Biochar? No Thanks…Or So I Thought
April Newsletter | Read the full Global Biochar Industry Update
I remember the first time I heard about biochar.
I was working for a climate project developer focused on different environmental solutions, afforestation, mangroves and yes, biochar. Back then, I wasn’t particularly involved in the biochar side of things, which I thought was just fine. I wanted something more…“hands-on” with nature.
I’ll never forget when a colleague asked if I wanted to dive deeper into biochar, I waved it off with full (and very misplaced) confidence and ignorance: “Oh no, thank you. I want nothing to do with burnt-looking stuff.”
To me, biochar equaled industrial machinery, cold processes, and very little soul. I had no idea how wrong I was.
Life, of course, has a funny way of flipping the script and did what it does best; it put me exactly where I said I didn’t want to be. A few months later, I found myself working for a Swiss-Mexican collaboration whose main project? A biochar facility. Whether I wanted to or not, I was now working in biochar. Joke’s on me…
But instead of resisting, I started learning. And what I discovered was a regenerative solution for climate change mitigation, soil health, and circular systems that connect deeply with nature and with people. It wasn’t just about industrial machines; it was about restoring ecosystems, supporting communities, improving livelihoods, and creating tangible, local impact.
My journey with biochar was just beginning, and what an amazing one it’s been. Long story short: I ended up losing my heart to biochar.
At IBI, we know many people are still where I was: curious, skeptical, or simply unfamiliar. That’s why we’re committed to helping people understand biochar, from the basics to advanced applications. We do this through education, connection, and real-world engagement with communities around the globe.
Whether you’re just getting started or ready to go deeper into the world of biochar, we offer a range of learning opportunities, both online and in person. Here’s how you can connect with our work this year:
🌐 What is Biochar? (Free Introductory Course)
A great starting point to understand the basics of what biochar is, how it’s made, and why it matters.
🌐 All About Biochar (Comprehensive Online Course)
Explore biochar in-depth with modules covering production, application, carbon markets, and more.
🎓 Virtual Graduate Lecture Series
Dive into high-level biochar knowledge with lectures from top global experts and researchers.
💻 Upcoming Webinars
Whether you’re new to biochar or already immersed in the field, our webinars offer expert insights, real-world case studies, and community dialogue:
- [28 April] Bridging the Finance Gap: Impact Investing in Biochar’s Global Potential: Explore how investors are unlocking biochar’s potential and financing solutions around the world.
👉 Register - [6 May] Your Biochar, Certified: Understanding the World Biochar Certificate: Get clarity on certification pathways, processes, and what they mean for producers and buyers.
👉 Register - [26 June] Co-Organized Webinar with Oikocredit: This session is tailored for investors interested in financing biochar projects. Learn about biochar’s benefits, its role in climate mitigation and sustainable agriculture, barriers to scaling, ways to de-risk implementation, and emerging market opportunities.
👉 Registration opens soon – stay tuned!
Upcoming in-person events
Explore our on-the-ground learning opportunities happening around the world:
🇺🇸 Washington State Study Tour – August 11–15, 2025
Join us in Washington State for a multi-day immersion into biochar innovation in action. Visit a leading U.S. biochar facility, engage with researchers and practitioners, and experience how biochar is making a difference on the ground.
🏴 Wales Study Tour – August 20-22, 2025
Stay tuned for more details about this exciting opportunity to learn from biochar pioneers in the UK.
🇮🇳 India Biochar Academy – October 3–11, 2025
A week-long immersive educational program hosted at Kanha Shanti Vanam, featuring hands-on demonstrations, international speakers, and deep dives into biochar’s role in sustainable development.
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Whether you’re in industry, research, policy, or simply passionate about healing the land, I hope you’ll take a closer look at biochar. There’s a lot more to it than meets the eye.
Warmly,
Valeria Araico
Operations Manager