ET

Ethiopia


11,176 ha

EthioTrees

Afforestation, Reforestation, and Revegetation

Native restoration rooted in community.

Overview

EthioTrees

ET

Ethiopia


11,176 ha


Developer: Climate Lab bv

Afforestation, Reforestation, and Revegetation

Located in northern Ethiopia, the Tigray Highlands face severe land degradation due to climate change. Steep slopes used for cattle grazing are especially prone to erosion, threatening local livelihoods. This ambitious project addresses this challenge head-on, breathing new life into deteriorated landscapes. Woodland restoration: Strategic reforestation enhances ecological resilience, and boosts biodiversity. Sustainable agroforestry: Integrating trees into agriculture improves soil health and reduces reliance on unsustainable practices. Ecosystem services: Improved groundwater availability supports agriculture and households while providing essential materials. Sustainable income: Generates income for farmers through non-timber products like honey, fruits, and frankincense.

Connect with our team to learn more about this project and how Pachama can support your nature strategy.

Registry

Plan Vivo

Registry ID: PV_2017_19

Pachama's project evaluation criteriaPachama rigorously evaluates every project listed on our marketplace to ensure that we're surfacing only the highest quality projects. Our Evaluation Criteria includes a series of checks that every project must pass as well as a number of informative insights on project quality. You can see a preview of these checks below.

01

Additional

Does the project have a net additional climate benefit?

  • Net additional climate benefit

    Emissions reductions are calculated based on the difference between baseline, project, and leakage emissions. Pachama analyzes emissions claims to confirm that the project has a net additional climate benefit, and each credit represents at least one metric ton of carbon.

02

Conservative

Is the climate benefit based on sound and conservative claims?

  • Baseline claims

    Pachama analyzes baseline emissions accounting to confirm that the reported baseline emissions are less than what Pachama observes with remote sensing.

  • Project claims

    Pachama assesses the project boundary, project emissions accounting, carbon inventory, and financial and legal additionality.

  • Leakage claims

    Pachama summarizes the project's reported leakage emissions accounting.

03

Durable

Is the climate benefit long-lasting?

  • Ongoing monitoring

    Pachama quantifies emissions since the last verification to ensure the project continues to deliver a climate benefit.

  • Project risks

    Pachama characterizes fire and other natural risks and summarizes buffer pool contributions.

04

Beyond Carbon

Does the project deliver benefits beyond carbon?

  • Social impacts

    If a project occurs on community-owned land, Pachama confirms the community is fully informed of the project activity and impact, consent is given without coercion, and a grievance and redress mechanism is in place.

  • Ecological impacts

    For ARR projects, Pachama analyzes native species planting, species diversity, regional suitability, and reforestation practices.

  • Certifications

    Pachama provides a summary of the project's awarded certifications.

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Project story
Bouncing back from adversity.

In 2016, the project began revitalizing Central Tigray with a vision spanning over two decades, aiming to secure ecological, social, and climate benefits. Its goals were ambitious yet vital: restoring woodlands, supporting agroforestry, and developing ecosystem services across the region.

The project started with 950 participants. By 2023, it had dramatically expanded to 11,176 hectares and engaged 20,805 households, reflecting a commitment to gradual and steady growth.

However, the journey has faced challenges. In late 2020, conflict erupted in the region, leading to the occupation of project areas by external forces. The community of Togoga, near Meam Atali, suffered devastating bombings, resulting in the loss of essential infrastructure and over 200 injuries.

Despite these hardships, operations swiftly resumed in 2021, prioritizing humanitarian aid for the most vulnerable. The project proved resilient: independent studies using remote sensing found no significant decrease in vegetation cover in the project sites, corroborating field observations by the project team.

Today, the project continues to expand, fostering environmental sustainability amid adversity. The dedication to restoring Tigray's landscapes and supporting local communities remains unwavering, demonstrating the power of resilience and community-driven efforts in achieving lasting impact.

4

schools constructed, serving 400 students.


29,000

vulnerables families supported with cash-for-food assistance.

Gedmigestate, nestled on the steep slopes above the village, serves as an example of ecosystem resilience in the region when provided with targeted holistic restoration efforts.

Gedmigestate, nestled on the steep slopes above the village, serves as an example of ecosystem resilience in the region when provided with targeted holistic restoration efforts.

Impacts beyond carbon

Investing in people and the planet.

Through dedicated community collaboration and steadfast commitment, the EthioTrees project tackles climate change while fostering stronger, more sustainable communities. The progress from 2016 to 2023, marked by significant growth and resilience, highlights the positive impact of community-led initiatives across many of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals outlined by the United Nations.

02

Zero Hunger

Leveraging Plan Vivo carbon finance, the project has provided cash-for-food assistance and distributed wheat flour to over 29 thousand vulnerable families and displaced persons.

04

Quality Education

Four new schools have been constructed, now catering to over 400 students and enhancing access to quality education for children in the region.

05

Gender Equality

Striving for 50% female participation in all activities, women play a crucial role in sorting and grading frankincense, promoting gender equity and economic empowerment.

06

Clean water and sanitation

The construction of three water reservoirs has alleviated water scarcity during dry seasons. Additionally, water availability for upstream communities has been improved.

09

Industry, innnovation and infrastructure

Collaborating with community members, the project has constructed vital soil and water conservation structures such as percolation ponds, trenches, and soil bunds. These initiatives not only provide daily labor income but also strengthen community resilience.

10

Reduce inequalities

Through 31 capacity-building training sessions, with an average attendance of 98 participants, the project focuses on enhancing environmental management within exclosure areas during times of conflict, promoting inclusivity and equitable resource management.

11

Sustainable cities and communities

Following best practices in forest landscape restoration, the project aims to support natural regeneration processes and enhance ecosystem services.

12

Responsible consumption and production

Supporting enrichment planting, agroforestry, improved management practices, beekeeping for honey production, and sustainable frankincense tapping and sorting, the project promotes responsible consumption patterns and sustainable resource utilization.

13

Climate action

Regular monitoring of activity-based indicators and comprehensive socioeconomic impact assessments, including periodic training sessions across 20 different sites every five years, ensures effective climate action and community engagement in sustainable development initiatives.

biodiversity
From fragmented to flourishing.

The EthioTrees project connects forest patches and ancient "church forests" to enrich vegetation diversity. Indigenous species like Acacia, Olea, Celtis, and Cordia thrive alongside newer additions such as Donea and Asteraceae in these restored areas. With a strong focus on preserving Boswellia papyrifera, essential for incense production, the project safeguards critical plant species. Beyond its botanical impact, the project site supports wildlife including spotted hyenas, mountain nyala, and caracal. It has also emerged as a sanctuary for avian species like the wattled ibis, white-winged flufftail, and blue-winged goose, significantly enhancing the ecological richness of the region.

biodiversity image
  • 748

    species recorded in the project region


  • 18

    critically endangered or endangered species recorded in the project region


  • 91st

    percentile globally based on the impact of restoration on biodiversity.

Boswellia papyrifera image
tree spotlight
Boswellia papyrifera

Boswellia papyrifera, a frankincense tree native to Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Sudan, is renowned for its aromatic resin, which emits a distinct lemon-pine fragrance. This species has faced challenges in recent years, with populations dwindling primarily due to overexploitation. Interestingly, the sustainability of these trees hinges on its harvesting practices, underscoring the importance of careful management to preserve both its ecological and cultural value.

how this project helps

The project enhances plant biodiversity and improves soil health through a variety of strategic initiatives. These include enriching agroforestry plots with native tree species, promoting sustainable harvesting practices, and implementing effective boundary planting techniques.

Mountain Nyala image
animal spotlight
Mountain Nyala

Endemic to the region, the mountain nyala is a large antelope with a gray to brown coat decorated with white strips extending from the back to the underside. It has been classified as Endangered under the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), and its influence on culture is notable, being featured on the obverse of Ethiopian coins.

how this project helps

Animals in the region often seek cover in woodlands. However, continuous blocks have been fragmented into isolated pockets scattered across cultivated lands and human settlements. The project aims to restore these habitats, providing vital support for local wildlife.

Public registry documentsApplicable calculation methods are referenced in the reports below. Note that registries do not publicly provide all pertinent data required to reproduce emissions calculations. However, Independent Validation and Verification Bodies have access to the data needed to reproduce and verify emissions calculations.
  • Bi-Annual Report AUG 2022-2023

    pdf

  • Annual Report 2016

    pdf

  • Annual Report 2018

    pdf

  • Annual Report 2017

    pdf

  • Annual Report 2022-2023

    pdf

  • Annual Report 2021-2022

    pdf

  • Project Design Document

    pdf

  • Verification Report 2023

    pdf

  • Annual Report 2019-2020

    pdf

  • Annual Report 2023-2024

    pdf