These trees will be planted on the Big Island of Hawaii on the slopes of Mauna Loa. Koa forests have been shown to be highly effective at carbon sequestration, with estimates of up to 60 metric tons of carbon per hectare stored in mature koa forests. As the tree grows, it absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and stores it in its woody biomass, roots, and soil. Koa forests also provide other benefits, such as preventing erosion, improving water quality, and supporting biodiversity.