As we approach the eagerly anticipated rains, preparations for the next phase of tree planting under the Bulindi Chimpanzee Habitat Restoration Project are well underway. The nurseries are thriving, with healthy seedlings ready for distribution as soon as the rains begin. To maximise the survival and success of these seedlings, we have been conducting intensive training sessions for our registered farmers, ensuring they are well-prepared for the upcoming planting season.
A group of farmers during a seedling planting training session. Bulindi Chimpanzee Habitat Restoration Project, DGB.
So far, we have trained farmers on 276.58 hectares of the targeted 300 hectares of land to be restored, equipping them with best practices in field preparation and planting techniques. A crucial part of this training focuses on pitting, the technique of digging planting holes that optimise water retention and nutrient absorption.
Key pitting guidelines include:
- Size: Typically 2ft x 2ft x 2ft or larger.
- Purpose: Larger pits store more water, facilitate root development, and enhance nutrient absorption, promoting faster and healthier seedling growth.
- Technique: Farmers are encouraged to mix topsoil with organic matter when refilling the pits, enriching the soil with essential nutrients for stronger seedling establishment.
Close-up of a farmer planting a tree seedling. Bulindi Chimpanzee Habitat Restoration Project, DGB.
Beyond pitting, our training also covers:
- Timely field preparation to optimise planting success.
- Proper spacing—3m x 3m for crop components and 5m x 5m for indigenous trees—ensuring healthy tree development.
- Mulching as a strategy for conserving soil moisture and enhancing soil quality.
A group of farmers attending a training session. Bulindi Chimpanzee Habitat Restoration Project, DGB.
The response from the farming communities has been overwhelmingly positive. Many farmers are already preparing their plots, eager to receive seedlings and begin planting as soon as the rains arrive.
Read more: Final validation received for Bulindi Chimpanzee Habitat Restoration Project
The Bulindi Chimpanzee Habitat Restoration Project is a vital afforestation and reforestation initiative in western Uganda. Developed in response to the urgent chimpanzee conservation needs in the Hoima and Masindi districts, the project aims to restore degraded landscapes while protecting the remaining habitat of the region’s chimpanzee population. These forests, crucial for over 300 wild chimpanzees, are under immense pressure due to agricultural expansion.
Working in partnership with the Bulindi Chimpanzee & Community Project, led by Dr Matt McLennan, we are committed to reversing habitat loss while also supporting local households through sustainable land-use practices. This ensures that conservation efforts go hand in hand with economic and social benefits for the surrounding communities.
Read more: Conservation triumph: the Bulindi Chimpanzee Project shines on Planet Earth III
At DGB Group, we uphold the highest standards in every stage of our projects—from seedling preparation to farmer training and long-term ecosystem monitoring. Quality-driven initiatives like these not only ensure the success of reforestation efforts but also strengthen the credibility of the carbon market, which relies on rigorous impact tracking and verifiable results.
Close-up of a Bulindi chimpanzee in its natural habitat. Bulindi Chimpanzee Habitat Restoration Project, DGB.
As we move forward, our focus remains on delivering measurable environmental and social benefits, ensuring that every hectare restored contributes to both biodiversity conservation and environmental resilience. By maintaining these high standards, we reinforce our commitment to a thriving carbon market—one that drives real, lasting impact for nature, communities, and the planet.
