Forest restoration involves the deliberate planting or regrowth of trees in areas that have been deforested or degraded. This can help to rebuild the capacity of forests to absorb carbon dioxide, and support biodiversity, soil health, and water availability.
SEA understand forest restoration plays a crucial role in mitigating the impacts of climate change. Forests absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere through photosynthesis, and store it in their biomass and in the soil. Forests are one of the world's largest carbon sinks, absorbing around 2.6 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide each year.
However, deforestation and forest degradation are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for around 10% of global emissions. Deforestation also reduces the capacity of forests to absorb carbon dioxide, which exacerbates climate change.
Forest restoration can therefore contribute to sustainable development goals, such as poverty reduction, food security, and climate resilience hence SEA’s objective achieved.
Below is how SEA is working in achieving forest restoration and contribute in attain SDG in many regions in Somalia:
One of the most straightforward ways to contribute to forest restoration is to plant trees. SEA is working with local communities, governments, and other stakeholders to identify suitable areas for tree planting, and then organize and fund planting activities.
In some cases, SEA understands forests can regenerate naturally if given the right conditions. SEA is working to support natural regeneration by protecting existing forests, managing grazing and fire regimes, and restoring soil health.
We support sustainable management of natural resources such as forests, water bodies, and land. Through community-based initiatives, we promote responsible resource extraction, reforestation efforts, and sustainable agriculture practices to ensure long-term ecological balance and economic stability.
Sustainable forest management practices can help to ensure that forests are conserved and restored over the long term. SEA is working with local communities and governments to promote sustainable forest management practices, such as reducing logging and promoting agroforestry.
Effective monitoring and evaluation is essential to ensure that forest restoration efforts are successful and sustainable over the long term. SEA is engaged in developing monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track progress and identify areas for improvement.
Through these actions, SEA contributes to achieving the sustainable development goals related to poverty reduction, food security, and climate resilience. Forest restoration not only helps combat climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide but also supports biodiversity, soil health, and water availability. By focusing on these aspects, SEA's work aligns with the broader objectives of sustainable development and environmental conservation.
