Gamified Reforestation App Milestones

As of August 2026, Alipay Ant Forest reported that more than 700 million users across China have joined the program, collectively helping plant more than 700 million real trees in some of the country's driest and most fragile regions. Launched in 2016, the app rewards users with virtual 'green energy points' for everyday choices such as taking public transit, cycling or switching to digital bills. Users can then use these points to fund real tree planting or wildlife conservation.

Ant Group has invested more than RMB 5.1 billion, or almost $759 million, over the past decade based on user requests, while also creating an estimated 5.2 million local jobs and generating RMB 770 million in community income.

The model has inspired similar programs elsewhere, including the Philippines' GForest and Indonesia's Ocean Buddy marine conservation initiative.