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Supporting the Last Afromontane Cloud Forests

Support for the Last Afromontane Cloud Forests

NABU’s Climate and Forest Project in Kafa, Ethiopia

In collaboration with the Ethiopian government and other partners, the NABU project “Climate Protection and Preservation of Primary Forests – A Management Model using the Wild Coffee Forests in Ethiopia as an Example“ aims at preserving the dense mountain forests in Ethiopia, specifically in Kafa Biosphere Reserve, while at the same time using them in a sustainable way by the local population. The project is scheduled to run until October 2013 and is hoped to serve on an international level as a model for the protection of climate and forest in combination with sustainable regional development.

This NABU project contributes significantly to the preservation of biological diversity. The integrative approach may act as a best-practice model for the protection of climate and natural resources in combination with sustainable local development. New ways of income generation, for example through ecotourism as well as in the field of ranger services are set to improve the standard of living of the local population.

As part of the project reforestation and renaturation of natural forest and cultivated land with indigenous species is planned. To respond to the needs of the population 1,500 hectares will be built up as plantations for firewood with fast growing trees. In addition 10,000 wood-saving stoves are introduced in selected municipalities – this measure has already been effective elsewhere in Ethiopia. The use of 10,000 hectares of forest is supposed to be orientated towards the concept of „Participatory Forest Management” (PFM). It will be planned and implemented in cooperation with the people living in or close to Kafa Biosphere Reserve. As part of PFM, the government is handing over the user rights to the people for an indefinite period of time. This has been practiced in Kafa successfully since many years.

The regional development in the Kafa Biosphere Reserve will also not be overlooked: tourist infrastructure like wild coffee trails, wild animal and bird observation towers, a road network, an historical outdoor museum, seminars and a model ecotourism lodge are set to create income and to support the seminal aim of the Ethiopian government: encourage tourism. A group of 30 rangers, employed and trained through the project, will advise the inhabitants of the biosphere reserve as well as visitors. They will give tips and information, for example concerning the establishment of adaptive, sustainable agricultural systems as well as provide guidance for tourists and improve the documentation of flora and fauna.

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