Calao is a landscape restoration project, including several activities: native forest restoration, timber production, and agroforestry with shea trees. The project area of 35,000 ha encompasses the N'zi Voluntary Nature Reserve (a private forest reserve) and the Mafa massif, regrouping the 4 classified forests of Mafa, Besse-Boca, Laka and Fetekro.
hummingbirds is partnering with the N’Zi River Lodge and the N’zi Wildlife Conservation Foundation for the development of the project in order to reach project certification.
The project plans on restoring more than 10,000 ha of degraded savannah with a gradient of planting densities. There will also be 8,000 ha of teak and gmelina plantation, which has already started in 2023 with the help of the national forest development company (SODEFOR) in heavily degraded areas in partnership with local communities. This sustainable commercial plantation will provide employment as well as economic activity in the region. Finally, 500ha of shea will be planted, to support the activity of community shea butter processing led by the N’zi Wildlife Conservation Foundation.
