SEOUL DESIGN AWARD

Around 30% of the world’s private forests are managed by small family forest owners (FFOs). However, participation in carbon markets typically requires expensive equipment and sampling methods that measure only a limited number of trees, forcing many owners to continue relying on timber income. As a result, there is a growing risk of increased carbon emissions and intensified forest degradation.

To address this, a new forest management technology called Bark-Code has been developed. Instead of attaching tags or drilling into trees, a handheld 3D scanner precisely records the bark patterns and shape of each trunk, creating a tamper-proof digital identity. The scanner captures 3D data at 0.03 mm resolution, encrypts it, and allows only rescans of the same tree to update the record. This information syncs with a mobile dashboard, enabling the tracking of individual tree growth and health while calculating carbon sequestration across the entire forest.

This method requires no additional equipment or batteries and can be updated during routine forest visits. Moreover, the data produced is compatible with existing carbon credit standards, allowing even small-scale forests to participate in premium carbon programs.

For family forest owners, Bark-Code offers an alternative income stream through verified carbon credits rather than relying solely on timber sales. Surveys show that over half of owners are willing to adopt the system, and if roughly one million owners implement it, more than 10% additional carbon storage per year could be achieved—equivalent to removing millions of cars from the road.

With only simple equipment and a smartphone, cooperatives and NGOs can easily use Bark-Code, transforming millions of small forests into globally significant carbon sinks while creating reward structures for long-term forest stewardship. Ultimately, by enabling private forest management, Bark-Code directly connects local actions to global carbon reduction goals, paving the way for a sustainable future.