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ForestFinance develops a concept tackling the afforestation of arid regions

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ForestFinance develops a concept tackling the afforestation of arid regions

Die Implementierung eines Bewässerungssystems mit gereinigtem Abwasser, Bild: Haifeng Zhang

Simulation DesertTimber - ein einzigartiges Konzept zur Aufforstung arider Gebiete, Bild: ForestFinest Consulting GmbH/Mona Godzewski

Bonn. Together with the newly founded DesertTimber Consulting, ForestFinance has developed a sustainable concept tackling the afforestation of arid regions. The DesertTimber approach has already proven successful in a pilot project in Egypt and shall now be extended to other regions. The multifunctional forest plantations stop the further desertification of arid regions andadditionally have a positive effect on the climate.

A forest offering additional benefits in the desert

Arid regions provide ideal conditions for extensive afforestation: long vegetation periods without cold snaps and with sufficient light. The only limiting factors in these regions are the missing water resources and the nutrient-poor soil. This is where the DesertTimber approach comes into effect: the forest areas are irrigated with pre-treated sewage water, which is subject to a biological and basic-mechanical cleaning process beforehand. Native tree and plant species are planted in a mixed forest system, enriching the soil with nutrients and enhancing the long-term biodiversity.

Furthermore, the "desert forest" offers additional ecological benefits. It not only halts the desertification process, but also establishes a sustainable water management system in the region. The ecologically sustainable recycling of sewage water avoids water pollution. In addition, the forest has a positive effect on the global climate by capturing carbon dioxide, making a contribution to global climate protection. It is even possible that the newly created micro-climate will generate rainfall, improving the local climate.

A pilot project based on a strong cooperation relationship

A pilot area near the Red Sea has already been cultivated on behalf of DesertTimber Consulting and the ForestFinance Group. The project is part of the develoPPP.de programme implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (German Association for International Cooperation) on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. The team of DesertTimber Consulting consists of experts of the ForestFinance Group and leading scientists from the Technische Universität München, the Ain Shams University and the Agricultural Research Center in Cairo. Combining their areas of expertise, DesertTimber Consulting offers its know-how in project funding and management, while the Universities contribute their research findings.

The results from the first pilot projects could be also of interest for investors. Serving as a best practice example, the project could be extended to larger projects in Egypt or other dry regions around the globe, where sewage is available. By selecting appropriate tree species, yields can be generated from thinning, always done in accordance with the ForestFinance principle of creating forests, which benefit both the investors and the local population. The new forests create and secure permanent jobs in the respective regions and are a vitally important resource. Apart from the timber production, other opportunities such as fuel and oil plants could also be cultivated in arid regions.