Afforestation and Reforestation project
Understanding the critical process of afforestation and reforestation
Our chance for change
The increase of concentrations of greenhouse gases has a direct effect on climate change and this is striclty linked with human activities. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has set out specific objectives for decreasing emissions (Kyoto Protocol – 1997 and the Paris Agreement – 2015). One tool to fight against climate change is carbon credits derived from afforestation and reforestation projects.
Afforestation
AFFORESTATION
Afforestation is the process of planting trees in areas that have not been covered by trees, creating new forested areas.
Reforestation
REFORESTATION
Reforestation involves the process of planting trees in areas that have been affected by natural and unnatural disturbances that have deforested the area.
Afforestation
AFFORESTATION
Afforestation is the process of planting trees in the areas that have not been covered by trees, creating new forested areas.
Reforestation
REFORESTATION
Reforestation involves the process of planting trees in areas that have been affected by natural and unnatural disturbances that have deforested the area.
“Today, we are in a global fight against the devasting effects of climate change.”
Goals
Afforestation and reforestation serve as an incredibly important approach to mitigating the effects of greenhouse emissions and fighting climate change, as forests are one of the world’s main carbon sinks.
Goals
Afforestation and Reforestation serve as an incredibly important approach to mitigating the effects of greenhouse emissions and fighting climate change, as forests are one of the world’s main carbon sinks.
Goals
Afforestation and reforestation serve as an incredibly important approach to mitigating the effects of greenhouse emissions and fighting climate change, as forests are one of the world’s main carbon sinks.
The Ja.Ca.Mbé Afforestation and Reforestation Process
E&S Assessment
The first step of the reforestation process involves carefully studying the land to analyse several conditions, including the environment, social quality and the local climate. The land plots in Mbe where selected because they are positioned on the Batéké Plateau, an area proven to be highly favorable for forestation initiatives.
Plant Selection
Acacia Mangium was chosen for carbon capture after extensive analyses by sector experts, literature reviews, and consultations with project partners. Considering the soil type and project goals, it emerged as the optimal species. However, alternatives like Acacia Auriculiformis or Eucalyptus may be explored to enhance biodiversity in our agroforestry system.
This fast-growing tree, native to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Australia, has been successfully introduced to humid tropical lowlands in Asia, South America, and Africa. A multipurpose tree used in agroforestry and land restoration, Acacia mangium, through nitrogen fixation, improves soil fertility and nutrient cycling in degraded systems.
Its rapid growth, nitrogen-fixing ability, high biomass production, and adaptability make it a preferred species. Additionally, it contributes to soil improvement, serving in agroforestry associations and as improved fallow. Acacia mangium also plays a vital role in wood energy supply, helping alleviate pressure on forest ecosystems and restore degraded areas with a calorific value of 4,800 to 4,900 kcal/kg.
Site Preparation
During the months of the dry season before planting, teams of agricultural machine operators, supported by surveyors, will need to prepare the portions of land that will be involved in planting during the subsequent rainy season.
Once the land portion to be worked on is identified, the responsible teams will have to carry out the following activities:
- Clearing bushes and grasses (using tractors equipped with shredders).
- Plowing.
- Crushing/harrowing.
- Preparation of tracks that will be used throughout the project’s duration. These tracks will facilitate the movement of all types of vehicles within the plots during various planned activities.
Nursery
Planting of the seeds into the land plots occurs every 3 months, before this time plants are first cultivated in the local nursery, where they are taken care of by local community staff members. The activity within the nursery will be mainly based on the sowing and growth of plants, which will then be transplanted into the plots.
Maintenance
During the first year after planting, it will be necessary to assist and monitor the rooting and growth of the trees. In this regard, the following activities will be required, which can—either in whole or in part—be carried out by staff from the villages under the supervision of technical personnel:
- Irrigation of new plants.
- Fertilisation.
- Cleaning and weeding.
Ten to twelve months after planting, the trees will have grown significantly, allowing the declaration of the existence of a real forest. From that moment onward, the forest will no longer need human support, and the staff’s activities will be oriented solely towards vigilance and monitoring. This is to prevent and, if necessary, address events that could pose a threat to tree growth, such as fires, illegal logging, vandalism, etc.
E&S Assessment
The first step of the reforestation process involves carefully studying the land to analyse several conditions, including the environment, social quality and the local climate. The land plots in Mbe were selected because they are positioned on the Batéké Plateau, an area proven to be highly favourable for forestation initiatives.
Plant Selection
Acacia Mangium, selected for carbon capture after thorough analysis, emerged as the optimal species due to soil compatibility and project objectives. While Acacia Auriculiformis or Eucalyptus could diversify the agroforestry system, Acacia Mangium's rapid growth and nitrogen-fixing abilities make it ideal. Originating from Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Australia, it thrives in humid tropical lowlands globally. Serving multiple purposes in agroforestry and land restoration, it enhances soil fertility and biomass production. Its contribution to soil improvement and wood energy supply aids in ecosystem preservation and degraded area restoration.
Site Preparation
During the months of the dry season before planting, teams of agricultural machine operators, supported by surveyors, will need to prepare the portions of land that will be involved in planting during the subsequent rainy season.
Once the land portion to be worked on is identified, the responsible teams will have to carry out the following activities:
- Clearing bushes and grasses (using tractors equipped with shredders).
- Ploughing.
- Crushing/harrowing.
- Preparation of tracks that will be used throughout the project's duration. These tracks will facilitate the movement of all types of vehicles within the plots during various planned activities.
Nursery
Planting of the seeds into the land plots occurs every 3 months, before this time plants are first cultivated in the local nursery, where they are taken care of by local community staff members. The activity within the nursery will be mainly based on the sowing and growth of plants, which will then be transplanted into the plots.
Maintenance
In the initial year post-planting, supporting and monitoring tree rooting and growth is crucial. This involves activities such as irrigation, fertilization, and cleaning/weeding, which can be conducted by village staff under technical supervision.
By ten to twelve months post-planting, significant tree growth establishes a genuine forest, reducing the need for human intervention. Staff focus shifts to vigilance and monitoring to address potential threats like fires, illegal logging, and vandalism.
