About this project
Project Summary: Planting 10,000 Fruit Trees around Virunga National Park
This project aims to plant 10,000 fruit trees in the buffer zones surrounding Virunga National Park, located in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The primary goal is to combine environmental conservation, climate resilience, and the socio-economic development of local communities.
The Virunga region faces growing pressure on its natural resources due to deforestation, unsustainable farming practices, and poaching. At the same time, local communities are increasingly vulnerable to the effects of climate change — including irregular rainfall, declining soil fertility, and food insecurity.
This initiative proposes a nature-based solution: the reforestation of degraded lands with indigenous and productive fruit tree species. These trees will help capture carbon, regulate local microclimates, improve soil structure, and enhance biodiversity, while also offering sustainable income and nutrition to surrounding communities.
The selected trees — such as mango, avocado, orange, guava, and papaya — are well-suited to the local climate and will have a triple benefit:
Environmental: ecosystem restoration, soil conservation, water retention, and climate mitigation through carbon sequestration.
Socio-economic: income generation, improved food security, and reduced dependence on the park’s resources.
Climate adaptation: increased resilience of communities to climate-related shocks by diversifying livelihoods and stabilizing ecosystems.
The project will be implemented in collaboration with local communities, environmental authorities, and civil society organizations, following a participatory, inclusive, and climate-smart approach. Activities include community engagement, agroforestry training, climate awareness campaigns, and long-term monitoring to ensure impact and sustainability.
Goals and Objectives
To promote sustainable development and climate resilience in the communities surrounding Virunga National Park through the planting of 10,000 fruit trees, contributing to environmental restoration, biodiversity conservation, and improved livelihoods.
Specific Objectives
Environmental Restoration
To restore degraded lands in the buffer zones of Virunga National Park by planting native and climate-resilient fruit tree species that improve soil health and enhance local biodiversity.
Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
To support climate action by increasing carbon sequestration, stabilizing local microclimates, and improving the resilience of local communities to the impacts of climate change.
Sustainable Livelihoods and Food Security
To generate alternative sources of income and nutrition for local households through the production, processing, and sale of fruit, thereby reducing pressure on park resources.
Community Engagement and Capacity Building
To empower local communities by providing training in agroforestry, sustainable land management, and climate-smart agriculture practices.
Long-Term Sustainability and Monitoring
To establish a community-based monitoring and maintenance system to ensure the survival, productivity, and long-term benefits of the planted trees.
Expected result
10,000 fruit trees planted in buffer zones
By the end of the project, 10,000 climate-resilient fruit trees (mango, avocado, orange, guava, papaya) will be planted on degraded lands surrounding Virunga National Park, contributing to ecosystem restoration and carbon sequestration.
At least 80% tree survival rate after two years
A community-based care and monitoring system will help ensure that a minimum of 80% of the trees survive and thrive within 24 months of planting.
500 households directly engaged
At least 500 households will participate in tree planting and maintenance activities, with a focus on including women and youth in agroforestry initiatives.
Increased household income and food security within 2 years
Participating families will benefit from improved nutrition and new income streams as fruit trees begin to produce, reducing reliance on park resources.
500 community members trained in climate-smart agroforestry
Local residents will receive training in sustainable land management, tree care, and climate adaptation techniques, enhancing community capacity and ownership.
Reduced pressure on park resources
By offering alternative livelihoods, the project is expected to reduce illegal activities such as logging, charcoal production, and poaching within the park.
Participatory monitoring system established
A local monitoring committee will be trained to track tree growth, fruit production, and socio-economic impact, ensuring long-term sustainability.
Partners
About me / organisation
MANGASA IGILIMA LAJOIE
The project is led by Mangasa Igilima, a 23-year-old social and environmental entrepreneur from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. He is the founder of a local agroclimate enterprise committed to sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and community development.
Mangasa has hands-on experience in leading grassroots projects related to reforestation, agroforestry, and youth engagement. His work focuses on practical, nature-based solutions that improve both the environment and the livelihoods of local communities. He has successfully mobilized young people and farmers to adopt sustainable land management practices in vulnerable areas around Virunga National Park.
With a strong commitment to climate justice and rural empowerment, Mangasa brings local knowledge, leadership skills, and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by communities in the region. His approach combines innovation, inclusion, and action, making him a passionate and capable leader for this project.