Agroforestry – Providing Opportunities for People and Restoration of Habitat

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, International Tree Day is celebrated at the end of each year. This is in anticipation of the last rains of the year to provide ample watering for the young trees. During this past year, celebrations were organized around the Okapi Wildlife Reserve to involve students in reforestation projects at their schools. Reforestation efforts around schools serve many purposes. When schools are constructed, the area is usually cleared of trees, or the schools are constructed on abandoned plots of land that once held many trees. Once constructed, the school sits in an open area and subject to the hot sun. By reforesting the areas around schools, the trees provide shade during the hot midday sun, and an area for the students to have recess or just hang out. In addition, the trees provide wildlife corridors and food sources for monkeys and birds.  To read more, click here.