Project Partners: Ugandan Wildlife Authority & FACE Foundation
Background
Kibale National Park lies in western Uganda in equatorial central Africa and covers some 56,000 hectares. It is a relict forest on the eastern edge of the main Congo rainforest and is very important for wildlife. It contains an outstanding 13 species of primates, including chimpanzees. Much of the forest was destroyed in the 1970s, and since the 1990s the Uganda Wildlife Authority and the FACE Foundation have been working in the park to restore this deforested area.
Kibale National Park lies in western Uganda in equatorial central Africa and covers some 56,000 hectares. It is a relict forest on the eastern edge of the main Congo rainforest and is very important for wildlife. It contains an outstanding 13 species of primates, including chimpanzees. Much of the forest was destroyed in the 1970s, and since the 1990s the Uganda Wildlife Authority and the FACE Foundation have been working in the park to restore this deforested area.
A major barrier to the natural regeneration of the forest is the growth of elephant grass. A great deal of research has been done on ways to manage the elephant grass and give the saplings the best chance of survival. It has been found that the best way of controlling the grass is to cut it down before planting the saplings, which must all be done by hand. It must then be cut down again at least three times a year until enough of a canopy is formed by the trees to shade out the sunlight.
The Project
Climate Care is funding the re-establishment of a rainforest with 30 or so native species of trees, which will, when mature, be home to a number of endangered primates, including chimpanzees. The planting process starts in the nursery, where 30 species of local trees and shrubs are tended until large enough to plant out.
Central to the project is the involvement of the local population and it employs up to 400 people. The project has also attained certification from the Forest Stewardship Council and the CO2 sequestration rates are calculated by SGS Forestry.
Benefits
Not only will the young trees account for large amounts of CO2, planting and tending them will provide employment in the local economy and shelter for indigenous primate populations.
Not only will the young trees account for large amounts of CO2, planting and tending them will provide employment in the local economy and shelter for indigenous primate populations.
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