As part of the Kibira Sanctuary of Peace and Nature Conservation project financed by UNCDF and implemented by 5 organizations (COH, ABN, AFEB, UNIPROBA and KIOKA), ABN is in the process of implementing the “Support for the restoration and protection of Kibira and its peripheries” component.

Why restore and protect Kibira?

The Kibira forest is a protected area, with a very rich and varied biodiversity, a natural site in which there are thousands of very diverse species of fauna and flora, many of which are endemic.
Many rivers have their sources in this forest. It plays an important role in the basins of the Congo and Nile rivers, up to the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Ocean. It exerts a significant influence in hydrological regulation and the protection of soils against erosion. It also contributes to carbon sequestration.
However, since the 1993 crisis, the Kibira forest has experienced a lot of disturbances related in particular to wood cutting, land clearing, forest fires, the search for medicinal plants and the exploitation of mines and quarries.

To achieve this objective, ABN has set up nurseries to produce plants of indigenous species (Maesopsis emenii, intended for the delimitation of Kibira and Prunus africana, intended for the restoration of Kibira) and agroforestry plants of Grevillea robusta, intended for the restoration of the landscapes of the village environment bordering Kibira.

ABN has also produced Bambusa vulgaris plants that will contribute to the stabilization of river banks. The conservation and fight against soil erosion at the community level were not left aside as watershed development and vegetation activities were carried out as part of the project. A total of 135,000 plants (agroforestry and indigenous plants combined) including 15,000 Maesopsis emenii plants for the delimitation and 120,000 (40,000 Prunus africana plants and 80,000 Grevillea robusta plants) for restoration and 20,000 Bamboo plants for the stabilization of river banks are expected.

 

By Joseph BZIMUNGU

Executive Director of ABN