Gregory Shteto , Leland K Werden, Manon Villa, James Tiburcio, Emira Cherif

Introduction: Afforestation, Reforestation, and Revegetation (ARR) projects are key to global reforestation targets under frameworks like the Paris Agreement and the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. However, manual planting remains labor-intensive and costly, limiting large-scale restoration. UAV-assisted direct seeding offers a scalable alternative, yet its carbon sequestration and cost-efficiency remain underexplored.

Objectives: This study assesses UAV-assisted direct seeding as a cost-effective alternative to manual planting for tropical and subtropical reforestation. We compare early-stage CO2 sequestration, model long-term sequestration potential, and evaluate economic feasibility.

Methods: Over 2.5 years, we measured CO2 sequestration in trees established via UAV-assisted direct seeding and manual planting. A cost analysis compared implementation expenses, and long-term modeling projected carbon capture and financial feasibility.

Results: From 18 months onward, CO2 sequestration rates were comparable between UAV-assisted direct seeding and manual planting. Long-term modeling supports UAV-assisted direct seeding as a viable strategy for sustained carbon sequestration. Cost analysis indicates planting costs are 2.5 to 7.8 times lower than manual methods.

Conclusions: UAV-assisted direct seeding achieves similar carbon sequestration benefits as manual planting while significantly reducing costs. This approach facilitates large-scale reforestation by improving financial feasibility.

Implications for Practice: This study serves as a proof of concept demonstrating that UAV-assisted direct seeding is a viable alternative for carbon sequestration. By achieving comparable sequestration rates to manual planting at significantly lower costs, this approach enhances the financial feasibility of reforestation projects. Lower establishment costs not only improve accessibility to carbon financing but also increase the potential for generating more carbon credits per investment. This could make reforestation more attractive within the Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM), particularly for small-scale landowners and restoration practitioners. Additionally, UAV technology enables reforestation in degraded or remote areas where manual planting is impractical, expanding the range of viable restoration sites. By reducing cost barriers and increasing scalability, UAV-assisted direct seeding can support larger, more inclusive carbon sequestration efforts, reinforcing its role as an effective tool for climate mitigation and restoration at scale.