Restoration approach:

• Agroforestry

Goals:

• Reverse deforestation and forest degradation in the Greater Mahale Ecosystem.
• Develop agroforestry systems in 15 villages in the buffer zone of Mahale Mountains National Park, where the chimpanzee habitat extends.
• Train approximately 5000 farmers in agroforestry practices and provide them with agroforestry seedlings over 5 years.
• Plant 16+ species: fruit, timber and indigenous tree species, cash crops, nitrogen-fixing and fodder species.
• Promote behaviour change that protects wildlife and their habitats while strengthening sustainable livelihoods.

Why is intervention needed?

The Greater Mahale Ecosystem is home to one of the largest remaining populations of eastern chimpanzees, and is the only known place where chimpanzees and lions coexist. However, it is also an area where rising populations, poverty and dependence on the unsustainable use of natural resources is driving deforestation and forest degradation.

Agroforestry to reverse forest degradation

This project aims to deliver positive impacts for people and nature by promoting sustainable land management, primarily through the development of 2500 hectares of agroforestry systems on smallholder farms and riverbanks. These will provide local communities with vital forest products, reduce pressure on natural forests and help prevent forest fragmentation.