Long-term forest restoration in the Udzungwa-Kilombero biodiversity hotspot

Initiating long-term forest restoration for nature and people in the Udzungwa-Kilombero biodiversity hotspot by establishing infrastructure, building capacity and improving strategies for forest restoration.

Partner: Reforest Africa
Years: 2021-2024

The Udzungwa-Kilombero landscape is part of a internationally recognized biodiversity hotspot and home to hundreds of threatened tree species. However, vast areas continue to be lost to the expansion of agriculture. This project will improve the in situ conservation of the 2,615 hectares of reserve, including the restoration of 120 hectares of degraded forests with 120,000 seedlings of 10 threatened tree species.

Udzungwa Mountains National Park

The Udzungwa-Kilombero landscape is part of a world recognized biodiversity hotspot and home to hundreds of threatened tree species. However, vast areas continue to be lost to expanding agriculture. This project aims to improve in situ conservation of the 2,615 hectares of reserve, including the restoration of 120 hectares of degraded forests with 120,000 seedlings of 10 threatened tree species. This will be achieved by establishing the Udzungwa Botanic Garden as a source of threatened tree seedlings, a restoration training hub to empower 7,000 local beneficiaries to drive forward the conservation of threatened trees and a source of revenue from ecotourism in the reserve. Finally, to ensure lasting conservation impact, regional restoration plans for the Udzungwa-Kilombero landscape and a sustainable financing strategy will be initiated.