Training the Future of the Biochar Industry
This June, International Biochar Initiative (IBI) launched the inaugural Biochar Academy: an in-person and online learning project modeling a train-the-trainers education approach to develop a global biochar workforce.
The IBI Biochar Academy provides direct training for farmers, agriculture extension agents, policymakers, climate-smart agriculture organizational staff, climate project developers, and researchers interested in practical knowledge.
Conceptualized and organized by IBI Board Chair, Kathleen Draper, the two-week event was taught by nearly two dozen of the world’s foremost biochar experts from academia and industry.
The Academy attracted an exceptional first global cohort of 37 professionals representing 20 countries. The participants got an opportunity to connect with biochar leaders, share their unique perspectives and knowledge, and build life-long connections with fellow participants to work together for the growth of the global biochar industry.
The impact of the Biochar Academy is perhaps best represented by testimonials from some of our students:
Dima Darraz | an environmentally conscious professional with a focus on sustainability and circular economy
I’m thrilled to share that I’ve been selected as one of the fortunate 10 scholars to join the International Biochar Initiative First Biochar Academy, held in New York! This train-the-trainers education opportunity is designed to foster the growth of the global biochar workforce, and I couldn’t be more grateful to be a part of it.
I want to express my deepest gratitude to IBI for selecting me among numerous talented individuals. It’s an honor to be recognized for my dedication to environmental causes, and be surrounded by like-minded professionals who share the same passion for the environment!
Chirag B. Virani | Co-Founder at Sparkle Innovations, Co-Founder at United World Foundation
It has been an incredible week of learning and sharing so far at the International Biochar Initiative biochar academy at Canandaigua, New York.
What a great opportunity to connect with like-minded people from over 20 countries and learn more about the biochar industry, production technologies and explore a wide variety of applications for biochar.
Thank you Kathleen Draper (IBI Board Chair) for giving me an opportunity to share my views on how carbonization and transforming used sanitary pads and diapers into biochar might be one of the best solutions for the sustainable disposal of over 50 million tons of absorbent hygiene products waste that is generated globally every year.
Inés Serra Baucells | CEO & Founder BIOSORRA
Attending the Biochar Academy has been the best learning investment we could have done as early stage biochar startup — I’m still not aware about the potential this will have in my professional and personal life! Thanks IBI, USBI (IBI Biochar Academy Lead Sponsor), Prof Lehmann and supporters for the passion, knowledge, science and expertise and for giving me now a challenging time to figure out all the impact potential to deploy after this!
Learning Objectives and Curriculum Themes
The Biochar Academy launched at a two-week, in-person education event in upstate New York, US. Using the curriculum developed for the Biochar Academy, IBI will launch the Biochar eAcademy with this same educational content on an asynchronous platform, with curriculum offered in multiple languages.
The Biochar Academy and Biochar eAcademy students:
- Learn from biochar experts from Cornell University, Rochester Institute of Technology, and global biochar experts who will teach about the history, current state and future of biochar research, commercial activity and opportunities for farmers, producers and others in the biochar eco-system.
- Gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between biochar, climate change and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
- Learn about the growing number of biochar production technologies, their co-products, scaling potential and more.
- Understand the carbon removal marketplace and opportunities for biochar producers and for small shareholder farmers.
- Network with other biochar stakeholders working in research, farmer education, carbon removal markets, biochar production and market development.
- Learn how to train others on how to make and use biochar.
Stay informed about the Biochar eAcademy by filling out this short form.
Would you like to offer the Biochar eAcademy to employees, students, and/or customers? Are you interested in helping us amplify the impact of Biochar eAcademy?
Join us as we are actively seeking partners who can connect us with local communities and organizations as well as with potential funding opportunities. If you are interested in collaborating, please reach out to our Development Manager, Mehdeen Abbasi at m.abbasi@biochar-international.org.
During the Biochar Academy, IBI and New York Soil Health held a “Field Days” event that was open to additional attendees as well as the Academy students.
More than 100 participants, alongside the Biochar Academy students, came to learn about biochar use in climate smart agriculture, including:
- Where and how to apply biochar, as well as how much and when
- How to access financial assistance to use biochar
- National biochar and climate initiatives
- CPS 336 and WSS dynamic soil properties response to biochar tool
- Biochar application for manure management and uses in horticultural mixes
- Biochar Atlas Decision Support Tool to learn about different biochars for different applications
The “Field Days” event included a biochar production demo and a visit to Cornell University along with other projects in the region, as well as a networking event to increase biochar industry connections.
Stay Informed: Biochar eAcademy Launch
Biochar, as a sustainable and multi-purpose climate solution technology, can help build resilience in local communities that are high-risk and sensitive to the impacts of climate change. Our goal is to continue this education program by creating eLearning modules, making the Academy curriculum more accessible to a global audience who can apply this knowledge to help their local communities.
Stay informed about the Biochar eAcademy by filling out this short form.
Would you like to offer the Biochar eAcademy to employees, students, and/or customers? Are you interested in helping us amplify the impact of biochar eAcademy?
Join us as we are actively seeking partners who can connect us with local communities and organizations as well as with potential funding opportunities. If you are interested in collaborating, please reach out to our Development Manager, Mehdeen Abbasi at m.abbasi@biochar-international.org.
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