The International Biochar Initiative (IBI) serves as a pivotal platform for fostering stakeholder collaboration, establishing good industry practices, and upholding rigorous environmental and ethical standards to bolster the viability and safety of biochar systems. Since its inception in July 2006, at the World Soil Science Congress (WSSC) in Philadelphia, PA, IBI has actively engaged stakeholders from diverse sectors, including academia, commercial enterprises, financial institutions, non-governmental organizations, government agencies, and the global policy arena. Their collective objective has been to advance the research, development, demonstration, deployment, and commercialization of the promising technology of biochar production.

IBI's commitment to this noble cause has been demonstrated through a series of international biochar conferences, each aimed at expanding the knowledge base and fostering collaboration within the biochar community. Notable among these events was the inaugural international biochar conference held in New South Wales, Australia, in April/May 2007, which attracted participants from 13 countries. As a result of unanimous consent during this conference, the International Biochar Initiative was established as a non-profit 501(c)3 organization in the United States.

Subsequent international gatherings, such as the 2008 conference in Newcastle, United Kingdom, and the IBI 2010 conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, have consistently drawn global interest, with presentations and discussions featuring diverse perspectives on biochar's potential and applications. Moreover, IBI has extended its influence by supporting regional conferences worldwide, further reinforcing the importance of biochar as a solution to environmental challenges.

Biochar, a charcoal-like substance derived from decomposed plant materials at high temperatures, holds immense potential to deliver both direct and indirect benefits to soils and the environment. The International Biochar Initiative has developed the IBI Biochar Classification Tool, which classifies biochars based on specific physicochemical properties. This classification helps stakeholders assess the suitability of various biochar types for specific soil and crop needs. Four biochar properties are presently classified within this framework.

For those eager to contribute to the cause, IBI provides a wealth of resources, including the Biochar Classification Tool and regional biochar groups, each equipped with research tools. By actively supporting these initiatives, individuals and organizations can play an integral role in advancing the adoption of biochar technology for a sustainable and environmentally friendly future.