Deforestation of tropical rainforests has a global impact through species extinction, climate change, the loss of important ecosystems and unique resources. However, the destruction of rainforest can be slowed down, stopped, and even reversed when local inhabitants are given the chance to sustainably manage and protect their natural resources.

Project Needs

This project aims to stop deforestation along the Lebialem Highlands and provide a hopeful future to both people and biodiversity inhabiting this landscape. Over 350 bird species have been recorded in this biodiversity hotspot among which 50 are endemic to the afromontane highlands, 15 globally threatened and three endangered bird species.

The midlevel elevation has endangered primates like chimpanzees, drills, and Cross River gorillas whose habitats are equally threatened by the increase of forest fragmentation and degradation. Botanical surveys revealed the presence of over 26 red-data plant species and many other that may be new to science.

Over-exploitation and other unsustainable activities have resulted in landslides and erosion which have led to loss of income sources leading to extreme high levels of poverty among the local communities.

Objectives of this project

• to protect and restore the mountain rainforests of the Lebialem Highlands through research, participatory conservation strategies, reforestation and development of sustainable livelihoods in close collaboration with the local communities.

Activities

Raising community awareness on conservation of mountain ecosystems through mobilisation and education; form and train community-based institutions from all the 27 fondoms in soil and forest conservation measures on mountain slopes; survey the native plants and bird species of the highlands with active involvement of the local communities; introduce and develop community-based tourism; create a technical operation unit consisting of a number of  community forests and protected areas throughout the Lebialem Highlands; and to restore at least 70% of the degraded slopes through reforestation within 5 years.

Beneficiaries

This project will involve 27 villages (fondoms/chiefdoms). 95% of the inhabitants are rural people and depend essentially on agriculture and forest resources for their livelihoods.