Spotlight on... Restore Forest with Jean-Baptiste Chaudron

Tell us a bit about yourself ? Who are you ?

I come from a family of foresters and farmers in the North East of France. I planted my first tree when I was 5 years old, so I've had this passion for trees for 35 years now.

At the same time, I have always loved science and I became an engineer in Energy Efficiency. I have had an exciting career in international companies, from start-ups to large corporations.

How did you come up with the idea for Restore Forest ?

During a family Christmas lunch... During the "Débat à la Française" part, we asked ourselves what we could do concretely for the climate. A few days earlier, I had seen a YouTube video from the World Economic Forum. The video highlighted cities that were planting Miyawaki mini-forests to adapt to global warming. I made a commitment to study the Miyawaki technique in depth. A few months later, we planted our first Miyawaki mini-forest as a family!

As I shared this experience with others, several people and communities asked me to join them in doing the same thing. When my wife was transferred to Amsterdam, I decided to make this my full-time business and set up the company in the Netherlands "Restore Forest".

What is a Miyawaki mini forest ?

It is a forest planted according to the technique developed by the Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki. In the 1970s, Akira Miyawaki first studied nature. He wanted to understand how virgin forests develop naturally. The Miyawaki technique produces dense, varied, multi-stage mini-forests, using only native species.

What is the goal of Restore Forest ?

Restore Forest helps individuals, companies (CSR policy) and communities to plant mini-forests. From 70 m², we can bring nature back to the city, on unused spaces or lawns that require maintenance. We can create islands of freshness and biodiversity in our immediate environment. And even on the side of our company buildings or factories. The benefits are numerous:

- Improved air quality
- Reduction of energy costs for heating and cooling
- Refuge for biodiversity
- Well-being for employees

What is your area of operation ?  

     
We manage turnkey planting projects in the Benelux, Hauts-de-France and the Grand-Est.

For projects further afield, I also provide 1:1 remote support. At the moment, for example, I advise project owners in Morocco, Canada and Brazil.

What is your relationship with the CCI France Netherlands ?

The CCI was very helpful in setting up in the Netherlands. During the creation of the company, coaching with Sarah HAÏLÉ-FIDA helped us understand how to create the structure and launch the business in the Netherlands.

And the CCI events also allow us to create connections and exchange ideas during fun times.

Restore Forest 

Jean-Baptiste Chaudron