Projects 1991 - 2009

For example: Afforestation in Engelsdorf at the outskirts of Leipzig
Project partner: Foundation "Forest for Saxony", Leipzig (Stiftung Wald für Sachsen)

Afforestation in 1998		The area in the fall of 2003
…in the spring of 2006		…in the summer of 2008

Afforestation in 1998 with sessile oaks (15,300 units), British oaks (2,900 units), hornbeams (2,900 units) and sycamore maples (1,400 units) on of 4.9 hectares and 2,150 units of miscellaneous bushes in fringe areas and beneath high-voltage power lines on 0.9 hectares. State in the summer of 2008: The plants appear to have grown very well; average height of the trees: 5-6 meters; average bole thickness at chest height: roughly 5.5 cm. According to Prof. Dr. H. Röhle (Institute for forest growth and forest informatics, Technical University of Dresden), a tree-wood stock of 92 cbm/hectare and above-ground biomass (dry weight) of 60 tons/hectare respectively has grown since the initial planting efforts. This means that 537 tons of CO2 have been sequestrated within 10 years on an area of 4.9 hectares, equaling an average of roughly 11 tons per hectare and year (possible margin of error: +/- 20 %). Carbon stored in the roots and the ground (10-20 % of the above-ground biomass) also has to be added. more information

Below you can see the afforestation area from a satellite perspective in the year 2006 (Google Earth). After zooming in accordingly, you will be able to see the water tower (to the right of the afforestation area) and the high-voltage power line pictured above. After zooming in close enough, you will see the individual power lines with species of wild roses, hawthorn (in bloom), sloes and hazelnut bushes underneath.

(Operating buttons for the Google Earth map in the upper left of the picture.
Scroll the image by holding down the left mouse button while on the picture with the cursor. )

 

Number of trees planted in the PrimaKlima project regions
(Move cursor onto yellow dots. More information after clicking)
 

Project regions

country	forest area [ha]
Germany                                                                                                 Moorrenaturierungen	1.951   458
Netherlands (2009/2010)	50
Latvia	49
Slovakia	34
Ukraine	27
Hungary	12
USA (Florida)	192
USA (Arkansas)	40
Mexico	42
Nicaragua (started in 2009; expansion in 2010)	9
Argentina	753
Ecuador	215
Congo (D.R.)	1.763
Ghana	100
Uganda	47
South Africa	35
Madagascar	40
Malaysia (z.T. 2009/2010)	238
Vietnam	40
Smaller Projects in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Costa Rica, India,                                       Namibia, Paraguay, Poland	23
sum	6.118

Graphic about the regional allocation

Altogether, PrimaKlima had developed and supported 167 single projects by the end of 2009. By this time, roughly 10.8 million trees were planted. Native tree species (more than 250) were used almost exclusively. About 45,000 tons of CO2 are absorbed annually as the result of PrimaKlima projects. Mathematically speaking, the CO2 emissions of roughly 3,000 private households are thus neutralized (15 tons p.a./household)!

As of December 31st, 2009 PrimaKlima, besides other proceeds, has earned about 2.9 million Euro in donations for afforestation and increases in carbon stock. This amount was given by over 180 companies and more than 700 private households/ individuals.

From the proceeds received since 1991 results a promise to sequester 34,200 tons of CO2 annually. However, the sum of CO2 absorbed by all projects realized thus far amounts to 45,000 tons per year.

Therefore, the promise has been fulfilled by 132 percent. In other words: even if 25 percent of all afforestation areas (= 6,100 hectares) would be completely destroyed, the goal of the principals to PrimaKlima would still be achieved entirely.

                            CO2 removal and much more:

EUROPE

(For information about the pictures move the cursor onto the picture
and enlarge the image by clicking on it.
The Google Maps satellite pictures are usually older;
they have been taken prior to the afforestation.)

		Germany
Google-Maps Google-Maps Google-Maps Google-Maps		Afforestation projects in Schleswig-Holstein, Saxony, Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate und Thuringia. In the context of these projects, forest area for soil and climate protection purposes as well as green corridor and biotope network systems in cleared agricultural areas were created and a contribution to the increase of forest contingents in the corresponding federal states was made. The foundation of diverse hardwood populations (for example oak tree, beech tree, alder, maple) was supported almost exclusively. Number of projects:                        84       (1994-2009) Total size (ha):                            1,926 Trees planted:                     7,177,000 CO2-compensation (t/year):   18,300 Google Earth approach of (nearly) all PrimaKlima-projects areas in Schleswig-Holstein Niedersachsen Sachsen NRW - Rhein-Erft-Kreis
Google-Maps Google-Maps		Moor renaturation: in Schleswig-Holstein, moor renaturations have been conducted as a CO2-ecological action. Water logging and other means aimed at the revitalization of fens have the effect of CO2 emissions being avoided and sequestered in small amounts respectively on these areas. Number of projects:                        3     (1998-2000) Total size (ha):                             458 CO2-compensation (t/year):   2,300 selected projects areas
		Slovakia
Google-Maps		Projects designed for preserving and restoring forests that were destroyed by storms or fires and for preventing erosion in the area of the Stiavnica mountains were financed. Furthermore, the creation of a Memorial Forest - dedicated to Dr. Milan Kapusta and his efforts for the environment - was supported. Number of projects:                        3     (1996-1998) Total size (ha):                               34 Trees planted:                     118,000 CO2-compensation (t/year):     280
		Ukraine
Google-Maps		Restoration of mining dumps and areas devastated by mining, for example close to Krevey Rig. To prevent erosion, tree belts along rivers were restored in various regions. The means employed in the project not only contribute to the sequestration of carbon but also to securing the habitat of local animal and plant species. Biologists from the National Ecological Center of Ukraine support the project. Number of projects:                        2     (1992-1995) Total size (ha):                               27 Trees planted:                       72,000 CO2-compensation (t/year):     300
		Hungary
Google-Maps		Afforestation of former agricultural areas in the Balaton region. The appearance of a stripped region marked by intense agricultural use was improved and an ecological bridge to other forests was build. Number of projects:                        1     (1992) Total size (ha):                               12 Trees planted:                       35,000 CO2-compensation (t/year):     100 selected projects areas
NORTH AMERICA
		USA/Florida
Google-Maps		Restoration of native longleaf pine forests (pinus palustris) in the Blackwater State Forest and Withlacoochee State Forest in Florida. Preserving the ecosystem helps to protect this kind of pine tree, which is more and more being replaced by the commercially more attractive Loblolly pine tree. In addition, the projects contribute to an increase of the biological diversity and to the improvement of the habitat of many animal and plant species. The projects are under the supervision of the federal forestry management. Number of projects:                        3     (1992-2004) Total size (ha):                             192 Trees planted:                     349,000 CO2-compensation (t/year):   1,800 selected projects areas
		USA/Arkansas
Google-Maps		The second project area in the US is located in the state of Arkansas, where afforestations with native tree species like willow oak (quercus phellos) or water oak (quercus nigra) were made in the region of the Blue Mountain Lake. The area solely serves environment protection purposes. Number of projects:                        1     (2001-2002) Total size (ha):                               40 Trees planted:                       30,000 CO2-compensation (t/year):     600 selected projects areas
CENTRAL AMERICA
		Mexico
		Afforestation as part of the La Cruz Habitat protection project in the southern part of central Mexico. Among other benefits, the project helps to preserve the winter time habitat of the monarch butterfly. Very interesting information about the monarch butterfly can be found at www.geo.de also see Project description Mexico 2008 Number of projects:                        2     (2008-2009) Total size (ha):                               42 Trees planted:                       70,000 CO2-compensation (t/year):     619 selected projects areas
SOUTH AMERICA
		Argentina
Google-Maps Google-Maps Google-Maps Google-Maps Google-Maps Google-Maps		Afforestation and rehabilitation measures were and are being realized in the provinces of Chubut and Neuquen to restore an appropriate level of forestation, preferably with native species. One of the projects contributed to the preservation of the rare araucaria, one of the oldest tree species in the world (see 4th picture from the top on the left). Fossil findings of species related to today's araucarias are up to 50 million years old. As a result of the massive destruction of forest to obtain grazing land (mostly towards the end of the 19th century), most project areas are strongly degraded. Southern yellow pines (pinus ponderosa; a tree species that helps to prepare the soil for native tree species) are planted where necessary. At first, the roots of the one year old and 15 cm tall seedlings greatly expand into the depth of the soil before a rapid expansion in the height of the plants occurs. Thus, the afforstation area looks rather unimpressive during the first number of years. Project description Argentina Number of projects:                      32    (1997-2008) Total size (ha):                             770 Trees planted:                     672,000 CO2-compensation (t/year):   9,500 selected projects areas
		Ecuador
Google-Maps		Afforestation of stripped mountain sides and plateaus and enrichment of devastated forests in the Andes in order to prevent erosion and to protect drinking water. A buffer zone was created around the Pasochoa Wildlife Refuge reserve. Locals supported the realization of the project. In addition, degraded and infertile areas in the province of Pastaza in the Amazon region were forested with native tree species such as laurel (cordia alliodora) or pachaco (schizolobium parahybum). Number of projects:                        3     (1992-2005) Total size (ha):                             215 Trees planted:                     203,000 CO2-compensation (t/year):   2,370
AFRICA
		Democratic Republic of Congo
Google-Maps		(A)The afforestation with proper tree species of an area in the grass savanna surrounding Musango contributes to the improvement of soil fertility. Furthermore, the new forest's purpose is to eventually secure the firewood supply of the local population. The involvement of the locals aims to foster a diligent and sustainable use of the forest. Together with the archdiocese Kikwit, PrimaKlima was able to afforest 12 hectares, on which roughly 180 tons of CO2 are sequestered annually.
Google-Maps		(B)The world's second largest area of tropical rain forest is located in the Republic of Congo. At the same time, there are regions - especially in the Kivu provinces in the eastern part - that, as a result of overuse, are categorized as areas suffering from an extreme shortage in wood supply. Since 2004, PrimaKlima, together with partner organizations, is trying to curtail one of the severe consequences of deforestation, i.e. erosion of stripped mountainsides. Over 1 million trees have been planted in the regions of Burhinyi and Luhwinja, located southwest of Bukavu, with active help from the local population. The goal of the partner organization is the forestation of 20 square kilometers. In 2008/2009, PrimaKlima, in collaboration with the organization Learn-Help-Live (LHL) from Vechta (Germany ), supports an initiative with the headline "100,000 trees project". Seedlings are grown and eventually planted with active participation of the local population in local tree nurseries in Burhinyi, Luhwinja, Kaziba (in the western part of the Kivu provence) and Katana (on the outskirts of the Kahuzie-Biega-National Park) and on the island Idjwi, located in the Kivu lake. This project impressively combines global climate protection efforts on the one hand and local ecological restoration and remedial measures for the local population on the other hand. Additional activities by LHL aim at preventing a repeated overuse. New ovens that use less wood are introduced in the villages and the residents (who are the actual agents of the projects) receive information about sustainable forest management. forestation against, for example, soil erosion more pictures from the project Congo 03 Final report about the Burhinyi project 2004-07 Project description Congo 2008 Number of projects:                        3     (2004-2008) Total size (ha):                            1,038 Trees planted:                   1,026,500 CO2-compensation (t/year):   4,152 selected projects areas
		Ghana
Google-Maps		The project's purpose is to counteract the increasing deforestation in Ghana. It is directed by the Ghanaian company renew Ltd., which initiates climate protection programs designed to generate tradable carbon credits in Ghana and West Africa in general. As part of a larger renew project, PrimaKlima financed the forestation of 100 hectares and at the same time bought and eliminated the resulting carbon credits. Besides climate protection aspects, the project serves the purpose of preserving diversity, stabilizing the water balance, preventing erosion and it has socio-economic effects and the local population. Number of projects:                        1     (2008/2009) Total size (ha):                             100 Trees planted:                     100,000 CO2-compensation (t/year):     580 selected projects areas
		Madagascar
Google-Maps		Contribution to the restoration of the dracaena tree rainforest in Maromiza, which is close to Andasibe. Originally, the project was launched in collaboration with the German foundation for nature and the protection of species in the tropics (NAT), but is now supervised by the Madagascan Organization Mintsinjo/GERP. The project's purpose is to restore the diversity of a unique rainforest region and to create job opportunities for the locals. With the help of the villagers, the area was afforested with over 80 different native species. An examination conducted in 2007 revealed critical shortcomings in the execution of the project. Under the supervision of GERP, these deficiencies were corrected in 2008 and early 2009, so that success in the long run can now be expected. For more information see the GERP final report 2009. Number of projects:                        1     (2005-2006, addition 2008) Total size (ha):                               40 Trees planted:                       40,000 CO2-compensation (t/year):     560 selected projects areas
		Namibia
Google-Maps		Project in cooperation with Trees for the World. An area of 7 hectares was forested with native tree species such as marula (sclerocaria birrea), acacia erioloba or wild fig (ficus sycomorus) in the proximity of Ondangwa (750 km north of Windhoek). The local population took part in the forestation efforts. Number of projects:                        1     (2002) Total size (ha):                                 7 Trees planted:                         2,800 CO2-compensation (t/year):       42
		Uganda
Google-Maps		Restoration of degraded and stripped natural forests by planting native trees species such as Ioliondo (olea welwitschii) and the African prunus africana in the Mount Elgon region. Supporting forestry improves the economic situation of the local population and preserves a unique area of nature that serves as a habitat for many animal and plant species. Number of projects:                        1     (1997) Total size (ha):                               50 Trees planted:                       20,000 CO2-compensation (t/year):     750
		South Africa
Google-Maps		Participation (10 hectares total) in an afforestation in the former Homeland Qwa Qwa, located about 80 km from Bethlehem at the northern border of Lesotho. Planting of fast growing pine and Eucalyptus trees, as well as native species in the proximity of 7 schools for the quick installment of soil protection of a stripped landscape. The Qwa Qwa project area borders the Royal Natal National Park. Number of projects:                        1     (1994) Total size (ha):                               10 Trees planted:                       13,000 CO2-compensation (t/year):     150
ASIA
		Malaysia
Google-Maps		(A) Forestation in the Supu Forest Reserve in Sabah, Borneo as part of the Kinbatangan Wetland Restoration Initiative, which - among other goals - aims at the preservation of the habitat of 10 primate species (incl. orangutan) and other animal and plant species. Project description Malaysia 2008 Number of projects:                        1     (2008) Total size (ha):                               50 Trees planted:                       26,000 CO2-compensation (t/year):     680 selected projects areas
		Vietnam
Google-Maps		Project in cooperation with the foundation for the preservation of tropical forests named OroVerde: forestation in the biological reserve Ky Anh, located close to the municipality of Ky Thuong. 40 hectares were forested with fruit trees and native species. By means of the actions undertaken in the buffer zone to the tropical forest, the economic situation of the local population was improved, thus lowering the devastating over-use of the forest. An environment education program was part of the project as well. Number of projects:                        1     (1994-1996) Total size (ha):                               40 Trees planted:                     120,000 CO2-compensation (t/year):     600
		India
Google-Maps		The project area is located on the premises of a Buddhist abbey in Dehra Dun, located in northern India. The forestry measures, which were realized on an area veering 4 hectares, compensate 20 tons of CO2 annually. The project is an inspiration for imitation for neighboring abbeys and municipalities. It reduces erosion and prevents further soil desolation. Number of projects:                        1     (1995) Total size (ha):                                 4 Trees planted:                         7,000 CO2-compensation (t/year):        20
General note: the stated CO2-compensation data are estimates (annual amount of a linear average of a growth period of generally 50 years), which have been calculated on the basis of scientific knowledge and the information provided about the forestry conditions in the respective project areas. The project selection is based on a standardized procedure. At first, the potential project partner accepts the PrimaKlima catalog of criteria for the implementation of forestry projects. Said catalog is based on the principals for sustainable forest cultivation of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and was supplemented with requirements that result from biotic carbon projects. The partner fills out a catalog of questions (designed in accordance with the above mentioned criteria) and hands it in as a proposal for a project. Comparing the proposal with the criteria makes it possible to weigh projects against one another and to identify promising proposals. A detailed project profile exists for each project realized.
Last updated: January 2009