TotalEnergies Partners NativState To Save US Forests

In a major step towards nature-based climate solutions and sustainable forestry, TotalEnergies has signed a significant agreement with NativState, a forest carbon developer based in Arkansas. This partnership will protect about 100,000 hectares (247,000 acres) of forestland across four U.S. states: Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee. The collaboration aims to support sustainable land management, help small private landowners, and create high-quality carbon credits for long-term climate benefits.

The project involves 13 Improved Forest Management (IFM) initiatives, targeting over 280 privately owned family forest tracts. These landowners will receive support in forest management, technical education, and access to voluntary carbon markets. Historically, this area of the southern United States has experienced challenges related to extensive timber harvesting and land conversion for agriculture and development. This initiative seeks to change those trends by encouraging conservation and responsible land management.

Under this agreement, all carbon credits generated from the forest conservation projects will be certified by the American Carbon Registry (ACR), a respected and recognized carbon credit standard worldwide. TotalEnergies plans to use these verified credits starting in 2030 to offset its remaining Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions. This offset strategy is part of the company’s broader decarbonization plan, which focuses on avoiding and reducing emissions before relying on offsets.

Adrien Henry, Vice President of Nature-Based Solutions at TotalEnergies, spoke about the company's commitment to creating environmental and social value. “TotalEnergies confirms its commitment to support the conservation and improvement of carbon sinks while creating local value,” Henry said. “We are excited to support NativState in expanding their operations, which will directly benefit the environment and local communities.”

The collaboration extends beyond carbon markets. It combines several ecological and community-focused goals. Sustainable forestry practices promoted by the program include protecting high conservation value areas, improving streamside management to better protect water sources, increasing tree species diversity, and maintaining wildlife corridors that are essential for local biodiversity. These efforts are expected to strengthen the ecological resilience of the forests and enhance their ability to act as natural carbon sinks.

For participating forest owners, this initiative offers a valuable opportunity to keep their land while generating income from carbon credit sales. Many of these small landowners previously lacked the resources or access to carbon markets and relied on traditional logging practices. Support offered through this partnership includes educational resources, technical guidance, and access to the voluntary carbon market, helping landowners shift towards regenerative and climate-resilient land use.

Stuart Allen, Founder and CEO of NativState, expressed gratitude for the partnership and its potential for change. “At NativState, we are honored and thankful for our partnership with TotalEnergies and our forest landowner families. This creates incredible opportunities to build a lasting legacy for small forest landowners in our communities across the southern United States while helping TotalEnergies tackle the challenges of global energy markets,” Allen said. “It is a privilege to empower these landowners to adopt sustainable forestry practices, cultivating healthier lands and stronger communities for generations to come.”

This initiative aligns with TotalEnergies’ broader climate commitments, including a goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050, in accordance with the Paris Agreement. The company recently increased its investments in nature-based solutions, committing $100 million to sustainable forestry programs. These investments are part of its evolving strategy to support the transition to renewable energy and reduce its environmental footprint.

By working with local stakeholders, especially small-scale forest owners, the TotalEnergies-NativState partnership represents a model for corporate-led climate action focused on community empowerment and environmental care. It demonstrates how transparent and fair voluntary carbon markets can effectively address climate change while supporting livelihoods and protecting natural ecosystems.

This landmark project highlights the growing importance of nature-based solutions in the global energy transition and carbon neutrality strategies. It also serves as a guide for how large energy companies can partner with grassroots initiatives to achieve positive environmental outcomes, connecting global sustainability goals with local impacts.