Mission
Reforest Africa aims to restore and protect native African forests for the benefit of both wildlife and people.
Their approach combines active forest management with hands‑on training that equips local people with the skills to protect their local environment. By planting native trees, supporting natural regeneration, and promoting the sustainable use of forest resources, Reforest Africa not only revitalises critical ecosystems but also empowers the communities who rely on them to thrive.
History
Established in 2016, Reforest Africa develops and implements techniques for the restoration, conservation, and monitoring of forests. With over 15 years’ experience in Tanzania, Reforest Africa collaborates closely with World Land Trust (WLT) partners Southern Tanzania Elephant Program (STEP) and Tanzania Forest Conservation Group (TFCG). They also work together with the Tanzanian government through the Tanzania Forest Service (TFS), Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA), and local communities.
Partnership with WLT
WLT first engaged with Reforest Africa during the Magombera land purchase in 2018.
WLT funding is now helping Reforest Africa restore 100 hectares (247 acres) of degraded forest in the Udzungwa-Kilombero landscape by planting 100,000 native trees. They will also establish a tree nursery and training hub in Kilolo to plant an additional 20,000 trees across 20 hectares (49 acres). In addition, Reforest Africa will collaborate with the Tanzania Forest Service to manage the reserve, employing and equipping community and government rangers. These efforts will protect local communities and highly threatened species like the African Elephant (Loxodonta africana) and Kilombero Reed Frog (Hyperolius viridiflavus reesi).
Other projects and activities
Reforest Africa’s work to restore forests is wide-ranging and includes extensive collaboration with, and support for local communities, in addition to tree planting and scientific research. Their work includes:
• Establishing the Udzungwa Botanic Garden as part of their Udzungwa-Kilombero biodiversity hotspot restoration plan. This will serve as a vital seed source for reforestation efforts and act as an education centre, training local communities in agroforestry techniques.
• Advocating for the protection of the Kilombero District’s precious forests. This culminated with the government officially recognising the Magombera Nature Forest Reserve in 2019 – a precious refuge for many highly threatened species like the Endangered Udzungwa Red Colobus (Procolobus gordonorum) and Magombera Chameleon (Kinyongia magomberae). Reforest Africa is now co-managing the protection of this reserve for both wildlife and the local communities.
• Provision of fuel efficient stoves in Tanzania to reduce reliance on charcoal harvesting from old-growth forests.
• Conducting environmental education to local communities and support for establishing alternative low-impact livelihoods.
• Collaborating with ecologists to ensure that all trees planted are native species and will bring the widest possible benefits to wildlife.
