Austria
- TUI Forest Zambia to enhance food security and restore critical ecosystems by training 1700 farmers in sustainable farming practices
- Up to 950,000 trees will be planted to foster environmental conservation
- Project is launched as part of TUI Care Foundation’s Forest February, which emphasises the global importance of reforestation
Forest ecosystems play a crucial role in environmental conservation and community livelihoods. They provide essential ecosystem services, support biodiversity, and offer educational opportunities for future generations. Recognising the importance of forests, the TUI Care Foundation is launching a new TUI Forest in Zambia. This initiative is part of the Foundation's commitment to support local communities to find sustainable income opportunities from forest environments.
TUI Forest Zambia aims to reduce pressure on critical ecosystems in the Mpumba region, a key area located between the Congo and Zambezi river basins. The project focuses on sustainable land management and economic development to protect the surrounding environment, including Lavushi Manda and South Luangwa National Parks – two important conservation areas in Zambia. In partnership with WeForest, the project will restore forest areas up to 865 hectares and plant 950,000 trees. The trees will be integrated into agricultural plots, increasing biodiversity and soil health. In addition, it will enhance food security by integrating sustainable agroforestry practices.
A key part of this approach is training lead farmers, who will then train 1,700 participants in agroforestry and conservation agriculture. Growing high-value crops like legumes and maize will improve both food security and income while reducing reliance on forests for timber and charcoal. Providing sustainable agricultural alternatives helps prevent destructive practices like slash-and-burn farming and overharvesting, which degrade forest ecosystems.
Additionally, a feasibility study will explore eco-tourism opportunities, such as guided bushwalks showcasing local flora and fauna, creating new economic prospects for the community. Through these forest-friendly and community-driven opportunities, the project supports both conservation and livelihoods, ensuring the long-term health and resilience of the region’s ecosystems.
The TUI Care Foundation's ‘Forest February’ is a month of activities dedicated to reforestation. Through a series of project launches and educational activities, it emphasises the importance of community-managed reforestation solutions and sustainable agro-forestry tourism practices to safeguard forest ecosystems for local communities and generations to come.
