Earth Repair in Action: Launching the TSHADE Restoration Carbon Project in Sri Lanka 🇱🇰

We’re proud to share that Earth Systems, in partnership with Hayleys Plantations, officially commenced the pilot phase of the Tea Shade Development and Ecological (TSHADE) Restoration Carbon Project in early June 2025.

This 100-hectare pilot is being implemented in the Gouravilla and Mahanilu zones of Horan Plantations and marks the beginning of a bold, science-backed journey to restore and regenerate Sri Lanka’s tea landscapes. 

Key features of the pilot include:

• Establishing shade trees in tea plantations to boost soil health and tea productivity

• Restoring riverine buffer zones and adjacent leopard corridors

• Incorporating cutting-edge satellite and geotagging technology for carbon monitoring and verification

• This is the first step in a visionary plan to restore 50% of Sri Lanka’s tea-growing land (approximately 100,000 hectares) over the next eight years. 

The TSHADE Project is now listed on Verra VCS pipeline and will also pursue Climate, Community & Biodiversity (CCB) certification to ensure high-integrity carbon outcomes that benefit people and the planet.

We are grateful to be working alongside incredible partners, including:

 🤝 Hayleys Plantations

 🏛 National Institute of Plantation Management

 🔬 Tea Research Institute of Sri Lanka

 🌱 Other local tea plantation companies and smallholder farmer networks

Beyond carbon, the project will create income opportunities, empower women, enhance tea quality, and promote climate-smart land stewardship.

This is more than a carbon project — it’s part of our Earth Repair Group mission to regenerate natural capital, build climate resilience, and drive sustainable economic futures across the Asia-Pacific.

Exciting times ahead. Stay tuned as the TSHADE project takes root. 🌳