Coquitlam Non-Profit Offers Forest Landowners Up to $25,000 CAD to Protect Their Trees

Tree Legacy Society, a Coquitlam-based non-profit organization, is extending an exciting opportunity to forest landowners in British Columbia: receive up to $25,000 CAD to preserve your trees and contribute to a sustainable future. Founded by Marta Alcalde Gea, an experienced leader with over 12 years in environmental initiatives, law, technology, and economics—serving in key roles at the European Parliament and major international foundations—the organization aims to combat climate change by empowering landowners to protect their forests while securing their financial future. Having moved to Canada from Spain half a decade ago, Marta fell in love with British Columbia’s majestic forests. Witnessing the devastating effects of climate change both locally and globally, she felt compelled to take action.

“From the heat dome that claimed over 600 lives in Metro Vancouver a few years ago to the unprecedented tragedy that is striking Valencia—my hometown—where floods destroyed homes and claimed over 200 lives, it is frightening to witness the devastating effects of climate change around the world,” Marta shared. “But beyond the grief, I feel an unwavering responsibility to act. Establishing a non-profit organization here in Coquitlam is my way of launching an innovative model of conservation that can ripple from our community to the entire world. It’s about inspiring and empowering landowners to become stewards of their forests while also securing their financial future. Together, we can turn our shared vision into a reality—protecting our planet for generations to come.”

Empowering Landowners: The Key to Forest Conservation

Tree Legacy Society’s program offers landowners a range of significant benefits designed to make forest conservation both accessible and rewarding. By covering all assessment and monitoring expenses, TLS eliminates financial barriers, requiring no upfront costs from participants. The organization ensures privacy and convenience through non-invasive satellite monitoring, removing the need for property access or inspections.

TLS’s approach allows landowners to maintain flexibility in land use, enabling them to continue with compatible, non-extractive activities such as eco-tourism, foraging, or small-scale accommodations. Moreover, TLS handles all compliance, monitoring, and management, providing a hassle-free process that lets landowners focus on their land while contributing to a sustainable future.

An Innovative Model for a Sustainable Future

Tree Legacy Society leverages market-based solutions to create sustainable revenue streams for protected forests, ensuring their preservation for generations to come. The organization raises funds from the general public, government bodies, and private companies, creating agreements with landowners to conserve their forested areas in exchange for financial incentives.

“We have support from important stakeholders eager to see our model succeed,” Marta added. “That’s why we’re launching our pilot project in British Columbia. There’s no better place to take the first step toward a greener future.”

An Invitation to Landowners

Tree Legacy Society is inviting landowners in British Columbia to participate in their impactful conservation program. Landowners who own a piece of land with approximately 100 trees or more and are willing to consider a long-term agreement—ideally 15 years or more—to protect their trees without cutting or commercially harvesting them could be candidates and receive $1 per tree per year, up to a maximum of $25,000 CAD. This initiative offers a unique opportunity to secure a stable income while contributing to the preservation of forests for future generations.