With the national income of Uganda around half the sub-Saharan average, there is a great need for funding to foster sustainable development. In the area of Kikonda, economic hardship is widespread, therefore creating economic value from previously degraded and deforested land, this project provides a pathway out of poverty for local communities while ensuring the protection of the natural environment.
This reforestation project is financed by carbon revenues and addresses the critical local economic situation, educational and environmental issues in the region and global warming. The project area covered 120 km, in which over one million trees (muses, pine, and eucalyptus) are planted and managed in an advanced agroforestry scheme, while 20% of the area is conserved, mainly to protect wetlands along riverbeds. Besides the projects core activity, great efforts are undertaken to support local schools, fight illiteracy, qualify locals and restore ecosystems. The project has also initiated a community forestry program to train people of the neighbouring villages in tree planting.
The project employs more than 800 people, providing new opportunities mainly for young adults, who no longer have to migrate to the cities in search of work or turn to illegal logging. Women receive particular support thanks to a free nursery service so they can work and generate a higher family income. The project owner also provides the employees with appropriate housing, access to medical services and access to clean water. The project supports education with a community forestry program to train people in tree planting as well as by paying the salaries of local teachers and holding weekly traditional medicine workshops with an NGO.
To learn more about the Sustainable Development Goals verified by the standard for this project, please check the registry link.
