DoTERRA Plants 500,000 Trees, Sowing Positive Seeds of Change in Hawaii

doTERRA’s Hawaiian reforestation project hits a major milestone.

In the lush oasis of Hawaii’s Big Island, a green revolution is taking root. DoTERRA, the essential oils giant, has reached a significant milestone in its ambitious reforestation project. The company has successfully planted over 500,000 native trees at the Kealakekua Mountain Reserve, marking the halfway point of its goal to plant 1 million by 2030.

The KMR project, launched in 2018, spans an impressive 9,627 acres. DoTERRA’s partnership with the Hawaiian government aims to conserve and protect remnants of the native forest while rebuilding an ecosystem threatened by centuries of over-logging and grazing.

The effort is the largest reforestation project in Hawaii, with many locals rolling up their sleeves to carefully plant seedling after seedling back into Hawaii’s fertile earth.

Beyond Planting: The Ripple Effects of DoTERRA’s Reforestation Project

Greg Hendrickson, general manager of KMR, expressed his enthusiasm for the project’s progress. “Reaching the halfway point to our 2030 goal has been an amazing collective effort involving our community, partner organizations, and the incredibly committed team at KMR,” he said in a press release. 

The impact of this reforestation effort extends beyond the trees themselves. Hendrickson noted that the project has already begun to heal the land and encourage the return of native birds. 

One of the key components of the KMR project is the sustainable harvesting and distillation of ‘Iliahi, or Hawaiian sandalwood. This practice allows doTERRA to produce a highly valued essential oil while simultaneously supporting the growth of other native Hawaiian species.

“I’ve always believed that in order for a forest to be productive, it needed to be protected,” Hendrickson said in a video. “But in order for it to be protected, it needed to be productive. The resources we get from the oil are put right back into this forest.”

The company’s commitment to responsible sourcing and environmental restoration hasn’t gone unnoticed. In 2021, doTERRA received the SEAL Environmental Initiative Award for its work in native forest restoration, including its efforts with ‘Iliahi.

“The ethical and sustainable sourcing of ‘iliahi (Hawaiian sandalwood) at KMR requires a commitment to restore the natural habitat that previously existed on the land, and to do so in a way that reverences the remarkable culture of the Hawaiian Islands,” Hendrickson said in a LinkedIn post shared by doTERRA. “KMR is helping ‘iliahi and other native Hawaiian species thrive once more.”

The KMR initiative is not simply about planting trees. DoTERRA has developed a comprehensive management plan in partnership with the Hawaii State Division of Forestry and Wildlife. This plan aims to reestablish a healthy native forest, ensuring that the reforestation efforts have long-lasting effects.

The company also established a nursery that supplies the trees for the KMR project and serves as a valuable resource for other conservation efforts in the region.

DoTERRA’s approach to sourcing and sustainability isn’t limited to the borders of Hawaii. The company’s Co-Impact Sourcing model partners with local growers around the world, emphasizing fair wages, sustainable practices, and community development.

The success of the KMR project thus far is encouraging, but the work is far from over. With a goal of planting 600,000 trees by the end of 2024, doTERRA is on track to surpass its 2030 target. 

“We are proud to be part of this prestigious group of organizations and individuals who are doing what it takes to make our world a better place,” doTERRA posted on LinkedIn.

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