Frequently Asked Questions
This page is all about answering your questions about us, the environment, the terms related to sustainability, and going into detail about them. Click on the questions below to read more, or scroll down to learn more about what we do in the DRC!
What we are doing in the DRC:
Reforestation and protection of the existing rainforest
We have started our operations in the Mai Ndombe province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Five villages (Duma 1, Duma 2, Bomanga, Boliano, and Bokungu), have after careful consideration and thorough studies in the Mai Ndombe Province been chosen as startup sites for our activities. The activities are already underway after the agreement between the five villages and United Eco Solutions and its local partner in the DR Congo in February 2024.
We have chosen large trees that grow naturally in the existing rainforest, all with great sequestration capabilities and fast growth rates. We are starting with 500 wenge trees accompanied by 1100 cacao trees on each hectare per year.
We are currently in the process of being certified by Gold Standard, which is estimated to be completed early 2025. The activities for our application include reforestation through agroforestry in the five villages, and it is only the newly planted trees that are included in the calculations. Of course our activities also cover the protection of the existing rainforest which creates great benefits, but that is “only” considered as a very special feature.
The studies performed on the ground showed…
…a considerable deforestation in the area due to mostly two reasons; the production of charcoal and unsustainable agriculture methods. The application of poorly executed monoculture agriculture, making the ground unfertile after a few years, urges the farmers to search for other fertile land. The misconception that fertile land is only found in the rainforest has led to extensive reduction of the rainforest over the years, thus creating immense areas of fallow, unused land and a continuing reduction of the rainforest in the search for more fertile land.
Over the past 20 years, more than 3,000 hectares of rainforest have been deforested near the five villages where we operate. We plan to reforest 2,000 hectares using agroforestry mrethods over the next 40 years.
Something must be done to stop the deforestation of the rainforest
The main reasons for deforestation in the Congo Basin are use of thte wood as an energy source and the fertile soil for agriculture. A large share of the population get their income from current harmful practices, so simply protecting the rainforest is not enough. What would the people then live of?
This is one of the reasons why we work together with the local communities to offer them employment and income from taking care of the rainforest trees while growing a diverse set of crops. They can use the harvests both for their own household and sell on the market. As a result, we create a more sustainable living situation, while also protecting the rainforest and increasing carbon sequestration.
Agroforestry in connection to existing forest
We have, after carefully performed studies of our experts, chosen agroforestry as a method to protect the existing rainforest and to increase its size. Agroforestry is a land use management approach that combines forestry with agricultural practices with crops or pasture on the same land. This optimizes the helpful interactions between the plants (and animals).
Performing agroforestry on the fallow land in the vicinity of the existing, untouched rainforest creates a natural protection area from deforestation since the crops need the shade of the rainforest trees. The trees also help maintain the soil fertile – no need to cut down more trees.
Cacao trees as an important part in our strategy and the population’s income
Cacao trees are important for many reasons. The largest benefits of the cacao trees come from their ability to provide the population with an income, apart from the fact that they sequester CO2. But they need the shade of the wenge trees to thrive. Therefore, the cacao trees create a natural protection from deforestation because the population does not want to cut down the planted wenge trees as that would reduce their future incomes from the cacao trees.
Together with the local population, we plant other fast-growing plants between the trees to ensure proper nutrition and income for the population within a few months. Our local coordinator and experienced agronomist will accompany the population every step of the way.
The population will also receive additional income every three months for taking care of the planted trees. This creates an additional incentive to continue monitoring the trees’ growth until they reach 10 years of age, by which time the wenge trees will be assured of good future growth.
The global Sustainable Development Goals
Our activities contribute to many aspects of sustainable ecological, social, and economic development. Therefore, we directly address 14 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Read more below:
1. No Poverty
The population will benefit from the agroforestry activities as it will provide increased incomes in the short, medium and long term.
2. Zero Hunger
The greatly increased and diversified production of agricultural products will both help ending hunger and help the population eat a more diverse diet that will reduce malnutrition.
3. Good Health and Well-Being
The diversified production will contribute to more nutritious food, and the increased incomes help the population to afford a better, healthier diet and improve health outcomes.
4. Quality Education
The significantly increased incomes for the local population will enhance families’ ability to afford their children’s schooling, including school fees, clothing, school materials, and other necessities. Additionally, we maintain a close collaboration with the Agronomy program in Duma 2 to elevate the quality of their education, incorporating both practical and theoretical elements into our partnership.
5. Gender Equality
The women in the DRC traditionally have a very central role in agriculture. By building on these experiences and involving women in decision-making, the activities will contribute to equality between men and women.
6. Clean Water and Sanitation
We assist the population in protecting and enhancing their existing water sources while also providing new sources and technology to make water more accessible.
7. Affordable and Clean Energy
By providing solar energy instead of traditional sources like wood, coal, or kerosene, the activities contribute to more affordable and cleaner energy for the local communities.
8. Decent Work and Economic Growth
The increased incomes for the population will lift the economy for the entire society and thus create economic growth for society as a whole.
9. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
In the areas where we operate, major challenges include very poor road infrastructure and inadequate transportation options, which hinder the population’s ability to sell their products. We work with local authorities and the community to overcome these obstacles by ensuring that the roads are passable and by providing transport vehicles.
10. Reduced Inequalities
Our on-site activities include simple tasks that allow almost anyone to participate and earn an income, including the most vulnerable—those with low income, limited education, or disabilities.
13. Climate Action
The main purpose of the activities is to protect the existing rainforest against deforestation and to plant new trees to sequester carbon dioxide where the rainforest has already been felled.
15. Life on Land
One of our main goals is to protect the existing rainforest and the wildlife there. We plant many different tree species and crops to support biodiversity.
16. Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
Our efforts begin with providing the local population with legal support to establish land ownership. This process helps prevent future conflicts and ensures they receive documents that protect them from potential land claims. Additionally, our inclusive community meetings foster more democratic and participatory societies.
17. Partnership for the Goals
We provide the population with access to high-quality, environmentally friendly technologies. Additionally, we facilitate global collaborations between the local community and various stakeholders, both national and international.