Across African drylands, the climate crisis means temperatures in this region are rising at twice the global average. In Burkina Faso, over 70% of communities are living rurally, relying on land and trees to make an income and grow enough food to eat. But due to the climate crisis and issues such as deforestation, land is rapidly losing its fertility. As a result, poverty and hunger are widespread.
Trees provide a solution. Growing trees helps to improve soil fertility, grow incomes and cool the land. Trees also absorb carbon dioxide, providing a nature-based solution to global heating. On top of this, giving people access to income from the sale of carbon credits makes sure that communities receive tangible, direct economic benefits from the sustainable use and protection of ecosystems, ensuring long-term impact for both people and the environment.
In the first four years, the project will grow more than six million native trees, restore 12,950 hectares of land, and provide key training to communities in techniques such as promoting agroforestry on farmland to increase farm productivity, soil and water conservation practices (to increase water harvesting and retention) and forest management.
Access to land and its resources will also be improved for all members of the communities who live there, including women, young people and the most vulnerable, helping to make sure the project’s benefits are both sustainable and long-term for all.