Mvule Project for Carbon Capture
The Mvule tree is the Swahili name for the famous tropical hardwood Iroko, (scientific name Milicia excelsa). We plant Mvule for two key
reasons: it is considered by scientists to be an exceptional tree for carbon capture and carbon sequestration, possibly uniquely so in the world. Secondly, on account of its special properties, it has been exploited unsustainably in the tropics and is on the IUCN Red List as a Near Threatened Species, so consequently we must replenish our stock of this remarkable tree.
We believe in using science backed evidence to determine the specific features of our tree planting programme. Thus, Mvule (M.excelsa) is
planted with two ‘companion species’: Maesopsis eminii and Terminalia superba. This unique tri-species programme, using highly valued
agroforestry trees, enables us to be both cost-effective and efficient in meeting the challenge of the climate emergency in the long-term,
whilst serving urgent community needs regarding short-term food security and medium-term household incomes.
We provide the scientific evidence collected from universities in Africa, Switzerland and the UK such as:
University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Université de Neuchâtel, Switzerland
University of York, England
For the science which has informed our tree planting programme click on our scientific evidence. See also the short YouTube presentation by Ian Elgie, Chair UNA Eastbourne, on Why do we plant Mvule in Uganda for carbon sequestration. Learn from the video why Uganda is so uniquely located to survive future climate change.
Browse images and notes on our Uganda tree planting programme by clicking on the pictures below.
reasons: it is considered by scientists to be an exceptional tree for carbon capture and carbon sequestration, possibly uniquely so in the world. Secondly, on account of its special properties, it has been exploited unsustainably in the tropics and is on the IUCN Red List as a Near Threatened Species, so consequently we must replenish our stock of this remarkable tree.
We believe in using science backed evidence to determine the specific features of our tree planting programme. Thus, Mvule (M.excelsa) is
planted with two ‘companion species’: Maesopsis eminii and Terminalia superba. This unique tri-species programme, using highly valued
agroforestry trees, enables us to be both cost-effective and efficient in meeting the challenge of the climate emergency in the long-term,
whilst serving urgent community needs regarding short-term food security and medium-term household incomes.
We provide the scientific evidence collected from universities in Africa, Switzerland and the UK such as:
University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Université de Neuchâtel, Switzerland
University of York, England
For the science which has informed our tree planting programme click on our scientific evidence. See also the short YouTube presentation by Ian Elgie, Chair UNA Eastbourne, on Why do we plant Mvule in Uganda for carbon sequestration. Learn from the video why Uganda is so uniquely located to survive future climate change.
Browse images and notes on our Uganda tree planting programme by clicking on the pictures below.
Report on tree planting progress Jan 2023 - Jan 2024
A very successful year, accelerating in sponsorship in the last few months of 2023, perhaps in growing awareness of the urgent need to be active in practical ways to mitigate the climate emergency.
Click the images below give a current view of the work in the seed beds in our new Central Nursery in Buyaga. Three new road signs are being erected in strategic locations in Buyaga district to make people aware of our work. Seed bed can now be expanded in a plot of 1024sq metres, sufficient for over 90,000 seedlings/saplings per year.
Click the images below give a current view of the work in the seed beds in our new Central Nursery in Buyaga. Three new road signs are being erected in strategic locations in Buyaga district to make people aware of our work. Seed bed can now be expanded in a plot of 1024sq metres, sufficient for over 90,000 seedlings/saplings per year.
See full report
2023 was a highly successful year with good rains commencing in mid- March to late April, providing the opportunity to plant over 5,000 of our 3 species of tropical hardwood trees in Eastern region, with a further 5,200 trees to East Central region – Busoga area. The rains continued into the New Year and January 2024 saw another 4,000 trees planted.
Farmers using motorbikes (Boda boda) to transport their free trees from Buyaga nursery
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Participating Districts:
Bulambuli, Sironko, Mbale, Bukedea, Manafwa, Namisindwa, Kachorwa, Tororo, Budaka and Butebo. In addition, a special dispatch of trees went to Busoga region, Namutumba district, in Central Uganda for distribution to a secondary school and church land. In 2023 we expanded our tree planting in Busoga region where historically the Mvule tree was widespread but exploited unsustainably. Naigaga Ethnobotanical Garden Foundation in Namutumba were donated many trees for their vital community programme. Beneficiaries: Most trees are distributed to individual farmers, with a small percentage going to rural schools and churches. Demand by farmers for our agroforestry trees continues to grow and until September was outstripping our ability to meet demand with the funds available. Fortunately, we have been able to secure considerable further sponsorship in the last quarter of 2023 allowing us to extend our Central Nursery considerably and the number of seedlings supplied. |
Our new Central Plant Nursery:
A new nursery was established in Buyaga (Bulambuli district) in early 2022 to serve as a more central distribution point for the growing number of districts in our tree planting scheme. In September 2022 further funds were provided to enhance the infrastructure to provide greater growing capacity, shade for seedlings. and better security. Funds provided in late 2022 enabled Buyaga nursery to begin intensive germination for 2023 planting. In 2023 the Busoga nursery benefitted from a higher quality netting material to better shade for the seedlings. In December 2023 a borehole was constructed at the Central Nursery, which now ensures a guaranteed water supply in the event of temporary interruption of piped water.
In January 2024 further expansion of high-quality fencing around a further enlarged area for seed beds was completed. The final size of the Central Nursery is now over 1000sq metres, large enough to supply over 90,000 seedlings and saplings per year.
Effect of Climate Change in our area.
Unlike many parts of the world suffering severe climate catastrophes Uganda has been blessed with a benign climate. (For more details see scientific evidence Section F). Last year rains had been steady from the months of February to late September providing a longer planting season. Given the good growing conditions it is expected mortality rates of saplings will be minimum. Higher rainfall in the mountainous areas of Bulambuli district have created landslides, but these vulnerable zones are away from our tree planting areas (see attached map).
A new nursery was established in Buyaga (Bulambuli district) in early 2022 to serve as a more central distribution point for the growing number of districts in our tree planting scheme. In September 2022 further funds were provided to enhance the infrastructure to provide greater growing capacity, shade for seedlings. and better security. Funds provided in late 2022 enabled Buyaga nursery to begin intensive germination for 2023 planting. In 2023 the Busoga nursery benefitted from a higher quality netting material to better shade for the seedlings. In December 2023 a borehole was constructed at the Central Nursery, which now ensures a guaranteed water supply in the event of temporary interruption of piped water.
In January 2024 further expansion of high-quality fencing around a further enlarged area for seed beds was completed. The final size of the Central Nursery is now over 1000sq metres, large enough to supply over 90,000 seedlings and saplings per year.
Effect of Climate Change in our area.
Unlike many parts of the world suffering severe climate catastrophes Uganda has been blessed with a benign climate. (For more details see scientific evidence Section F). Last year rains had been steady from the months of February to late September providing a longer planting season. Given the good growing conditions it is expected mortality rates of saplings will be minimum. Higher rainfall in the mountainous areas of Bulambuli district have created landslides, but these vulnerable zones are away from our tree planting areas (see attached map).
Improved Cooking Stoves for Rural Primary Schools
The COVID crisis affected every region of the world and our scheme to provide improved stoves for rural primary schools was halted. However, from late 2022 to early 2023 we have managed to provide 12 improved stoves. These stoves are vital in reducing fuel wood consumption, thereby reducing rates of deforestation. The stoves also improve safety in the school kitchen and health benefits as smoke pollution is reduced. The savings in fuelwood costs also give the school vital additional funds for school equipment. Data provided by the 12 primary schools in Mbale region in 2023, show that on average each primary school with an improved stove saves over a year 7,200,000/- and 2.5 tonnes of fuelwood. Given that in Mbale region alone there are hundreds of primary schools, of which over 90% still have traditional three-stone fires, the scope for improvements is obvious and vital.
3-Stone Fire in primary school. Inefficient in fuelwood consumption
leading to high rates of deforestation, and a safety and health hazard to
cooks and pupils.
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A small improved stove for primary school, allowing up to 3 pots to be cooking at the same time and with next day’s fuelwood drying out on
the stove. On average 50% less fuelwood used compared with 3-stone
fire.
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A load of fuelwood delivered to a primary school kitchen, showing a
typical month’s supply. Schools are encouraged to plant the freely
supplied Musizi and Terminalia trees on their land to secure their own fuelwood and timber supplies.
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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.
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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The 4 per 1000 global initiative emphasises the importance of soil for climate mitigation and food security. UNA Eastbourne joined as a Forum Member with Task Force for Objective B3 as a consequence of our emphasis in planting Milicia excelsa – a tree which excites scientists for its understated ability to capture carbon in soils directly from the atmosphere, raising local soil fertility (See: scientific evidence).
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.
Milicia excelsa - known as Mvule / Iroko / The tree with stones
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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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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.
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. Due to our changing climate 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. Due to our changing climate 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.
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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 an invaluable companion species to Mvule (Iroko)?
Scientific studies have shown that planting T.superba in proximity to Mvule reduces the potential of the gall fly to attack young muvule trees. Terminalia is a fast-growing pioneering species, which can provide good timber within 10-20 years. Growth rates are impressive: mature height 40- >50m, reaching 14m in 4 yrs. with 22cm dhb, 30 cm in 6 yrs and 50cm after 15yrs. Terminalia is the most researched tree in Equatorial Africa largely on account of its major importance in the timber trade. Like Musizi it is self-pruning with the lower branches being harvested for fuelwood. It is a valuable agro-forestry tree providing shade for coffee and bananas. It is able to withstand up to 4 months of drought and some flooding. (For more information see section B2 of Scientific Evidence).
Why is it an invaluable companion species to Mvule (Iroko)?
Scientific studies have shown that planting T.superba in proximity to Mvule reduces the potential of the gall fly to attack young muvule trees. Terminalia is a fast-growing pioneering species, which can provide good timber within 10-20 years. Growth rates are impressive: mature height 40- >50m, reaching 14m in 4 yrs. with 22cm dhb, 30 cm in 6 yrs and 50cm after 15yrs. Terminalia is the most researched tree in Equatorial Africa largely on account of its major importance in the timber trade. Like Musizi it is self-pruning with the lower branches being harvested for fuelwood. It is a valuable agro-forestry tree providing shade for coffee and bananas. It is able to withstand up to 4 months of drought and some flooding. (For more information see section B2 of Scientific Evidence).
Maesopsis eminii
Maesopsis eminii
Why is it an ivaluable companion species to Mvule (Iroko)?
Planting musizi as a ‘companion’ species is very important as it has many benefits: it is an agroforestry tree allowing crops to grow successfully under its shade especially beans, coffee and banana; it is fast growing e.g. in its first 4 years it can grow between 3.3-3.7m/per annum, only by year 10 can growth falls below 2.0m/per annum. In 10 years musizi can capture about 4.4 t CO2. It is a self-pruning tree, with branches quickly providing sustainable fuelwood in the short term, which is its main virtue, thus being an important factor in reducing illegal deforestation. Bear in mind that in rural Uganda 90% of cooking is by wood or charcoal. After 10 years musizi can be felled for its timber providing an income in the short to medium term. Families planting trees by their homesteads also have the benefit of reducing costs (labour and time) in bringing fuelwood from distant sources. (For more detailed information on musizi see section B1 of Scientific Evidence).
Why is it an ivaluable companion species to Mvule (Iroko)?
Planting musizi as a ‘companion’ species is very important as it has many benefits: it is an agroforestry tree allowing crops to grow successfully under its shade especially beans, coffee and banana; it is fast growing e.g. in its first 4 years it can grow between 3.3-3.7m/per annum, only by year 10 can growth falls below 2.0m/per annum. In 10 years musizi can capture about 4.4 t CO2. It is a self-pruning tree, with branches quickly providing sustainable fuelwood in the short term, which is its main virtue, thus being an important factor in reducing illegal deforestation. Bear in mind that in rural Uganda 90% of cooking is by wood or charcoal. After 10 years musizi can be felled for its timber providing an income in the short to medium term. Families planting trees by their homesteads also have the benefit of reducing costs (labour and time) in bringing fuelwood from distant sources. (For more detailed information on musizi see section B1 of Scientific Evidence).
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. The quality, growth and mortality rates of the trees are periodically audited.
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. The quality, growth and mortality rates of the trees are periodically audited.
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.