Preserving Biodiversity in the Nyungwe Forest

Author: Charlie Phillips

Caption: “Preserving Biodiversity in the Nyungwe Forest” was a conservation project that took place from September 2009 to August 2014. The project was intended to conserve the biodiversity and geoecological functions of Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest, which is the country’s largest carbon sink. In order to accomplish this goal, the project established an agroforestry belt. Agroforestry is a land use system in which woody plants are combined with more arable crops. The agroforestry belt mimicked the forest’s natural hierarchy, protected against soil erosion, promoted biomass production, and limited deforestation. With less soil erosion and deforestation, the project successfully sequestered atmospheric carbon dioxide. Additionally, the project set up environmental education programs in Rwandan schools.

Tags: Injustice in Life