Mozambique Carbon Emissions Offsetting through Tree Planting

Each year, Mozambique loses 219,000 hectares of forest cover (541,000 acres). While the government is doing all it can, it has been unable to stop the massive destruction. Illegal logging is the main problem. In 2013, as much as 93 percent of all logging was illegal. In other words, almost all logging done in the country was being done irresponsibly in an unsustainable manner. While this number has dropped somewhat since then, widespread illegal forestry is still causing enormous issues.

Sadly, the country is being deforested at record rates. As more trees are removed, water cycles are disrupted and soil degrades. Eventually, the land becomes barren and local people are forced to migrate—placing enormous stress on other areas. This vicious cycle continues as more trees are cut down.

This is especially an issue in high-biodiversity areas like Mozambique where countless species of plants and animals are faced with habitat destruction. Furthermore, almost 4% of species in Mozambique are threatened for extinction.¹

The message is clear: if no one takes action, Mozambique will continue to lose forests, and species will continue to die out.

Sofala Province, Natsisone, Mozambique

Reclaiming the land that has been destroyed, these seedlings will help sequester carbon emissions for years to come.

But 8 Billion Trees is not willing to accept that reality. To fight back, we have partnered with Eden Reforestation Projects to plant in Mozambique where fresh trees will revitalize devastated areas and bring back to life barren parts of the country.

2023 Planting Update: Natsisone, Mozambique and Maputo, Madjuva 1

From October 2020 to October 2023, 8 Billion Trees and Eden Reforestation have made big strides in ecological restoration of the Mangroves in the region and community health.

Currently, 3,925,769 trees out of a pledged 5,080,000 have been planted, and the local economy boosted and livelihoods enhanced by providing consistent employment to an average of 24 individuals each month.

The Natsisone site, with its 700 hectares of both robust and degraded mangrove forests, sits at the heart of Mozambique’s coastal ecosystem, playing a crucial role in biodiversity conservation and community protection.

Mangroves, known for their carbon sequestration capabilities, act as bulwarks against storm surges and soil erosion, while providing habitat for a rich diversity of fauna including various species of crabs, birds, and fish. However, these vital ecosystems face threats from overexploitation and industrial development, underscoring the urgent need for restoration efforts.

The socio-economic and environmental impacts of the Natsisone project are profound. Beyond the immediate benefits of employment and ecological restoration, the project contributes to a larger vision of restoring degraded lands across Mozambique by 2030, aligning with the AFR100 initiative.

This initiative underscores a commitment to large-scale restoration and community development, a beacon of hope for achieving natural equilibrium and sustainable livelihoods for local communities.

This endeavor not only exemplifies a commitment to environmental stewardship but also highlights the integral role of local communities in driving meaningful change.

The Natsisone project serves as a compelling narrative of how targeted reforestation efforts can yield significant socio-economic and environmental benefits.

The restoration of mangrove ecosystems in Mozambique exemplifies a symbiotic relationship between humanity and nature, advocating for a protective stance on civil liberties in the face of environmental challenges.

2021 Update: Planting at the 8 Billion Trees & Eden Reforestation Dona Julia Site

To continue combating the illegal deforestation plaguing Mozambique, 8 Billion Trees has joined Eden Reforestation Projects to replace a minimum of 2,000,000 native species trees this year! The new trees will be planted at the Dona Julia site located in Beira, Mozambique.

Ensuring that only native species are replanted is a critical aspect of our mission, and at this planting site, a whopping 412 hectares will be reforested with native species of Mangroves, including Rizhopora, Ceriops, and Bruguiera.

Fighting the wanton destruction of the world’s forests is a never-ending challenge. But this year, thanks to effective partnerships, another two million trees will be restored, providing natural wildlife habitats and the means to remove dangerous carbon emissions from our struggling planet.