iF Design - ArborSym

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Reforestation Support Project

In the rainforests of Malaysia's Sabah region, millions of trees have been lost to logging and encroaching agriculture. Annual replanting programs often see a first-year survival rate of 18% and a five-year rate of 40%, mainly due to weak roots and poor soil quality. ArborSym is a user-friendly device used by NGOs during planting to measure soil quality and inoculate roots with mycorrhizal fungi to enhance nutrient uptake and seedling survival.

JURY STATEMENT

This project is a scientifically grounded and highly relevant contribution to reforestation practice. By fortifying seedlings during the planting process, ArborSym addresses a significant weakness in many restoration efforts. This approach is both practical and scalable, with a clear ecological impact.

WINNER STATEMENT

We are deeply honoured to receive this prestigious award. ArborSym was initially inspired by a desire to help restore what has been lost. We believe design should not only serve people, but also nurture, and help heal and care for the world and all who inhabit it.

UNIVERSITY