20 Years of Pioneering Biochar

Celebrating two decades of the International Biochar Initiative (2006-2026).

Past, Present, and Future

This year, the International Biochar Initiative  marks its 20th anniversary.  

Over the past two decades, IBI, together with its leaders and community, has been at the forefront of advancing the understanding and development of biochar. What began as a pioneering vision 20 years ago  has now become a reality. 

As we celebrate this anniversary of our organization, we’re also launching the next era of global scale for biochar: the next 20 years as we hope to see them.

All year long, we invite you to dive into our legacy, hear from our members, and participate in the celebration through content, events, and more.

Watch a Message from our Board Chair

Join our celebration!

Explore the Biochar Story All Year Long

Follow the journey as we release a new chapter every two months.

Founders Series All About Biochar Climate Change President Series Member Stories Add Yours

Chapter One

The Founder Series

Guided by the legacy of our ancestors and the wisdom of nature, a small group of pioneers chose to believe in something few could yet see. This series honors those early voices who asked the first questions, built the first connections, and dared to imagine a different path forward.

More From our Founders

When did you first hear the word biochar? – Prof. Stephen Joseph

The Journey

Starting with a small workshop in Philadelphia, USA to becoming a global movement, IBI has been shaping the future of biochar solutions since 2006.

2006
During the 18th World Congress of Soil Science in Philadelphia, USA, a dedicated side workshop titled "Biochar as a Soil Amendment" brought together a small but visionary group of scientists and policy experts.
2007
Terrigal, Australia. The movement formally convened at the 1st International Agrichar Conference in New South Wales. 107 attendees from 13 countries voted unanimously to establish the organization as a non-profit.
2012-2015
Defining the Material. As the industry grew, so did the need for quality assurance. IBI launched the Standardized Product Definition and Product Testing Guidelines for Biochar, the world's first international material standard for biochar.
2018
The IPCC Milestone. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special Report on 1.5°C (SR15) officially listed biochar as a promising Negative Emission Technology (NET) and a Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) tool.
2023
New York & The Global Stage. The industry signaled its transition to commercial scale with the launch of the first Biochar Academy in Canandaigua, NY, and the release of the Global Biochar Market Report.
2024
IBI launches a new brand and logo to align with the modern needs of a growing industry.
2026
20 Years of Growth. We celebrate two decades of science, advocacy, and community. From a side-meeting in Philadelphia to a global industry, IBI stands ready for the next chapter.

20 years of memories

A crowd-sourced photo album
Add Your Photos to the Album!
Add Yours – Get Involved
Tell Your Biochar Story The history of IBI is written by its members. Add your voice to our "pass the torch" series. Share your IBI Memories! Contribute to our crowd-sourced photo album by uploading your pictures from your time at an IBI event or program! Give $20+ for 20 Years To celebrate our 20th Anniversary, we are inviting our community to chip in $20 (or more).

Take the Pledge

Copy, paste, and edit to your liking!

“Celebrating 20 years of impact with the International Biochar Initiative! I support the mission to empower communities and inspire industries to build healthier, equitable economies through biochar. Here’s to a resilient future for all. 🌍🌱 #IBI20”
🦋 Post Pledge on Bluesky

More Chapters Coming Soon!

Building the Field
Driven by a shared purpose, poeple across disciplines came together not for recognition, but to make it work. This was a time of building from scratch: testing, failing, learning, and trying again. This is the story of those who laid the foundations of the organization — and the biochar industry; fueled by effort, collaboration, and a deep belief that this had to happen.
Coming Soon
Climate in Action
As biochar gained validation across science, policy, and climate frameworks, new doors began to open. What started as an idea is now part of a global conversation: a nature-based solution with the power to regenerate soils, capture carbon, and reshape how we think about climate change action.
Coming Soon
The Presidents Series
This is a moment to look back, and move forward. To recognize the leadership, dedication, and collective effort that brought us here. But more importantly, to embrace the legacy and accelerate what comes next. The path is clearer than ever, and the invitation is open: to be part of what's coming and to build the future together.
Coming Soon
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