Celebrating Two Years of Community Partnership
In the village of Kagheri, located 15 km from the GRACE (Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education) sanctuary in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), an innovative partnership between GRACE and the local association SPEED-RDC is reducing the community's reliance on primary tropical forests. This collaboration, which began in 2022, has launched a sustainable woodlot initiative that not only provides essential resources for local households but also protects critical habitats for Grauer's gorillas and other endangered species.

Addressing Deforestation and Forest Pressures
The Kagheri Reforestation Project has already distributed over 70,000 tree seedlings, with plans to plant 50,000 more in its current phase (May to September 2024). The initiative primarily focuses on fast-growing species, such as Eucalyptus saligna and Harungana montana (known as Musombo in Kinande), which are used for cooking, building, and other household needs. By reducing the need to collect wood from the forest, the project aims to decrease pressures on primary tropical forests, a key habitat for the critically endangered Grauer's gorilla.

Empowering Communities, Women, and Youth
Central to this project is community participation. Local women, who previously traveled long distances to gather firewood, now benefit from trees planted closer to home. Every week, 1-25 women work at the site, supported by agricultural experts from GRACE and SPEED-RDC. The project also engages youth through environmental clubs and sports events, encouraging young girls to take on leadership roles in conservation efforts.

Looking Forward
With an estimated 950,000 seedlings needed to fully restore the Kagheri area, the project continues to grow. Future plans include ongoing training on fuel-efficient stove implementation and adding sustainable activities like beekeeping and small animal farming to enhance local livelihoods while reducing forest dependency. This community-driven approach exemplifies how GRACE's partnership with SPEED-RDC is building resilience, protecting forests, and creating a safer future for both people and gorillas.

Robert Kakule Madirisha, Faustin Muhindo Kibwana, Augustin Kambere Mbangi, Josias Kambale Kamaliro, Benezeth Kambale Visando and Jackson Kabuyaya Mbeke