Afforestation, Reforestation and Revegetation (ARR) projects represent a primary category of nature-based carbon removals within the voluntary carbon market. These initiatives generate carbon credits by actively restoring tree cover and vegetations to landscapes that lost their biomass or were previously non-forested. Reforestation focuses on replacing trees on recently deforested lands, while afforestation involves introducing Forrests to areas that have lacked tree cover over a longer period. Additionally, revegetation activities establish non-forest vegetation, such as shrubs and perennial grasses, are highly degraded soils where tree growth is not ecologically viable. By physically growing biomass, ARR projects remove CO2 directly from the atmosphere and store it in biomass and forest soils.

To secure carbon financing, ARR projects must follow strict operation methodologies established by major international registries like Verra, the Gold Standard and the Climate Action Reserve. Developers must provide clear evidence of additionally, demonstrating that tree planting would not have occurred without carbon credit funding, and develop risk mitigation plans to guard against wildfires or pests. Ecologically, modern ARR projects emphasise the use of native species mixes rather than monoculture plantations to promote biodiversity, improve water tables and prevent soil erosion. These initiatives often incorporate agroforestry techniques, allowing local landholders to combine traditional agricultural activities with sustainable tree cultivation.