Reforestation of Degraded lands in Sierra Leone

Miro Forestry Developments Ltd is restoring 12,000 hectares in the Tonkolili and Port Loco Districts of Sierra Leone. These areas experienced land degradation due to lack of forest cover, leading to soil erosion which affected both environmental stability and local livelihoods. The project consists of the establishment of high-quality commercial forestry plantations with short rotation species, for producing timber products for domestic and international markets, and providing environmental, social and economic benefits to local communities.

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Miro Forestry is a profit driven, commercial plantation timber business. The company’s objective is to be a leading low-cost producer and supplier of sustainable timber operating to high management, social and environmental standards. Their mission is to develop and operate globally high-quality and cost competitive commercial forestry plantations producing plywood, sawn timber panels, poles and wood biomass sustainably to Forestry Stewardship Council™ (FSC™) standards whilst providing environmental, social and economic benefit to local communities.

• The project is estimated to remove 1,907,488 tCO2e over its lifetime, improving soil and habitat quality by restoring degraded land, however, its long-term environmental benefits are limited by the harvest cycle.
• The project includes a fire management plan to prevent wildfires, one of the biggest threats to reforestation in Sierra Leone.
• 17% of all the project's carbon removal gets kept aside to protect against natural hazards, such as fires and floods.
• At a social level, the project will provide income to more than 600 people and around 80 communities.
• The company’s presence has led to the creation of small and medium-sized support businesses, boosting local economic activity in nearby villages.
• Offers Verra certified ex-post credits, which means that the carbon has already been removed, thus reducing risks.
• The project has been audited by AENOR and KBS Certification Services.
• Complies with internationally recognised standards, including the IFC and FSC for sustainable forestry.