Gola Rainforest REDD+, Sierra Leone
Key Facts:
- Nature-based solutions| Forest conservation (REDD+) project
- Reduces 500,000+ tCO2e per year
- Supports 8 of the 17 UN SDGs
- Verified under VCS and CCB
Challenge
Sierra Leone’s tree cover has decreased by 32% since 2000 while the global average was 11% per Global Forest Watch. Gola’s previous Forest Reserve status did not prohibit small-scale logging, mining, and agricultural activities, and the forest area was under threat of rapid deforestation and degradation.
Solution
Carbon finance allows the Gola Rainforest National Park to employ Forest Guards to protect the 70,000-hectare park, buffer zone, and the millions of tonnes of carbon within Gola’s trees. The project empowers local communities to manage the entire landscape more sustainably, to benefit their families and the wildlife.
Impact
The project helped establish a cocoa farmer’s co-operative, to help rebuild lives after a decade of civil war and a devastating Ebola outbreak. This project reintroduces sustainable cocoa production skills that were lost during the civil war and Ebola crisis. The project area is also critical habitat for hundreds of bird, plant and mammal species.
Delivering towards the Global Goals
No poverty
End poverty in all its forms everywhere
Good Health & Wellbeing
Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages
Quality Education
Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
Decent Work and Economic Growth
Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all
Sustainable Cities and Communities
Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
Climate Action
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impact
Life Below Water
Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
Life On Land
Sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
