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Mvule Project for Carbon Capture
Report on tree planting March & August 2021
Note: UNA-EB goes to considerable effort to ensure our claims for carbon capture are scientifically sound. Please read our scientific evidence.
Each year we wait anxiously for the ‘rains’ to begin to mark the planting season. This year the March-May rains allowed us to plant 3,900 trees (1,500 Mvule; 1,200 Terminalia and 1,200 Musizi). In the second rains starting in early August, we have planted 5,600 trees (2,000 Mvule; 3,000 Terminalia and 600 Musizi) – a total for the year up to end of August of 9,500 trees.
Few Musizi have been planted in the second rains as our team in Mbale (Tito and Jonathan) have advised us that the Musizi will survive better if planted in the early rains, thereby reducing mortality rates for young seedlings. Thus, more Musizi will be planted in March 2022.
The Mvule planted this August have the benefit of the larger pots, ensuring good survival rates should there be a period of low rainfall. Our costs for each Mvule seedling in the larger pots is now 5,000/-UG compared with costs in small pots of 500/-. This tenfold increase in seedling price is compensated for by pots with 10 times the soil volume increasing root density, stem and foliage biomass, reducing early mortality rate, currently between 8-9%, which is well within the 20% we allow for in our costings and carbon sequestration rates.
Few Musizi have been planted in the second rains as our team in Mbale (Tito and Jonathan) have advised us that the Musizi will survive better if planted in the early rains, thereby reducing mortality rates for young seedlings. Thus, more Musizi will be planted in March 2022.
The Mvule planted this August have the benefit of the larger pots, ensuring good survival rates should there be a period of low rainfall. Our costs for each Mvule seedling in the larger pots is now 5,000/-UG compared with costs in small pots of 500/-. This tenfold increase in seedling price is compensated for by pots with 10 times the soil volume increasing root density, stem and foliage biomass, reducing early mortality rate, currently between 8-9%, which is well within the 20% we allow for in our costings and carbon sequestration rates.
Mvule seedlings in large pots awaiting distribution
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Mvule seedlings being distributed to farmers Aug. 2021
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In January 2020 the UNA Eastbourne initiated an important survey of Mvule trees in Bukedea district which enabled us to confirm the typical biomass and carbon content of the average Mvule tree. The data can be viewed here:
Mvule Survey St. Mary's College Bukedea, Uganda January 2020.
Uganda has two rainy seasons – generally in April-May and August-September. With climate change the seasons are not so reliable as before and show a creep to being later than expected, longer in duration and, with increased variability. See Section F of our Scientific data.
Mvule Survey St. Mary's College Bukedea, Uganda January 2020.
Uganda has two rainy seasons – generally in April-May and August-September. With climate change the seasons are not so reliable as before and show a creep to being later than expected, longer in duration and, with increased variability. See Section F of our Scientific data.
RATES OF CARBON CAPTURE FOR THE MVULE PROJECT.
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If you support our scheme you will receive a certificate like this. You will also be added to our list of individual or institution and business sponsors
Our Partnership with METGE
Our Partnership with METGE
In 2019 UNA Eastbourne signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Mount Elgon Tree Growing Enterprise (METGE). This partnership arose from our long-standing relationship with BRDC (Bungokho Rural Development Centre) who are a key Uganda partner in METGE. Our cordial and productive relationship with METGE and BRDC allows all parties to regularly exchange information of general and technical matters and to share the responses we receive on community participation to the benefit of all.
METGE is primarily engaged in implementing the Government of Wales and the Size of Wales programme to plant 25 million trees in eastern Uganda and supports rural homesteads with a wide variety of tree species and a programme of providing improved cooking stoves (Lorena stoves) for families. The emphasis is different for UNA Eastbourne’s own tree planting programme in four respects: Firstly, we plant in districts generally beyond METGE’s area of operations. Secondly, we plant three specific tree species to maximize carbon sequestration with the key tree being Mvule, with Terminalia and Musizi as essential companion species. Thirdly, our relatively small additional programme on constructing improved stoves is focused on rural primary schools in an effort to reduce high rates of deforestation and save schools vital funds. Finally, we tend to use commercial plant nurseries who can supply our three specific species in sufficient quantities, quality and fair prices.
In 2019 UNA Eastbourne signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Mount Elgon Tree Growing Enterprise (METGE). This partnership arose from our long-standing relationship with BRDC (Bungokho Rural Development Centre) who are a key Uganda partner in METGE. Our cordial and productive relationship with METGE and BRDC allows all parties to regularly exchange information of general and technical matters and to share the responses we receive on community participation to the benefit of all.
METGE is primarily engaged in implementing the Government of Wales and the Size of Wales programme to plant 25 million trees in eastern Uganda and supports rural homesteads with a wide variety of tree species and a programme of providing improved cooking stoves (Lorena stoves) for families. The emphasis is different for UNA Eastbourne’s own tree planting programme in four respects: Firstly, we plant in districts generally beyond METGE’s area of operations. Secondly, we plant three specific tree species to maximize carbon sequestration with the key tree being Mvule, with Terminalia and Musizi as essential companion species. Thirdly, our relatively small additional programme on constructing improved stoves is focused on rural primary schools in an effort to reduce high rates of deforestation and save schools vital funds. Finally, we tend to use commercial plant nurseries who can supply our three specific species in sufficient quantities, quality and fair prices.
UNA Eastbourne is a Forum Member of the ‘4 per 1000’ Initiative
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In January 2020 the UNA Eastbourne became a Forum Member of the ‘4 per 1000 Initiative – Soils for Food Security and Climate. This globally important initiative promotes innovative means for mitigating climate change through the annual increase in soil organic carbon by 0.4 per cent in the top 30-40 cm of agricultural soils. The UNA Eastbourne Mvule Project for Carbon Capture links directly with the major objective of the ‘4 per 1000’ initiative as the Mvule trees that we plant are a powerful agent in reducing the typically acid tropical soils thereby increasing soil fertility and thus food security.
UNA Eastbourne Chair, Ian Elgie is a member of the Task Force for Objective B3 of the Global Initiative Strategic Plan. As a Team member of Task Force B3, our Chair, Ian Elgie, hopes to share the scientific work on the Milicia excelsa which is key to our Mvule Project for Carbon Capture. To understand the importance of 4 per 1000 for a Sustainable Planet read the Global Initiative Strategic Plan. For further details visit: www.4p1000.org |
Background to the Mvule Project for Carbon Capture
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The Mvule tree (also known as Iroko and by its scientific name: Milicia excelsa) is one of tropical Africa’s most important commercial tropical hardwoods, yet the tree is fast becoming an endangered species due to unsustainable logging to meet national and international demand for this excellent timber.
In Uganda in the past few years, thousands of Mvule have been cut down at an accelerated rate due especially to road infrastructure developments especially in eastern Uganda with little, if any attempt at systematic replanting. |
In 2011 along the roadside by Nabumali Secondary School, were seven mature Mvule trees – by 2018 all had been cut down in anticipation of road improvements (photo by Fenrith)
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In the 1920s and 30s, an enlightened policy saw hundreds of kilometres of Mvule planted along the road reserves of the network of narrow single-track roads. However, in the past few years, thousands of Mvule have been cut down to make way for a new network of wider roads. Fortunately, in 2019 the Uganda Government began implementing a national policy for replanting roadside trees, especially Mvule, on the new road reserves with the agency of the National Road Authority (NRA). This policy complements our own Mvule Project which is focused on community land.
Scientists for the past 15 years have been studying the special properties of the tree Milicia excelsa (in East Africa known as Mvule), which shows how a process known as the ‘oxalate-carbonate pathway’ in this particular tree is a highly effective and highly under-stated method of carbon sequestration and carbon sink for millennia. The UNA-Eastbourne’s Mvule Project for Carbon Capture is borne out of the respect for the science which proves beyond doubt that Mvule is a tree which should be planted as a priority as one of the most, if not the most, effective trees known to science for carbon sequestration.
Scientists for the past 15 years have been studying the special properties of the tree Milicia excelsa (in East Africa known as Mvule), which shows how a process known as the ‘oxalate-carbonate pathway’ in this particular tree is a highly effective and highly under-stated method of carbon sequestration and carbon sink for millennia. The UNA-Eastbourne’s Mvule Project for Carbon Capture is borne out of the respect for the science which proves beyond doubt that Mvule is a tree which should be planted as a priority as one of the most, if not the most, effective trees known to science for carbon sequestration.
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The remarkable Mvule tree (Milicia excelsa)
The Mvule tree (also known as Iroko) is one of the most commercially important tropical hardwood trees in Africa. But, according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) it is a near threatened species. Its valuable timber is being cut down unsustainably and for three good reasons this is a tragedy.
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Milicia excelsa - known as Mvule / Iroko / The tree with stones
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Why do we plant trees in Uganda and especially the Mvule tree?
- Uganda is recognised as one of the 7 most important TIPAs (Tropical Important Plant Areas) in the world according to the authoritative: ‘State of the World’s Plants 2016” Royal Botanic Gardens Kew. …. “an area of threatened species/exceptional biological richness and threatened habitat (p26).
- Trees can grow 4-6 times faster in the humid tropics (higher temperatures and higher precipitation) than in temperate climates.
- The Mvule is being cut unsustainably and yet is a valuable timber in local, national and international trade; an iconic tree in local culture and, a valuable agroforestry tree which fertilizes otherwise infertile soils.
- Most importantly, Mvule is a most important tree for carbon sequestration, currently more efficient as a long-term carbon sink than any other tree especially with respect to its capacity to capture inorganic carbon.
Achieving the objectives of the Paris Climate Agreement (Dec.2015) and the UN Sustainable Development Goals requires ending the massive tropical deforestation. Although the Eastbourne UNA’s programme is small given the scale of the problem, every little effort to educating local communities on the need to conserve existing trees and adopt sustainable replanting programmes is a valuable contribution to the sum of global initiatives.
READ THE DETAILED SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE FOR THE MVULE'S HIGHLY EFFICIENT CARBON CAPTURE.
| scientific_evidence_06.09.21.docx |
Why do we plant companion trees? How does the community benefit?
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Milicia excelsa (Mvule/Iroko) -
The primary tree we plant for the purpose of carbon sequestration. It captures over 4 times more carbon than an Oak tree of the same age!
--Grows up to 50m high by 80cm wide--
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Terminalia superba - Companion species we plant to provide communities with good quality timber and is used in agroforestry.
--Grows up to 50m high by 70cm wide--
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Maesopsis eminii - Companion species we plant to provide fuel wood, reduce soil erosion and support biodiversity.
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Click on the name of the tree below to find out more.
Milicia excelsa (Mvule/Iroko)
Milicia excelsa (Mvule/Iroko)
Why is it an exceptional tree for carbon capture?
Mvule, known as Iroko in the global timber trade is identified as one of the world’s most important tropical hardwood trees for its resistance to fungal and termite attack and general decay. It is a fast-growing large deciduous tree up to 50m tall with straight bole often >20m. It has the rare ability to capture atmospheric CO2 as a calcite mineral which acts as a long-term carbon store. This process known as the oxalate-carbonate process gives the tree its name: The Tree With Stones. Currently the tree is being exploited at unsustainable rates in Africa’s Equatorial rainforests. However, commercial logging is now restricted to trees of minimum diameter (dbh) of 80cm which is achieved by 80-100 years, by which time the tree will have captured on average 40 tonnes of CO2 which includes 2.5 tonnes of as a mineral. Plantations of Mvule are difficult to establish hence UNA Eastbourne’s Mvule Project focuses on local communities and smallholder farmers in Uganda.
Dr. Kacholi’s survey in Tanzania (Tanz.J. Science v.40, 2014) shows local African communities rate the tree as having the highest total tree value. In non-forest areas Mvule is generally protected by legislation. The greatest benefits being as iconic trees to mark boundaries, for agroforestry for shade and improved soil fertility; for prevention against soil erosion and, a long-term investment for households. In many communities it serves important cultural purposes.
Why is it an exceptional tree for carbon capture?
Mvule, known as Iroko in the global timber trade is identified as one of the world’s most important tropical hardwood trees for its resistance to fungal and termite attack and general decay. It is a fast-growing large deciduous tree up to 50m tall with straight bole often >20m. It has the rare ability to capture atmospheric CO2 as a calcite mineral which acts as a long-term carbon store. This process known as the oxalate-carbonate process gives the tree its name: The Tree With Stones. Currently the tree is being exploited at unsustainable rates in Africa’s Equatorial rainforests. However, commercial logging is now restricted to trees of minimum diameter (dbh) of 80cm which is achieved by 80-100 years, by which time the tree will have captured on average 40 tonnes of CO2 which includes 2.5 tonnes of as a mineral. Plantations of Mvule are difficult to establish hence UNA Eastbourne’s Mvule Project focuses on local communities and smallholder farmers in Uganda.
Dr. Kacholi’s survey in Tanzania (Tanz.J. Science v.40, 2014) shows local African communities rate the tree as having the highest total tree value. In non-forest areas Mvule is generally protected by legislation. The greatest benefits being as iconic trees to mark boundaries, for agroforestry for shade and improved soil fertility; for prevention against soil erosion and, a long-term investment for households. In many communities it serves important cultural purposes.
Terminalia superba
Terminalia superba
Why is it a valuable companion species to Mvule?
A widespread pioneering species. Scientific studies have shown planting of T.superba reduces the potential of gall fly attack on young Mvule trees. Furthermore, in rural communities there is a need for local timber supply. By planting T.superba the rate of deforestation can be reduced. The fast-growing Terminalia can provide timber within 10-20 years, hence its popularity with the local population as it can provide a good source of income in the medium term. Growth rates are impressive: Mature height 40 - >50m, reaching 14m in 4 yrs with 22cm diameter (dbh), 30cm in 6yrs and 50cm after 15-20yrs. 70cm after 40yrs. Used for quality timber at maturity. During growth lower branches are harvested for fuelwood. Also, a good agroforestry tree providing shade for coffee and bananas. Can withstand up to 4 months drought and some flooding.
Why is it a valuable companion species to Mvule?
A widespread pioneering species. Scientific studies have shown planting of T.superba reduces the potential of gall fly attack on young Mvule trees. Furthermore, in rural communities there is a need for local timber supply. By planting T.superba the rate of deforestation can be reduced. The fast-growing Terminalia can provide timber within 10-20 years, hence its popularity with the local population as it can provide a good source of income in the medium term. Growth rates are impressive: Mature height 40 - >50m, reaching 14m in 4 yrs with 22cm diameter (dbh), 30cm in 6yrs and 50cm after 15-20yrs. 70cm after 40yrs. Used for quality timber at maturity. During growth lower branches are harvested for fuelwood. Also, a good agroforestry tree providing shade for coffee and bananas. Can withstand up to 4 months drought and some flooding.
Maesopsis eminii
Maesopsis eminii
Why is it a valuable companion species to Mvule?
M.eminii (also known in Uganda as Musizi) is a very popular tree for smallholders as it provides many services in the short-term, from 6-10 years. It is a fast-growing tree capable of growth rates of 1.8 -2.7m per year. Mainly used for fuelwood and charcoal. It is also a good shade tree for coffee and bananas and can restore degraded land, protecting against soil erosion and adding to biodiversity, providing that roots are pruned (see scientific evidence). Such pruning can raise shaded crops yields up to 152%). From 10-20 years it can provide useful timber. As Milicia excelsa (Mvule) is a long-term investment – not to be cut down before at least 80 years, local farmers need trees which they can utilize for livelihoods – this is where Musizi makes a vital companion species. Given that in rural Uganda over 90% of farmers have fuelwood or charcoal stoves, wood consumption is high and must be met sustainably to prevent deforestation and land degradation. M. eminii (Musizi) plays a vital role here in meeting these needs.
Why is it a valuable companion species to Mvule?
M.eminii (also known in Uganda as Musizi) is a very popular tree for smallholders as it provides many services in the short-term, from 6-10 years. It is a fast-growing tree capable of growth rates of 1.8 -2.7m per year. Mainly used for fuelwood and charcoal. It is also a good shade tree for coffee and bananas and can restore degraded land, protecting against soil erosion and adding to biodiversity, providing that roots are pruned (see scientific evidence). Such pruning can raise shaded crops yields up to 152%). From 10-20 years it can provide useful timber. As Milicia excelsa (Mvule) is a long-term investment – not to be cut down before at least 80 years, local farmers need trees which they can utilize for livelihoods – this is where Musizi makes a vital companion species. Given that in rural Uganda over 90% of farmers have fuelwood or charcoal stoves, wood consumption is high and must be met sustainably to prevent deforestation and land degradation. M. eminii (Musizi) plays a vital role here in meeting these needs.
Planting the companion species is very important because it prevents deforestation. We have specifically chosen these two trees to provide local communities with sustainable fuel wood (90% of farmers use fuel wood stoves) and timber for construction. The trees also benefit their farms. The roots of the trees strengthen the soil against erosion, and their high canopy provides shade to protect crops such as coffee and banana plants.
Growing their own trees reduces the need to cut down trees in local forests and potentially provides added income. There are laws protecting the Mvule tree from being cut down for at least 80 years. The Mvule does not grow well in plantation style land, but is very handy as a boundary marker for people's property. So local people benefit from planting all 3 trees and we provide them the seedlings at no cost. The farmers must take care of the Mvule trees in order to receive more seedlings in the future. Our local partner METGE will periodically audit the quality, growth and mortality rates of the trees.
Click below to find out more about why these trees are so effective. We also provide the scientific evidence collected from corresponding with universities in Africa, Switzerland and the UK such as:
Growing their own trees reduces the need to cut down trees in local forests and potentially provides added income. There are laws protecting the Mvule tree from being cut down for at least 80 years. The Mvule does not grow well in plantation style land, but is very handy as a boundary marker for people's property. So local people benefit from planting all 3 trees and we provide them the seedlings at no cost. The farmers must take care of the Mvule trees in order to receive more seedlings in the future. Our local partner METGE will periodically audit the quality, growth and mortality rates of the trees.
Click below to find out more about why these trees are so effective. We also provide the scientific evidence collected from corresponding with universities in Africa, Switzerland and the UK such as:
- University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Université de Neuchâtel, Switzerland
- University of York, England
READ THE DETAILED SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE FOR THE MVULE'S HIGHLY EFFICIENT CARBON CAPTURE.
| scientific_evidence_06.09.21.docx |
Educational input
Simply distributing Mvule seedlings is not sufficient as it is imperative that the need for planting is fully understood and for this reason a range of educational posters have been designed and distributed to districts involved in the project.
Know your carbon footprint
There are two main methods of calculating average per capita carbon footprint:
A. The ‘production emissions’ accounting method – which takes into account the total carbon emissions from national production. Using this method average UK carbon footprint is around the 6 tonnes per person (2020).
B. The ‘consumption emissions’ accounting method - which in addition takes into account the carbon footprint of our imports. Using this method average UK carbon footprint is around the 8-12 tonnes per person (2020). This method is the one adopted by UNA Eastbourne as it is more realistic.
A. The ‘production emissions’ accounting method – which takes into account the total carbon emissions from national production. Using this method average UK carbon footprint is around the 6 tonnes per person (2020).
B. The ‘consumption emissions’ accounting method - which in addition takes into account the carbon footprint of our imports. Using this method average UK carbon footprint is around the 8-12 tonnes per person (2020). This method is the one adopted by UNA Eastbourne as it is more realistic.