Hongera Reforestation Project, Kenya

The Hongera Reforestation Project is a large-scale reforestation project in Kenya that aims to restore previously-forested areas that have been affected by human activities such as logging, agricultural clearance, development, construction, and firewood collection.

See the project booklet

Hongera Reforestation Project, Kenya

Location

MT Kenya and Aberdares, Kenya

Project goal

The project aims to plant over 10 million trees over a seven-year period, capturing an average of 340,000 tonnes CO₂ per annum.

Team members

Haron Wachira
Project Director Kenya

James Wachieni
Filed Operations Director Kenya

Project description

The Hongera Reforestation Project is a large-scale nature-based solutions project in Kenya. It involves replanting trees in areas affected by (illegal) logging, agricultural clearance, development, construction, and firewood collection. The project is designed to restore nature, protect biodiversity, increase water security, and provide a better quality of life for local communities.

Project ID

VERRA VCS 3321

Economic benefits for local communities

The project significantly boosts local economies by providing job opportunities, training, and seedlings that will offer yields to local smallholder farmers. Most people in rural areas in the project region rely on agriculture to earn their income, with most farmers being smallholders. All crop yields from trees planted are for the benefit of the local farmer. By restoring and protecting the immediate environment, the project secures a better, more sustainable quality of life for these communities and reduces poverty through investment and job opportunities.

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Environmental impact through reforestation

The project plays a pivotal role in environmental conservation by planting trees and reforesting the region. This effort leads to the restoration of biodiversity, revitalisation of degraded lands, and the creation of essential habitats for local wildlife. Each tree planted contributes to building a robust and thriving ecosystem, promoting overall environmental health.

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Project timeline

The feasibility study in Q3 2021 marked the start of our transformative journey to restore the area's natural beauty. In 2022, the first planting season represented tangible progress towards our reforestation goals. This ambitious 41-year project demonstrates our long-term commitment to nurturing the environment and preserving its delicate balance.

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The Hongera Reforestation Project pipeline

New projects
Feasibility study
Project design
Project validation
Project implementation
Periodic verification
Project completion

The project's impact

The Hongera Reforestation Project is a large-scale initiative addressing the detrimental impact of human activities on forested areas. By planting millions of trees in these areas, the project restores nature, safeguards biodiversity, enhances water security, and uplifts local communities.

It provides many economic benefits to local communities through job opportunities, training, and crop yields to smallholder farmers. The trees we plant also contribute to revitalising degraded lands, thereby boosting biodiversity, improving soil health, and establishing crucial habitats for local wildlife.

This reforestation project is a key driver in combatting deforestation and land degradation in the area, helping to restore the environment and contributing to the overall sustainability of the region.

Types of trees

Prunus africana

Dacryodes edulis (pear)

Persea (avocado)

Citrus limon (lemon)

Irvingia gabonensis (mango)

Citrus sinensis (orange)

Anacardium occidentale (cashew)

Macadamia integrifoli (macadamia)

Our current list of species includes fruit trees, nut trees, and shade trees, with a diversity of indigenous species.

Where the project is located

Kenya MT Kenya and Aberdares, Kenya

About this region

The project is being developed in Kenya. It focuses on planting trees in catchment areas in Mt Kenya and the Aberdares, which are essential for water security and increasing levels of biodiversity. These areas are known for their diverse ecosystems that range from mountains, tropical areas, drylands, forests, and arid lands. Kenya is home to a great variety of life, with over 35,000 species of flora and fauna. Kenyan forests, in particular, are especially rich in plant and animal life, and most of the country’s endemic species live in forest habitats. Kenya’s forests however are threatened by deforestation and desertification, making the conservation and restoration of forests a priority for this region.

Hongera Reforestation Project diaries

Read and learn about the latest updates from the local management team.

3 min read

The new milestones unveiled for the Ethiopia Cookstoves Project

11 Apr, 2024

Drawing upon the vibrant and transformative journey of the Ethiopia Cookstoves Project, our latest u..

2 min read

From dust to lush: the revitalisation of Lake Aral's banks

5 Apr, 2024

We are thrilled to share the latest developments in our monumental journey towards ecological restor..

3 min read

From flame to future: sparking health and sustainability in Kenya's schools

28 Mar, 2024

At DGB Group, we're thrilled to announce the latest strides in our pioneering initiative, the Kenya

What we will achieve with this project

10.7M

trees being planted

13.6M

tonnes CO₂ to be captured

27,800

hectares to be restored

10,000

farmers positively impacted

Find out more in the project booklet

Join us to witness the incredible transformation as we breathe new life into once barren lands. Together, we can make a lasting impact and leave a legacy of environmental stewardship for future generations.

See the project booklet

Images gallery

Project investment process

Assess your environmental footprint

The first step is to measure and understand the impact of your business and commit to environmental responsibility. By doing so, businesses benefit the planet and gain a competitive edge. We prioritise nature restoration, offering businesses a path to a greener future. With our carbon footprint calculator, you can get clarity on your business’ environmental impact.

Invest in environmental solutions

Once you've measured your impact, the next step is to offset your carbon footprint and develop strategies that leverage nature-based solutions. Carbon offsetting is about investing in positive environmental impact. Our nature-based approach ensures you contribute to tangible, nature-positive outcomes that align with your values and vision, contributing to a more sustainable world.

Report on your nature-positive impact

After you have offset your carbon footprint, you can celebrate being nature positive. You can communicate your positive impact to stakeholders. DGB can help you with your ESG reporting as well as corporate communication strategies. This isn't just about accountability and transparency; it's an opportunity to inspire others and showcase the tangible benefits of investing in nature conservation.

Article 6 of the Paris Agreement

Article 6 of the Paris Agreement primarily establishes a governance mechanism with transparent registries for bilateral carbon credit transfers between countries that further facilitates a high-quality global carbon credit trading system. Kenya has recently enacted a new Climate Change Act, laying the foundation for its participation in international carbon markets. This updated act is seen as a vital step for Kenya's engagement in activities under Article 6. A notable feature of the new legislation is the introduction of a ‘community development agreement’, ensuring land-based projects like forestry and agriculture allocate a significant portion of their earnings to local communities. Our project will align with Article 6’s implementation for Kenya.

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