Bringing Order to Impact: How Operations Drive Change

February 2025 | Read the full Global Biochar Industry Update

Biochar is a simple idea at its core: transforming organic waste into a material that sequesters carbon and enriches soil. But its impact is complex.

Mainstreaming the production of biochar will help humanity make progress toward resolving some of the world’s most pressing problems, such as GHG emissions and food insecurity. In a world in which rapid political and environmental change exacerbate these problems, biochar reminds us that meaningful change begins with small, deliberate actions that are rooted in a tangible purpose.?

We design and implement projects at IBI to demonstrate how data and collaboration can impact industries, communities, and ecosystems. It’s inspiring to be part of a mission that brings together so many people and ideas, all working toward the shared goal of shaping a more sustainable future. As we look ahead to IBI’s 2024–2030 Strategic Plan, we’re focused on scaling biochar solutions, empowering communities, and driving advocacy and education initiatives. From creating corporate partnerships to developing industry roadmaps and increasing awareness, we aim to make meaningful strides toward a healthier planet for all.

We pursue these bold goals in the real world of people, money, and institutions. Even if our vision is grand, our work is practical. I’ve always been aware of the benefits of structure and planning. This is my professional comfort zone. I find it very satisfying to prioritize goals, and then create strategies and organize tasks to achieve them. I look for clarity in numbers and budgets. And unless there is unexpected good news, I don’t like surprises.?

What makes IBI’s work meaningful to me is being able to apply this approach to actions that matter. I don’t organize simply for the sake of organizing. My efforts to bring order to the world of biochar address the biggest challenges we face: agricultural productivity, waste management, and climate change. At IBI, operations are at the heart of everything we do.?

Whether it’s organizing a global event, supporting a key institutional partnership, ensuring efficient financial management, or sharing knowledge, we carry out practical and cost-effective operations to create opportunities for networking, learning, and growth. Operations often take place behind the scenes. They make it possible for those working on the frontlines to turn knowledge into action and drive real change. These efforts maximize the potential to produce biochar at scale and to realize large-scale economic and environmental benefits for communities, regions and our planet as a whole.

We’d love to hear about how you’re contributing to the biochar movement. Are you working on a project that aligns with IBI’s mission or inspires meaningful change? Let’s connect and make 2025 a year of collaboration, innovation, and progress for biochar.

Warmly,

Valeria Araico , Operations Manager