215,000 ha programme under development
The proposed REDD+/ARR programme integrates avoided deforestation with assisted natural regeneration and targeted restoration. It is designed not merely as a carbon project, but as a forest and landscape initiative that strengthens governance, introduces transparent benefit‑sharing, and adheres to UNFCCC safeguards. By aligning with Tanzania’s National REDD+ architecture, Ikungi is positioned to access results‑based climate finance from multilateral funds and bilateral donors seeking high‑integrity forest mitigation outcomes.
Beyond carbon: solar, apiary, biogas & biochar
50 MW solar farm A grid‑connected solar installation will generate clean energy for regional demand, while community power access agreements ensure local households benefit. Revenue from electricity sales and carbon credits from renewable energy displacement create a second stream of climate finance, directly supporting forest protection incentives.
Apiary (beekeeping) Ikungi’s woodlands are ideal for apiculture. Honey production targets both local and export markets, and pollination services boost adjacent crop yields. Beekeeping gives communities a direct economic stake in maintaining forest cover — hives become guardians against deforestation.
Biogas & biochar Agricultural residues (sunflower, maize) are converted into clean cooking gas and biochar. Biochar is returned to soils, increasing fertility and sequestering additional carbon. This circular approach reduces pressure on fuelwood, cuts emissions, and enhances agricultural resilience — a true multi‑solution.
These three pillars form an integrated rural transformation: renewable power, biodiversity‑friendly enterprise, and waste‑to‑value cycles.
Long‑term revenue through carbon and energy: The programme channels a significant share of carbon credit sales and solar revenue to communities via transparent benefit‑sharing mechanisms aligned with jurisdictional REDD+ governance. This isn’t a one‑off payment — it’s a durable income stream tied to forest conservation.
Employment and diversified livelihoods: Local residents are employed in forest monitoring, restoration, solar farm operations, and beekeeping. Honey, biogas, and biochar enterprises open new income opportunities beyond subsistence agriculture, reducing pressure on forests.
Energy alternatives (solar, biogas) directly reduce reliance on charcoal and fuelwood, preserving forest biomass. The model is designed for resilience: as carbon markets evolve, diversified revenue from energy and honey buffers communities. Benefit‑sharing committees, inclusive of women and youth, govern local allocations.
This integrated model ensures both climate mitigation and sustainable rural development — safeguards, governance reform, and landscape restoration go hand in hand.
Governance & safeguards: The Ikungi programme is structured within Tanzania’s national REDD+ architecture, applying UNFCCC safeguards. Transparent benefit‑sharing mechanisms are being co‑designed with district authorities, village councils, and local NGOs to ensure legitimacy and permanence. Engagement with multilateral climate funds (FCPF, BioCF, Green Climate Fund) is advancing to secure results‑based payments.