WeForest participates in this movement by enriching encroached exclosures using native trees. Working in close collaboration with the local community, the project provides training in natural resource management, income-generating activities and material support.
Restoration approaches:
- Assisted natural regeneration
- Framework planting
Goals:
- Restore native forest
- Restore degraded lands
- Promote economic development
- Promote non-timber forest production
- Boost groundwater recharge
- Promote food security
Discover more on WeForest’s website
Why is intervention needed?
Currently, less than 1% of Tigray’s Afromontane forest is still standing, due to intense cattle grazing, unsustainable agriculture, wood extraction and illegal charcoal production.
Ecological restoration
In Seret, restoration takes place in exclosures - protected ‘no-go’ zones where grazing is prohibited. The local community participates in the restoration activities either by planting seedlings grown in community-based nurseries or by sowing seeds. Given the hilly landscape, frequent droughts and poor soil conditions, the project focuses on after-planting care and implements soil and water conservation measures to reduce erosion and landslides.
Livelihood development
Forests have a better chance of being protected if local villages see that trees can provide many more benefits standing than felled. Community members manage the nurseries and plant and protect the saplings. The project targets women and young adults with training in alternative livelihood initiatives such as apiculture, agroforestry and grass harvesting (cut and carry system) to feed livestock.