A million trees to energize DR Congo's rainforest

Trees carry the roots of development

Since 2018, the Yangambi Engagement Landscape in the Democratic Republic of Congo is host to the Center for International Forestry Research’s forest restoration initiative under which almost 2 million trees were planted by the end of 2021. With funds from the European Union, regular consultations with its local partners and your donations, this initiative is gradually reviving the landscape.

Since the beginning of this year, your numerous donations have supported the planting and distribution of over 200,000 seedlings on 241 hectares of land across the Yangambi landscape, in Kisangani, Yanonge and Yangambi.

 ‘Trees provide many benefits ranging from improving the quality of depleted soils, increasing agricultural production, and support farmers with energy production as charcoal, thus also contributing to developing the local economy”, says Paolo Cerutti, the project manager.

As activities progress, they become part of a web of interventions in the Yangambi landscape. For example, on one of our pilot farms, where we combine the planting of acacia trees with cassava, members of 5 women’s association have been trained on the transformation of cassava into flour to promote income generating activities and improve their livelihoods.

Some trees on farm can also provide valuable resources to local communities such as honey through bee keeping. We have trained farmers on bee keeping as an alternative to practices which increase pressure on the forest. Over 38 farmers grouped in various associations now produce high quality organic honey for consumption and income.

Though we firmly believe in the positive role of trees on farms, we remain very well aware that this requires long-term engagement for people to see the benefits of planting and maintaining them in their fields, instead of opening up new fields in forested areas. Hence our commitment is also expressed through continued sensitization and training on the importance of tree planting. Nurseries are being installed in primary schools to interest children in this practice and bush fire brigades are constantly trained on techniques to move away from the use of indiscriminate fire and curb and prevent incidents. The pictures attached show some of the activities carried out.

We appreciate your donations as we keep planting. Thank you!