THE SHABUNDA PROJECT, IN THE GREEN HEART OF AFRICA, A STRONGHOLD OF NATURE REMOVING ATMOSPHERIC CO2, A NATURE-BASED CLIMATE SOLUTION, DO-ONE-THING-NOW TO CONSERVE SHABUNDA

About

THE CONGO BASIN

The Congo Basin makes up one of the most crucial ecosystems and wilderness areas left on Earth. Measuring over 500 million acres, it is the second-largest tropical forest on the planet - representing an area roughly the size of the country of Mexico.

It is estimated that the region over 10,000 species of tropical plants - over 30% of which are unique to the region. This ecosystem is home to thousands of species of animals, a portion of which are endangered, including forest elephants, chimpanzees, bonobos, and lowland mountain gorillas.

The Congo Basin has been inhabited by humans for over 50,000 years - providing food, shelter, and fresh water to inhabitants within the region, comprised of roughly 150 distinct ethnic groups.

 

THE SHABUNDA REGION

Part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, this area of the Congo Basin is home to a population that is cut off from major population centers, putting economic and social strain on its inhabitants. Without assistance, the indigenous people may have to give in to development that would put crucial forestland and natural habitat reserves at risk.

 

 

PAC SHABUNDA

This project is an effort to support responsible development efforts that not only conserve existing forest, but also provide the maximum social and economic benefits to the indigenous people of the Shabunda region. 

With your purchase, we track an area of forest to ensure its conservation as part of our collaborative, ongoing plan to assist in the sustainable development of communities indigenous to the Shabunda Region.

Phase I involves the establishment of an area of QuantumQarbon Forest.

Phase II will involve the restoration of forest and the measurement of COfluxes within the QuantumQarbon forest established in Phase I. 

 

REGIONAL GOALS AND STRATEGIES

GOAL 1: Open up the Chiefdom of Bakisi: Currently, the people of Shabunda are cut off from major population centers. Upgrading the current 403km of agricultural roads to roadways serviceable for all vehicles will help to connect those currently residing in Shabunda to the opportunities and services located in more populated areas.

GOAL 2: Promote silvpastoral & agroforestry practices:

  • Silvpastoral Systems support livestock grazing by foregoing Westernized grazing methods, instead mirroring natural, forested areas resulting in better food sources for cattle and less disruption of natural forest. 
  • Agroforestry is a combination of traditional forest and agricultural area, helping to reduce erosion and increase biodiversity.
GOAL 3: Increase access to social services to improve well-being: building much-needed hospitals, clinics, and schools with sanitation and nutrition, making sure that indigenous people have the tools necessary to live healthy, productive lives.
GOAL 4: Environmental Restoration and Conservation: It is our goal for conservation to be profitable for indigenous people of the region. By implementing sustainable methods for gold-mining and identifying natural products native to the region, the Shabunda Indigenous People can profit from their conservation efforts. With a goal of preserving the maximum amount of the existing Congo Basin possible, reforestation can be tracked to ensure that areas disturbed by development are offset.
Click here to read the full plan.

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