Tchad communities learn sustainable forest management to combat climate change

The Reconnect II project trained more than 2,000 people from local communities near 80 community forests in the Mayo-Kebbi Est, Tandjilé, and Batha provinces of Chad.

Abbas Abouchene, the national coordinator of the project, organized the campaign to encourage residents to adopt agro-sylvo-pastoral practices. The sessions taught participants how to manage pastures sustainably, practice agroforestry, and engage in beekeeping. The training also focused on preventing bushfires and finding ways to use non-timber forest products to support local livelihoods.

The project aims to turn local residents into active participants in restoring ecosystems while improving their resilience against climate change. These efforts address the heavy pressure on forests, pastures, and ecological corridors in the three provinces. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (UICN) manages the project with support from the Global Environment Fund (GEF) and the Chadian Ministry of Environment, Fisheries and Sustainable Development.