Manulife Announces 'Impact Forests' Global Reforestation Initiative Leveraging veritree's Smart Forest Technology

Manulife Financial Corporation, a leading global financial services group based in Canada, has launched 'Manulife Impact Forests,' a global initiative using science-based reforestation to enhance biodiversity, strengthen climate resilience, and contribute to local communities.

Manulife is advancing 'Impact Forests' in collaboration with community tree-planting partners and veritree, a platform that enables the visualization and verification of nature restoration. This initiative strengthens Manulife’s commitment to building a healthier planet for people and the earth.

Manulife is the first corporate partner to implement veritree’s 'Smart Forest' technology in its reforestation activities. This technology provides transparency, traceability, and real-time monitoring for nature-based initiatives, helping to precisely capture ecological and social outcomes. This partnership marks the first time 'Smart Forest' technology has been deployed in Asia, with implementation already underway at Manulife Impact Forests sites in Japan.

The global expansion of Manulife Impact Forests is built upon efforts initiated in Japan, where Manulife plays a central role. In November 2024, Manulife Life Insurance Japan, in collaboration with more trees, Tanabe City, and Nakagawa Co., Ltd., established a Manulife Impact Forest in Tanabe, Wakayama Prefecture. This forest embodies the acceleration of effective sustainability measures through advanced monitoring technology and regional collaboration.

The initiative is further strengthened by insights from the Manulife Longevity Institute, which focuses on the relationship between environmental sustainability, community health, and long-term well-being.

Ryan Charland, CEO of Manulife Life Insurance Japan, stated: "The Manulife Impact Forest in Tanabe, Wakayama, is a significant step in our commitment to building resilient ecosystems and healthier communities. I am proud to work with our partners to turn environmental conservation efforts into sustainable impact through innovation and collaboration."

Manulife is the world’s first corporate partner to integrate veritree’s Smart Forest technology into its tree-planting efforts. Data from each site is aggregated on the 'Manulife–veritree Impact Platform,' connecting every tree planted with specific outcomes, including carbon sequestration, area restored, biodiversity improvement, and community contributions.

As of January 2026, over 185,000 trees have been planted across Manulife Impact Forests in Canada, the U.S., Cambodia, Japan, and the Philippines, restoring more than 160 hectares of forest.