Who We are

Accelerated Restoration Collaborative (ARC)

The Dynamics That Make ARC Unique

Our Commitment

ARC is committed to developing simple, effective, and scalable solutions for the world’s cascading sociological and environmental issues.

Mission Driven

ARC's mission is to provide economic opportunity for communities to be responsible stewards of the planet entrusted to all of our care.

proven Methods

Employment for local communities as forest stewards is the proven method for the restoration of local and regional forests.

Affordable Trees

Economies of scale will ensure a more affordable price per tree and cost per hectare. ARC has no interest in barely making a difference.

Proven Leadership

ARC’s leadership team has over 50 years of combined field experience in forest restoration systems resulting in over 1 billion trees planted across the planet.

Global Connections

ARC’s leaders have a massive global relational web ranging from government officials to remote local community members. Effective forest restoration projects start with who you know, not just what you know.

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ARC Team

At The Helm

Dr. Stephen Fitch

CEO,CO-Founder, Partnerships Director, Accelerated Restoration Training (ART) Program Lead

Dr. Stephen Fitch, ARC CEO, Co-Founder, and Partnerships Director is renowned for his exceptional vision and leadership in environmental restoration. With 17 years of experience as the Founder and CEO of Eden Reforestation Projects, Steve has a proven track record of transforming ideas into impactful global initiatives. In 2022, he founded Compassionate Carbon and took on the role of CEO, demonstrating his continued commitment to innovative, nature-based solutions. Steve’s remarkable ability to cast a compelling vision for sustainable change has been instrumental in advancing ARC’s mission and driving meaningful progress in environmental restoration.

Under Steve’s leadership, Eden Reforestation Projects became the first international non-profit to plant over one billion trees, achieved through fair wage employment for thousands of local community members. His experience with Eden and Compassionate Carbon has provided him with deep insights into leadership, cross-cultural collaboration, and large-scale forest restoration. Now with ARC, Dr. Fitch is focused on developing global restoration projects and training other leaders to scale their own initiatives.

ARC Operations

Josiah is ARC’s Director of Operations and Co-founder. He was formerly the Asia Expansion Director at Eden Reforestation and has an extensive background in managing large-scale environmental projects. He has overseen the restoration of over 2,000 hectares of land across the Philippines including reforestation initiatives in Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental in Mindanao, watershed restoration and mangrove rehabilitation on the Dinagat Islands, and reforestation efforts in Botolan, Zambales in Luzon. Prior to co-founding ARC, he worked at Compassionate Carbon as the APAC Carbon Offset Project Feasibility and Development Manager, specializing in assessing and developing carbon offset projects across the Asia-Pacific region.

Josiah Fitch

Director of Operations and Co-founder

Cecilia Nabwire

Global Project Monitoring Coordinator

Cecilia is a passionate restoration professional with a proven track record in forest landscape restoration, stakeholder engagement, and impact-driven monitoring systems. She brings over four years of hands-on experience leading reforestation efforts, strengthening community partnerships, and building dynamic Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting, and Verification (MERV) frameworks. Before joining ARC, she played a key role in scaling restoration projects across Kenya with Eden Reforestation Projects. Cecilia thrives at the intersection of data and community, ensuring that restoration efforts are both ecologically sound and locally rooted. She is based in Nairobi and is energized by collaborative work that drives measurable change for people and the planet.

ARC Marketing

Agnes Luceño-Fitch is an accomplished digital marketing expert with over 15 years of experience in marketing, advertising, graphic design, SEO content creation, and sales. She has led global marketing campaigns for diverse international clients and serves as the key figure in promoting ARC’s socio-environmental restoration initiatives across multiple continents, greatly enhancing brand visibility and stakeholder engagement. Previously, she held roles as Digital Marketing Lead and Website Design Lead at SKY Properties Inc. in California and SEO Content Writer at Run Repeat ApS in Denmark. With a degree in Advertising, Agnes drives innovative branding and global marketing strategies, focusing on cross-cultural collaboration. She also contributes to academia as a guest lecturer and thesis panelist, mentoring and inspiring future digital marketers.

Agnes Luceño - Fitch

Digital Marketing Director

Edsel Paulo Aguirre

Digital Marketing Associate

Edsel serves as ARC’s Digital Marketing Associate, based in the Philippines, with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering from one of the nation’s top universities. He began his professional journey as a Software Engineer, accumulating nearly seven years of experience in the corporate sector, where he managed projects involving databases, programming and reporting tools.

Transitioning to Digital Marketing, Edsel now brings seven years of expertise across various industries, collaborating with companies in the UK, USA, Canada and Australia. His all-around skill set contains all aspects of digital marketing, from website management to social media strategy. As a self-taught professional, Edsel is committed to continuous learning, firmly believing that constant education and hands-on experience are necessary for thriving in the rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Maher is a seasoned creative professional with nearly 20 years of experience in graphic design and animation. He began his career after earning a B.S. in Graphic Design and Animation from Westwood College of Technology in 2005. In later years, he earned an MBA in Management and Leadership from Liberty University. This combination of creative talent and business acumen has allowed him to lead design teams, manage complex projects, and deliver high-impact visual solutions for diverse clients. In 2025, Maher took on a new challenge by joining ARC as a Graphics and Design Specialist where he crafts innovative visual content, collaborates on brand strategies, and ensures the delivery of compelling, results-driven designs for global projects. With a passion for innovation, collaboration, and excellence, he is excited to help ARC grow to incredible new heights.

Maher Bahhur

Graphics & Design Specialist

ARC International Team

ARC Madagascar

Jamie Shattenberg

Country Director of Madagascar

Jamie, born and raised in Madagascar as a missionary kid, has developed a deep understanding of Malagasy culture and language, along with a strong love for his home country and its people. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Biology and a Master’s in Intercultural Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary. With over 18 years of specialized experience, Jamie serves as the Mangrove Restoration Lead and Madagascar Director of Red Island Restoration, bringing deep expertise in mangrove and dry deciduous forest restoration. His academic background in Biology and Intercultural Studies provides a solid foundation for his work in biodiversity preservation and community engagement. Jamie’s leadership is instrumental in advancing successful restoration efforts in Madagascar's unique ecosystems.

Hanitra Raharinaina, a Financial Manager at Red Island Restoration, brings 30 years of banking experience as an account manager, with expertise in financial management and human resources training. Since 2008, Hanitra has chaired the Board of Directors of the Mampita Association, contributing to social and solidarity initiatives. A passionate taekwondo practitioner, Hanitra maintains balance and energy through sports. Committed to challenges and positive change, Hanitra leverages experience and determination to support RIR’s objectives.

Hanitra Rahariniaina

Financial Manager

Ravaka Rabesaharisonri

Administrative Coordinator and Human Resources Manager

Ravaka Juliannie Rabesaharison serves as the Administrative Coordinator and Human Resources Manager at Red Island Restoration. She is deeply passionate about environmental conservation, recognizing the critical role that Madagascar’s mangrove and dry deciduous forests play in ensuring food security, supporting livelihoods, and promoting public health. With five years of experience in the reforestation industry, Ravaka firmly believes that a healthier environment is the foundation for sustainable development.

Andry Rakotohavana serves as the marketing and media lead for Red Island Restoration, where he has devoted five years to advancing impactful environmental initiatives, fueled by a deep passion for sustainability. Outside of his professional endeavors, Andry is an enthusiastic sports lover, frequently engaging in activities on the field or court to maintain his energy and vitality. Music plays a significant role in his life, as he enjoys exploring new artists and revisiting beloved classics. Additionally, he values spending quality time with friends, creating cherished memories filled with laughter and shared experiences that invigorate him for future challenges.

Andry Rakotohavana

Marketing and Media Lead

Chevelment Ramananarivo

Monitoring Evaluation Reporting and Verification (MERV) Lead

Chevelment Ramananarivo, a 34-year-old resident of Ambondrona, Mahajanga, serves as the MERV Lead for the RIR project. With three years of experience in technical project management, he is known for his rigor, dedication, and results-driven approach, leveraging his skills to enhance performance and foster innovation. Passionate about football, Chevelment also finds music to be a significant part of his daily life.

Danio grew up near the Tahiriniala Nature Park and has always had a special bond with animals—rescuing and raising many as a child. Known affectionately as the local “animal whisperer,” he now serves as a park agent, caring for the resident animals, guiding tours, and maintaining the grounds. His smile says it all—he lives with a deep love for animals, nature, and life itself.

Danio

Nature Park Agent

Chaculha Vincent Aogostiny

Nature Park Controller

Chaculha is deeply committed to environmental conservation, with a particular focus on protecting Madagascar's unique ecosystems. With five years of specialized experience in nurturing animals and trees, she plays a vital role in preserving the island's biodiversity. Chaculha values the conservation of Madagascar’s endemic species, recognizing their significance not only for their intrinsic worth but also for their role in attracting global tourists. These unique species, found nowhere else in the world, drive significant tourism, which in turn generates employment opportunities for many local communities.

ARC Brazil

Ben, a TCK (third culture kid) raised in Trinidad & Tobago, the United States, and Brazil, leverages his cross-cultural experiences to adapt seamlessly across contexts. Holding dual B.A. degrees in Biology (Environmental Focus) and Intercultural Studies, and a Master’s in Intercultural Studies, he has worked in K-12 environmental education, as an environmental scientist in Washington, D.C., and with sustainable agriculture and community-based environmental projects globally. Since 2021, Ben has lived in Brazil, serving as Director of Monitoring and Evaluation for an ecological restoration organization and leading ARC’s work with enthusiasm, conducting technical training and fostering relational partnerships. He is excited about global interest in Brazil’s restoration projects, where he sees vast potential for community-driven initiatives at several prospective sites, emphasizing relational over transactional approaches.

Ben Bacheller

Country Director of Brazil

Max Araújo

Specialist in Socio-Environmental Management

Max Araújo, a PhD candidate in Social Development with a Master's in Human Rights and Citizenship, has worked in socio-environmental reforestation since 2021. His expertise as a social mobilizer and manager drives community-based initiatives integrating local engagement, solidarity economies, and sustainable environmental strategies.

As a consultant, Max leads large-scale reforestation programs, coordinating forest nurseries, planning regeneration, and developing socio-biodiversity production chains. He excels in fundraising, forming institutional partnerships, and creating sustainable financing models, ensuring financially viable, socially equitable, and ecologically efficient restoration with measurable outcomes in Brazil.