Update on our forestry project in Bonga, Ethiopia

In Bonga forest, SNNPR region, Ethiopia, we are working with 26 villages to help them form Participatory Forest Management groups.  These groups will ultimately take responsibility for managing areas of Bonga forest and ensuring it is preserved for future generations.

In Bonga, we hope to have 81,000 hectares of forest under the community’s management with 60,000 people benefitting from the forests’ resources.

This month, boundary demarcation is due to take place, so communities know which areas of forest they will be responsible for.  Following on from this, a resource assessment will take place in each area, to assess what non-timber resources are available to communities and how they can earn a living from the forest in a sustainable way.  These resources may include coffee, honey and spices.