The Mpumba Forest Corridor

WeForest embarked on an ambitious journey three years ago, supported by COmON, to create the Mpumba Forest Corridor and Conservation Zone. Nestled between the Congo and Zambezi river basins, this landscape initiative aims to connect the LavushiManda and South Luangwa National Parks. The project embodies a profound commitment to addressing climate change through the conservation and restoration of miombo woodland, safeguarding wildlife habitats and biodiversity, and promoting sustainable economic development for local communities.

Progress and Achievements
Since its inception, the Mpumba Forest Corridor initiative has made significant strides, overcoming challenges and building partnerships:

• Stakeholder Engagement: WeForest has navigated a complex web of stakeholders, fostering alignment around a vision that harmonizes social, natural, financial, and inspirational goals. Key supporters include the Zambian Forestry Department, the Zambian Department of Climate Change, Lavushimanda District Council, Community Forest Management Groups, and private landowners.
• Community Trust: WeForest has won the trust of local communities, with the Mwenda and Mabonga Community Forest Management Groups selecting WeForest as their strategic partner. Private landowners are also eager to collaborate, with an agreement in progress.
• Carbon Financing Model: A robust carbon financing model has been designed to ensure long-term financial sustainability. This includes business modeling, carbon feasibility studies, and fair carbon-sharing mechanisms, with government reviews pending.

Delivering Impact
WeForest is actively delivering both for communities and conservation:

• Community Support: Climate-smart agriculture training has begun, and partnerships with Zambian private sector partners aim to generate sustainable agricultural value chains for local communities.
• Economic Development: WeForest envisions a thriving local economy with plans for a vocational training center and a guided hiking route in collaboration with local landowners.
• Conservation Success: WeForest's camera trap network has yielded exciting results, including rare sightings of lions, elephants, and evidence of increased law enforcement and fire management benefits.

Scaling the Vision: REDD+
WeForest is taking a phased approach to scaling the project, with the potential to expand to around 350,000 hectares. Future phases may include additional private lands, community forests, and protected areas.