Background

Kibale National Park in western Uganda is a relict forest of great importance for wildlife; boasting an outstanding 13 species of primates. Much of the forest was destroyed in the 1970s, and since the 1990s the Uganda Wildlife Authority and the FACE Foundation have been working in the park to restore this deforested area.

A major barrier to the natural regeneration of the forest is the growth of elephant grass, which restricts sapling growth. Substantial research has found the grass must be cut by hand before planting the saplings and then at least three times a year until enough of a canopy is formed by the trees to shade out the sunlight.

The project

ClimateCare is funding the re-establishment of a rainforest with 30 or so native species of trees which, when mature, will be home to a number of endangered primates including chimpanzees.