An organization called The WaterForest Group International has developed innovative technology to harvest ‘lost’ underwater-forests around the world to provide a sustainable alternative to cutting standing, living hardwoods.

WaterForest says it is poised to become a leader in harvesting submerged standing timber from man-made lakes and reservoirs around the world using its proprietary ROSCO, a remotely operated submersible vehicle which the company describes as “the most versatile, efficient and safe underwater logging equipment available.”  The ROSCO is operated via video and sonar and is capable of harvesting submerged trees up to 4.5 in diameter.  WaterForest’s Bluewater Technologies division will utilize the technology to harvest and use ‘the whole tree’ for everything from high end finished products to biofuel.  The company states they’re guided by a holistic business philosophy, venture philanthropy, which they define as conducting sustainable business while creating a lasting positive legacy.

Yesterday, the WaterForest Group announced a $500,000 gift of sustainably harvested mahogany to British Columbia based, Royal Roads University.  The wood will be harvested from underwater hydro reservoirs and made into flooring for the Robert Bateman Centre — designed to become a living building – one that has a positive impact on the environment. The Centre will showcase the world’s largest collection of Canadian naturalist and artist Robert Bateman’s work, and will offer environmental education programs to people from around the globe.

The world demand for wood and timber increases every year, making it imperative that alternatives to logging living trees be fully explored.  Given the fact that there are 45,000 hydroelectric reservoirs worldwide, with half of those being found in the southern hemisphere, recovery of valuable submerged timber will become more vitally important.

original source: Company Press Release