WeForest's Gewocha Forest restoration project in Ethiopia aims to revitalise 10,000 hectares of degraded land by planting 11.9 million trees, implementing sustainable agroforestry practices, and empowering local communities, particularly women, to protect and manage their forest resources for future generations.
Overview
Ethiopia's climate varies significantly across its regions. Equatorial rainforests in the south and southwest experience high rainfall and humidity, while the eastern areas face arid, desert-like conditions. As one of the most drought-prone nations, Ethiopia has seen increasingly erratic rainfall patterns, contributing to worsening food insecurity.
Deforestation is a widespread issue throughout the country. Data from Global Forest Watch reveals that Ethiopia lost 19,800 hectares of tree cover in 2021 alone, and between 2001 and 2021, 4.2% of its humid primary forest was destroyed.
The Gewocha Forest, situated in the northwest of Ethiopia, is one area severely affected by deforestation and land degradation, which has led to a declining quality of life for local residents. Poor land management has resulted in degraded soils and unproductive farmland in this region and neighbouring communities. This has contributed to widespread poverty and malnutrition, with half of the population in the Jabi-Tehnan region living below the poverty line and 43% suffering from chronic malnutrition.
Although the Gewocha Forest is officially protected, local authorities lack the resources to enforce its protection. Farmers are increasingly forced to encroach on the forest due to low crop yields and insufficient animal feed. Trees are being cut down for fuelwood, construction materials, and charcoal production to supplement income lost from struggling agricultural activities.
Local community members participate in Ethiopia's ambitious Gewocha Forest restoration project, as a participant demonstrates tree planting techniques while others hold saplings in the background. Photo credits to Ecologi.
The Gewocha forest project
This initiative, in partnership with The Hunger Project, aims to restore 10,000 hectares of degraded land in Ethiopia's Amhara region by planting 11.9 million trees. The trees will be established through planting, assisted natural regeneration, and conservation methods.
Indigenous large canopy species to be planted include Ficus vasta, Cordia africana, Albizia gummifera, Ficus sur forssk, and Syzygium guineense. On smallholdings, 1.9 million seedlings of native and non-native species will be cultivated, including valuable fruit trees such as mango, avocado, banana and coffee.
The project focuses on forest restoration, securing communal ownership of the community forest, and agroforestry. These strategies aim to ensure long-term, sustainable land use by safeguarding the forest, ending unsustainable farming practices, and improving the health and well-being of local residents.
A key aspect of this project is its emphasis on enhancing women's roles in communities where leadership opportunities have historically been limited. Women's Self-Help Groups (WSHGs) will be established to boost female participation and leadership, with support to evolve into Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOs). Additionally, maternal and child health in the region will be improved by increasing access to Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) facilities, including sanitation and hygiene training, new water point construction, and maintenance of existing water sources.
The project will also implement micro-irrigation systems to facilitate the sustainable production of vegetables, fruits, and other crops crucial for supplementing and diversifying nutritional diets.
Local communities will receive assistance in securing forest title deeds, ensuring its future protection.
As the local government currently lacks resources to protect the forest, residents will be provided with training and equipment to manage the forest for generations, thereby reducing deforestation. This, combined with improved land management techniques and a better understanding of the forest's importance, will ensure its long-term preservation.
The Gewocha Forest project will directly benefit 7,894 farmers and their families across 14 communities, with approximately 42,000 people benefiting indirectly.
Notably, planting has already commenced. As of June 2022, the Geray Tree Nursery was operational, producing half a million seedlings for the current planting season.
WeForest's erosion control initiative showcases deep soil channels amid lush greenery, demonstrating active landscape restoration efforts in Ethiopia. Photo credits to Ecologi.
Implementation
Founded in 2010, WeForest specialises in comprehensive, multi-stakeholder reforestation initiatives using a Forest and Landscape Restoration approach. Their ambitious vision aims for a world where communities and nature flourish together, halting global warming 'within our lifetime'.
WeForest's mission centres on preserving and rejuvenating forest landscapes' ecological integrity alongside local communities, delivering enduring solutions for climate, biodiversity, and people. To date, they oversee nearly 50,000 hectares under restoration across three continents, with a target of 100,000 hectares restored and 100 million trees planted by 2025.
The Ethiopian project is under the management of WeForest Ethiopia and was spearheaded by Dr. Aklilu Mekuria. As one of WeForest's most experienced team members, Dr. Mekuria brings his expertise in bioscience engineering and extensive field experience to lead landscape restoration and planting initiatives in Ethiopia.
Local community members participate in vital reforestation efforts at Ethiopia's Gewocha Forest through WeForest's Making Earth Cooler initiative. Photo credits to Ecologi.
Key objectives
Forest restoration
Revitalising the Gewocha Forest ecosystem through tree planting and conservation efforts.
Securing communal ownership
Assisting local communities in obtaining title deeds for the forest, ensuring its long-term protection and management.
Agroforestry
Implementing sustainable agricultural practices that integrate trees with crops and livestock, improving land productivity and community livelihoods.
Project impact
Environmental Impact
The project aims to restore 10,000 hectares of degraded land in Ethiopia's Amhara region by planting 11.9 million trees, including native large canopy species and high-value fruit trees. This effort will help re-establish the structure, species diversity, and density of the highly degraded Gewocha Forest, contributing to carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation.
Social Impact
The initiative focuses on empowering women by forming Women's Self Help Groups and supporting their evolution into Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies, whilst also improving maternal and child health through enhanced access to Water, Sanitation & Hygiene facilities. Additionally, the project assists local communities in securing title deeds to the forest, ensuring its future protection and fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among residents.
Economic Impact
By introducing agroforestry practices on 925 hectares of smallholder farmland and implementing micro-irrigation systems, the project aims to improve agricultural productivity and diversify income sources for approximately 7,900 households. This approach not only enhances food security but also creates sustainable livelihoods, potentially reducing poverty in a region where half of the inhabitants currently live below the poverty line.
Young tree seedling emerges from rich soil in Ethiopia's Gewocha Forest restoration project. Photo credits to Ecologi.
UN Sustainable development goals
The project aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals:
1 - No Poverty: End poverty in all its forms everywhere
2 - Zero Hunger: Rethink how we grow, share and consume our food, providing nutritious food for all
5 - Gender Equality: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
6 - Clean Water and Sanitation: Ensure access to water and sanitation for all
7 - Affordable and Clean Energy: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy
13 - Climate Action: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
15 - Life on Land: Sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, halt biodiversity loss
17 - Partnerships for the Goals: Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development
Read more about the UN sustainability development goals.
Verification and Location
Location: Jabi-Tehnan, Ethiopia
Photo credits: Ecologi
FAQ’s
How can individuals or organisations contribute financially to the Gewocha Forest restoration project in Ethiopia?
While specific donation information is not provided, interested parties can likely support the project by contacting WeForest directly or exploring donation options on their website.
What is being done to mitigate climate risks for the forests in Ethiopia?
The project aims to restore 10,000 hectares of degraded land by planting 11.9 million trees, including native species. This effort will help re-establish forest structure, enhance biodiversity, and contribute to carbon sequestration, thus mitigating climate risks.
How does Ethiopia's geography affect its vulnerability to climate change and impact conservation efforts?
Ethiopia's diverse climate, ranging from equatorial rainforests to arid regions, makes it particularly vulnerable to climate change. The country's susceptibility to drought and erratic rainfall patterns significantly impacts conservation efforts, especially in areas like the Gewocha Forest.
How does the project ensure the long-term sustainability of its conservation efforts?
The project focuses on securing communal ownership of the forest, providing training and equipment for local management, and implementing sustainable agroforestry practices. These strategies aim to ensure long-term community engagement and sustainable land use.
What educational programmes does the Gewocha Forest project in Ethiopia run?
While specific educational programmes are not detailed, the project provides training on forest management, sustainable agricultural practices, and the importance of forest conservation to local communities. It also includes initiatives to enhance women's participation and leadership skills.
How does the project select its partners to ensure they adhere to sustainable practices?
The project collaborates with established organisations like The Hunger Project and works closely with local communities. While specific partner selection criteria are not mentioned, WeForest's focus on sustainable practices and community involvement suggests a careful approach to partnership selection.