Climate protection through sustainable agricultureThe forest conservation project creates better living conditions for the population in northern Zimbabwe. The region suffers greatly from deforestation, poverty and drought. The collapse of agricultural production in Zimbabwe and the simultaneous population growth are reasons for the increasing deforestation in the country. The deforestation rate of 3 percent per year severely damages local ecosystems. Our climate protection project supports various activities to combat deforestation. It promotes sustainable cultivation methods, the establishment of vegetable gardens in the communities, measures to prevent forest fires, and the protection of wild animals through corridors and gamekeepers.
Furthermore, the project supports the local population in setting up sustainable small businesses, e.g. for the cultivation of indigenous fruit trees and the establishment of bee cultures. People can acquire knowledge about sustainable cultivation methods in order to achieve better yields and protect the soil.
How does forest protection help fight global warming?Forests are not only among the planet's most important carbon reservoirs. They also are home to an enormous diversity of species and are the livelihood for all people. However, global forest areas have declined sharply in recent decades due to increasing settlement, agricultural use, illegal logging and mining.
Forest protection projects ensure that forests are preserved in the long term and that the protection of forests is given a higher value than their deforestation. Together with the local population, project participants protect the area from negative influences. To allow for this the projects create alternative sources of income and educational opportunities. Depending on the project region, forests store varying amounts of carbon per hectare. Particularly high amounts of carbon are stored in the vegetation and soil of tropical swamp forests, primary rainforests, or mangroves. Forest protection projects in the ClimatePartner portfolio are registered with international standards.
