180 million plants, 11,000 jobs: Amazon backs landmark carbon removal project

01 / 07 / 2026

By Marwa Nassar - -

Amazon is investing in one of the world’s largest nature-based carbon removal projects, supporting the restoration of more than 50,000 hectares of degraded land in South Africa’s Eastern Cape through the planting of 180 million spekboom shrubs while creating around 11,000 jobs by 2030.

The company has committed to purchase 1.95 million tons of high-quality nature-based carbon removal credits generated by the project over more than a decade, providing long-term financial backing for the restoration initiative.

180 million spekboom plants to restore degraded ecosystems:

By the end of 2028, the project will plant 180 million spekboom cuttings across the Eastern Cape to restore the Albany thicket ecosystem, which has been degraded by years of land use.

Native to the region, spekboom is known for its ability to remove carbon from the atmosphere at rates comparable to young tropical forests. The plant also improves soil health, restores moisture, and creates conditions for native grasses, shrubs, trees, and wildlife to return. The restoration effort will transform an area more than twice the size of the city of Seattle.

11,000 jobs, over $500 million in local economic value:

The project is expected to create around 11,000 jobs by 2030 in one of South Africa’s most economically disadvantaged regions.

It will also train local businesses in ecological restoration and generate more than $500 million in economic value through wages, procurement, landowner payments, and community investment.

Amazon commits to 1.95 million tons of carbon removal credits:

Amazon will purchase 1.95 million tons of carbon removal credits generated by the project over more than a decade. The long-term commitment enabled the World Bank to launch the Spekboom Outcome Bond, providing investors with confidence that there would be a buyer for the project’s future carbon credits.

The credits will carry both the ABACUS label and Climate, Community & Biodiversity (CCB) certification and will be available for qualified companies through Amazon’s carbon credit service.

Project already underway:

The restoration initiative is already in progress. Its first phase, launched in April 2024, includes 30 million spekboom plants across 10,000 hectares. Amazon’s investment will expand the program by restoring more than 50,000 hectares over the coming years.

The project has received a ‘AA.pre’ Standalone Rating from BeZeroCarbon, indicating a high likelihood that its carbon credits represent real, verified carbon dioxide removal.

The initiative forms part of Amazon’s efforts to achieve net-zero carbon across its operations by 2040 under The Climate Pledge.