Tree planting and restoration of degraded forest
news
August 24, 2024
Decades of deforestation have drastically degraded the dense tropical rainforests and old-growth forests alongside the buffer zone of Itombwe nature reserve, leaving behind a landscape dominated by shrub-lands, grasslands, and small and sparse remnants open tree land with less tree cover.
IGH plants trees and restore deforested land and degraded habitat, reconnecting previously fragmented forest patches in Itombwe. Our approach involves working with local communities throughout the reforestation process, from the planting and care of young saplings, through to their establishment as new forest habitat.
10 community nurseries have already been established to supply the seedlings needed for reforestation activities in Itombwe. Many people participate in the tree-planting campaigns: young people, members of the local authorities, the church and ordinary citizens. Thanks to them, we have ensured that 1,240,000 trees from 13 local species are planted to date.
Reforesting Itombwe is more than planting trees—it's about restoring ecosystems, empowering communities, and combating climate change from the ground up.
- Eo Leonard
We plant a mix of multi-purpose native trees species and crops to sequester carbon, protect biodiversity and support local livelihoods and economy. Now the saplings that were planted previously are growing and transforming what had been degraded areas, bereft of trees, into dense forest which contributes to repairing damaged ecosystems and mitigating global climate changes.
Today, our reforestation program has grown into a wide movement that supports not only tree planting, but also the creation of a forestry presence within local villages.
How To Support IGHT
Supporting IGH can be achieved in several meaningful ways:
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Donate: Financial contributions help fund tree planting, nursery establishment, and community engagement initiatives. Every donation directly supports reforestation and habitat restoration efforts.
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Volunteer: Offer your time and skills to assist with reforestation activities, community outreach, or administrative tasks. Volunteering can be on-site if you are local or remote through various support roles.
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Spread Awareness: Raise awareness about IGH’s mission by sharing our work on social media, organizing events, or discussing their impact with your network. Advocacy can help attract more support and funding.
Engaging with IGH in any of these ways contributes to the restoration of Itombwe’s forests, fostering a healthier environment and stronger communities.
Key Elements
- Community-Centric Approach: Local communities are actively involved in every step of the reforestation process, ensuring sustainable and inclusive environmental restoration
- Significant Impact: Over 1.2 million trees from 13 native species have been planted, transforming degraded landscapes into thriving forests that support both biodiversity and local economies.
- Long-Term Vision: The program not only focuses on immediate reforestation but also aims to establish a lasting forestry presence in local villages, creating a foundation for future environmental stewardship.
