Project details
1004 ยท Forest protection
  • Kasigau Wildlife Corridor, Kenya
Zebras, lions and elephants

How do you actually conserve 200,000 hectares of forest? The forest in question is a section of dry forest and savanna in the Kasigau Wildlife Corridor, which connects the Tsavo East and Tsavo West Natural Parks in Kenya. It is home to endangered species such as lions, zebras and parrots as well as countless species of birds. Every day during their seasonal migration, 2,000 African elephants cross the area.

However, this forest area is facing massive deforestation and slash-and-burn practices. In order to protect the Kasigau Wildlife Corridor, more than 100 rangers who guard and defend the area have been trained among the local population. More income opportunities for the local population are required in order to stem the depletion of the natural environment. That's why the project creates jobs in factories and small businesses.

The project was chosen as the Best Offsetting Project in Environmental Finance's 8th voluntary carbon poll in 2017.

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.

Contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
No PovertyThe project improves the living conditions for 116,000 community members in the region.
Zero HungerSeedlings for reforestation and community gardens are being procured and water access and sustainable farming training is being funded.
Good Health and Well-BeingThe project supports the construction of a hospital, renovation of a laboratory, and health workshops for girls and boys. Over the lifetime of the project, approximately 5,000 patients will have been treated in the medical centre.
Quality EducationThousands of people will receive access or improved access to quality education (bursary scheme). Training workshops will be held for skills and personal development and a total of 38 classrooms will be constructed or other school renovations realised.
Gender Equality20% of those in managerial positions will be women.
Clean Water and Sanitation15 water-related projects will be implemented including pipelines, storage tanks, rock catchments, gutters and water pans for harvesting across all the project locations in community areas and schools.
Decent Work and Economic GrowthThe project creates new jobs e. g. in tree nurseries, health care, education, handicrafts and as rangers.
Reduced InequalitiesAbout a half of the local population who will be beneficiaries from the livelihood improvements at household level will be female.
Responsible Consumption and ProductionOne aim of the project is that 32% of community members will understand the link between environmental protection, REDD+-Mechanism and livelihoods.
Climate ActionThe project saves about 150,850 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year.
Life on LandThe project aims to reduce the poaching and trafficking of protected species (both flora and fauna) in the project area.
Peace, Justice and Strong InstitutionsMaintain support for the three local community institutions (Locational Carbon Committee, Bursary Committees and Community-based Organizations) which will continue to install a stronger sense of self-determination.
Partnerships for the GoalsIn total, 48 agriculture-related training courses or extension events will be held.
Project standardVerified Carbon Standard (VCS)CCBS Gold Level TechnologyForest protectionRegionKasigau Wildlife Corridor, KenyaEstimated annual emission reductions150,858 t CO2Verified byDet Norske Veritas Climate Change Services AS (DNV)