Boomitra, the Earthshot Prize-winning carbon removal company, has announced its first biomass-based project outside soil carbon efforts in Botswana. The Oasis Biomass Carbon Removal and Storage (BiCRS) project aims to restore degraded land by removing woody bush encroachment. The initiative plans to sequester over 200,000 tonnes of CO₂ and scale to cover 1 million hectares across Southern Africa.
The project focuses on transforming invasive woody biomass into a durable carbon sink, helping restore grazing lands and biodiversity. It involves removing bush encroachment, baling the biomass, and burying it in oxygen-free conditions underground. This process stores carbon for more than a century, reducing atmospheric CO₂.
Aadith Moorthy, CEO of Boomitra, described the project as a natural evolution for the company. He highlighted their expertise in soil carbon management, now applying it to biomass. Moorthy emphasized that the project addresses a significant land degradation problem while creating rural jobs.
Initially, the project will restore 10,000 hectares over ten years, removing over 200,000 tonnes of CO₂. It is designed to expand to over 1 million hectares regionally. The project adheres to best practices, passing a Preliminary Assessment with Puro.Earth, a standard for durable carbon removal. Boomitra will incorporate rigorous monitoring, including soil gas measurements, to ensure long-term integrity.
The approach is low-tech, energy-efficient, and suitable for remote areas, making it ideal for the Global South. The project also aims to restore ecosystems, improve soil productivity, and support local livelihoods.
Local partners include Brahmans Botswana, a land restoration company, and Namibia Resource Consultants, which specializes in regenerative agriculture. Sheldon Barnes of Brahmans Botswana described the project as an opportunity to restore balance between bush and grass, benefiting land and communities.
Boomitra’s expansion into biomass complements its existing soil carbon projects in multiple countries, supporting both ecosystems and climate goals.
