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Alexander Watson
We empower people to make more social, biodiverse, resilient, and transparent forestry projects.
Alexander Watson is the Founder and CEO of OpenForests, an organization established in 2011 that focuses on sustainable forest management and restoration projects. Watson, along with his partners Stefan Haas and Dr. Patrick Ribeiro, created OpenForests to address the pressing environmental challenges associated with deforestation and ecosystem degradation.
Background and Education
Watson has a background in forestry science, social banking, and social finance. His professional journey includes working on reforestation initiatives across Latin America and Southeast Asia, which has significantly informed his approach to environmental sustainability and community engagement in forestry projects.15
Role at OpenForests
Under Watson's leadership, OpenForests has developed innovative tools and platforms aimed at enhancing transparency and connectivity in forest management. One of their key initiatives is explorer.land, a geospatial platform that combines data management with storytelling to showcase the impact of forest projects. This platform facilitates collaboration among stakeholders by providing a visual representation of project outcomes and enabling community participation.237
Vision and Mission
Watson's vision for OpenForests revolves around creating more socially responsible, environmentally friendly, and financially resilient landscape restoration projects. He emphasizes the importance of reconnecting society with nature to foster a collective responsibility for ecological stewardship. His belief is that through education, technology, and community involvement, it is possible to rehabilitate ecosystems and promote sustainable practices.16
Future Directions
Looking ahead, Watson continues to advocate for systemic changes in how individuals and businesses interact with forest landscapes. He encourages innovative approaches that prioritize ecological health while addressing socio-economic needs.14




