United Eco Solutions is putting an end to deforestation in the Congo Basin - the world’s second largest rainforest.

They’re undertaking a large scale reforestation project that will not only restore rainforest landscapes, but also build long-term, sustainable livelihoods.

The Congo Basin is in danger.

Across the five villages in the DRC that United Eco Solutions works with, the production of charcoal and profitable yet unsustainable agriculture methods has led to more than 3,000 hectares of rainforest being lost.

Without intervention to restore the land, this rainforest risks growing smaller and smaller.

How to Reforest the Congo Basin

United Eco Solutions has created a plan to reforest over 2,000 hectares of land over the next 40 years.

They’re planting large resilient trees that are native to the area, but can still grow quickly. They’re starting with 500 Wenge trees and 1100 Cacao trees on each hectare. These two trees work together to provide necessary shade to each other and the crops that are grown between them.

Working with the Community

United Eco Solutions is tackling the root of the deforestation issue - that a large share of the community sees unsustainable agricultural practices as their only source of income.

In order to provide an alternative earning pathway, they’re creating sustainable employment opportunities that involve taking care of rainforest trees and growing a diverse set of crops across 5 villages surrounding the Congo Basin.

Going Beyond Plain Income Benefits

United Eco Solutions aligns with 14 SDGs so they are benefitting the community in an array of ways like:

• Addressing malnutrition with the introduction of more agricultural products
• Providing technology to make water more accessible in the community
• Opening up access to solar-powered energy
• Aiding the community to establish legal ownership of their land