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MOZAMBIQUE

Tree nurseries and reforestation

Many of the beautiful and valuable indigenous forests in Mozambique are vanishing because of human activity. This disappearance of their habitat is disastrous for the wildlife that depends on these trees for their survival in the form of shelter and food. As a consequence, most of these animals and birds will become extinct.

Details

Area: Nhamacoa Forest Tree species: Umaua  (Red Mahogany) – Khaya  nyasica Chanfuta (Pod Mahogany) – Afzelia quanzensis Baobab – Adansonia digitata

Categories

Forest Community Wildlife Education

THE PROBLEM

The Nhamacoa Forest is a remnant of a once enormous Miombo forest destroyed by human activities. Covering an area of only 30 hectares it is completely surrounded by subsistence farmers and their fields. As the wildlife in the forest is expanding and is trapped inside this area, it is essential to increase their habitat.

Illegal logging is an on-going problem as the machamba owners (farmers and landowners) turn to charcoal making to supplement their incomes. The need by the population for charcoal is infinite. Uncontrolled fires are the biggest threats to the local forest. Without protection, the Nhamacoa Forest and its wildlife will eventually be destroyed by human activity.

This project works with local communities living in remote areas to develop community-based forest monitoring, reforestation and restoration of degraded lands and river beds. The project will also introduce introduce beekeeping as a locally new and innovative tool to protect forests from being burned down every year. Ultimately, the project will engage local people into active forest guardianships, while delivering a number of livelihood and conservation benefits.

THE SOLUTION

The project establishes trees nurseries and a community based reforestation programme in the area. Involving the local communities to grow trees instead of chopping them down will benefit the local economy and ecosystem, including the animals and plant life. Mozambique is experiencing a rapid decline in food security due to impact of climate change and extreme weather variability. The project seeks to improve livelihood and enhance food security among vulnerable groups in the area. An apiculture project will add a key social enterprise that contributes to improved food security, household incomes, and conservation of biological diversity. The project provides training, materials and ongoing value chain and marketing support. Beekeeping in wooded areas will also be a large incentive to prevent the destruction of forested areas, which are burnt by uncontrolled fires annually during the dry season. The beehives will protect the forest because community members will not set fire to a forest when their beehives are inside. The forests are needed for honey production and honey producers do not want their investment and source of income destroyed.

Help local communities safe their forests! This project sets up tree nurseries, provides seeds and training, conduct tree planting activities and introduces beekeeping as an alternative livelihood activity.