribute is by adopting the habit of planting trees as part of their trips. Through our #1Trip1Tree planting habit, for example, we recommend planting at least one tree, per person, per day, for every journey taken. This simple approach offsets emissions from flights, transport, and hotel stays without complex calculations, turning travel into a climate-positive action.
In addition to reforestation efforts, travellers can support sustainable practices by prioritising low-impact activities. This means choosing nature-based experiences like visiting local parks or natural reserves, rather than just focusing on popular cultural attractions. When travelling with children, it’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with the natural beauty of the destination, fostering an appreciation for local ecosystems while minimising your environmental footprint.
How would you encourage travellers to find a deeper connection with nature on holiday, and in everyday life?
Every city I visit or revisit, I usually end up walking through their parks and gardens. While we sometimes get caught up in checking off famous landmarks, we overlook the quieter, green spaces. Yet, whether it’s the El Retiro Park in Madrid, the English Garden in Munich, or the Jardin des Tuileries in Paris, these are the places where locals gather to relax whenever there is a bit of sunshine.
For me, cities can feel claustrophobic, so I’ve always tried to live near a park or a forest. The simplest way to maintain a connection with nature is to have it nearby.
Which destination would you recommend conscious travellers visit in 2025, and why?
Rather than ticking off the usual Instagram bucket list of overcrowded spots like Venice, consider visiting lesser-touristic places that allow for deeper connections with nature and local culture. Instead of picking a destination, you can pick an experience. Discovering a boutique, family-run stay with Small Luxury Hotels, then finding out what to visit around it, is an interesting way to do it.
What does sustainable luxury travel mean to you?
Travel is about discovering new cultures and being inspired by what’s different. The best experiences come from immersing yourself in local life—enjoying local food, participating in traditional activities, and connecting with the community. These authentic experiences naturally have a smaller environmental footprint and directly support the local economy. True luxury in travel is the humble opportunity to uncover the genuine essence of a place.
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