Trees Don’t Just Grow—They Give Life.
At MasayaCo, reforestation isn’t a buzzword—it’s the root system behind every piece of sustainable furniture we create. From Seed to Seat®, every design is fueled by purpose, craftsmanship, and a commitment to doing things differently.
Our journey starts at the source: our tree nurseries. It’s here that we grow more than just teak wood—we grow a model for reforestation that regenerates ecosystems, supports local communities, and makes long-term sustainability actually work.
In this article, we’ll take you behind the scenes of MasayaCo’s reforestation efforts—sharing why they matter, how they work, and how they’re helping to shape a more sustainable future.
MasayaCo’s Reforestation Journey.
At MasayaCo, reforestation is our foundation. Since 2008, we’ve been restoring Nicaragua’s landscapes by planting trees—and planting change. To date, we’ve planted over 1.3 million trees across 1,200 acres of previously deforested land, creating a long-term alternative to the short-term economics that fuel deforestation.
The effects of deforestation are undeniably devastating—but to understand the problem, we have to move beyond a simple “good vs. evil” narrative. In reality, deforestation is driven by economic forces.
For many families, clearing forests is a matter of survival. Cattle ranching offers a low-cost, high-certainty livelihood in regions where forests have little perceived value and few regulatory protections. Global initiatives with large budgets have largely failed to curb tropical deforestation—because they often overlook the economic needs of local communities.
To reverse this trend, we believe reforestation must be economically viable. Part of our mission is to make planting trees profitable—not reliant on government or NGO funding. This means building a system that’s both environmentally regenerative and economically self-sustaining.
Our first reforestation efforts focused on planting a diverse mix of native species, aiming to recreate old-growth forest conditions. While ecologically sound, these efforts weren’t financially sustainable. Such forests take generations to mature—and they don’t address the root economic reasons why forests were cut down in the first place.
Teak wood, however, told a different story. By year eight, our teak stands became usable—proving that it’s possible to grow a valuable material while also rebuilding ecosystems. With teak, we could envision a model where long-term sustainability aligns with financial resilience.
See MasayaCo's Whole Tree Approach to design
Inside Our Forest Reserve Areas.
One of the most meaningful parts of our reforestation model is what we don’t touch. Thirty to forty percent of the land MasayaCo manages is preserved as native forest—protected zones where nature is allowed to regenerate on its own.
Today, we actively conserve more than 500 acres of native forest, home to towering trees, vibrant ecosystems, and rich biodiversity. These areas help maintain microclimates, safeguard groundwater, and provide essential habitats for wildlife—from monkeys and sloths to birds and butterflies. Preserving them is key to the land’s long-term health.
By leaving the hillier, more forested sections intact, we’re protecting secondary forests that regenerate naturally—growing into lush sanctuaries of native life.
We plant teak wood only on former pastureland—areas once cleared for cattle grazing. In place of invasive grasses, we grow trees that offer many of the same ecological benefits as our reserves: cooler temperatures, healthier soils, and the return of native flora and fauna.
Meanwhile, the teak stands do more than produce timber. Over time, they help restore the land by providing structure, shade, and nutrient-rich biomass to areas once depleted.
Positive Impact Through Sustainable Practices.
Every year, we donate between 30,000 and 50,000 trees—both teak and native species—to neighboring farmers. Our goal is to help scale a model that not only restores land, but creates long-term opportunities for local communities. One day, we hope to buy wood from these very partner growers, closing the loop in a circular, community-driven supply chain.
A forest can take many forms. Through reforestation, we restore degraded land, plant and manage diverse tree species, and cultivate ecosystems that support both biodiversity and the rural economy.
The impact of our work extends well beyond our farms. When you bring a MasayaCo piece into your home, you’re not just supporting sustainable furniture—you’re helping grow a future where people and the planet thrive together.
How Our Impact Takes Root.
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Reforesting Degraded Land: We plant teak on land that was once clear-cut for cattle grazing—transforming it into a productive forest while creating more jobs per hectare than traditional cattle farming.
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Beyond Monoculture: Our farms are more than just teak. We preserve over 500 acres of native forest, maintain buffer zones, and protect areas of secondary growth to support rich biodiversity.
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Continuous Reforestation: Our commitment doesn’t stop at harvest. After each 20-year teak cycle, we replant—ensuring the forest keeps thriving for generations.
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Wildlife Habitat: MasayaCo’s forests provide a haven for wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, anteaters, snakes, birds, and many other species.
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Economic Impact: We generate meaningful, long-term employment through sustainable forestry and local furniture manufacturing.
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Carbon Sequestration: Teak is not only durable—it’s excellent at storing carbon long-term, helping combat climate change.
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FSC® Certified: All of our furniture is FSC® certified, meeting the highest standards of responsible forest management.
Our vertically integrated model means we plant and manage our own forests, design and build our own furniture, and create meaningful jobs in local communities. It’s a full-circle approach—one that puts purpose behind every piece we make.
Drawing Inspiration From Our Purpose.
At MasayaCo, we’re honored to carry the responsibility of creating sustainable furniture with purpose. While we haven’t yet found a way to recreate centuries-old, pristine forests, we show up every day with intention—working to align our values with the planet’s well-being, one seed at a time.
Our Seed to Seat® model is a living example of what’s possible when sustainability, biodiversity, and community work together in harmony.
Join us in this mission. Bring home a MasayaCo piece, and become part of a movement rooted in awareness, intention, and giving back to the planet.
Together, let's grow a future worth sharing.
Author: Paola Luconi G. & MasayaCo Editorial Team