The Bulindi Agroforestry and Chimpanzee Conservation Project in Uganda is a long-term initiative by Green Earth to restore degraded habitats, enhance biodiversity, and improve local livelihoods while protecting the endangered chimpanzee population of Hoima District. By combining agroforestry systems with conservation efforts, the project demonstrates how sustainable land management can support both communities and ecosystems.
Local community and Green Earth team members during the distribution of tree seedlings at Clonal Coffee Nursery. Bulindi Agroforestry and Chimpanzee Conservation Project, Green Earth.
In July, groundbreaking action began on a new clonal coffee nursery named Mwani, located at the project’s campus in Hoima. The land was divided into blocks, separated by paths for efficient management. Boundaries were planted with Gigantus bamboo and elephant grass, creating natural living fences that support biodiversity.
Local community and Green Earth team at a bamboo plantation. Bulindi Agroforestry and Chimpanzee Conservation Project, Green Earth.
Within each block, sections were designed to host 500 clonal coffee plants, intercropped with Caliandra trees, bananas, and indigenous species. This layout establishes a system where coffee production coexists with trees and crops that enrich soils, provide shade, and foster resilience.
Close-up of coffee tree seedlings. Bulindi Agroforestry and Chimpanzee Conservation Project, Green Earth.
By the middle of August, the plots were fully prepared, and the nursery welcomed seedlings sourced from the Kalisizo District, an area with a rich history in clonal coffee. Selected varieties were chosen for their strength, avoiding varieties vulnerable to Coffee Wilt Disease. Planting concluded on 5 September, with careful measures taken to ensure seedling health, from removing polythene tubes to mulching each plant.
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The design of the block system makes fieldwork more efficient while enabling the integration of additional crops and trees that reinforce the agroforestry system. The team is now focusing on the hardening and rooting shade, which will serve as the nursery’s core, producing cuttings for further seedling distribution. Newly appointed agronomists, along with our data officer, are leading this next phase.
Drone photo of the tree nursery in Uganda. Bulindi Agroforestry and Chimpanzee Conservation Project, Green Earth.
From an open field in July to a thriving mother garden by September, the progress has been rapid and promising. The nursery is set to become a key driver in expanding agroforestry across the region, supporting both farming communities and the restoration of chimpanzee habitats.
Read more: Nurturing harmony in Uganda—A Planet Earth III tale of the Bulindi Chimpanzee Project
The Bulindi Agroforestry and Chimpanzee Conservation Project is a model of how sustainable agriculture and biodiversity protection can thrive together. By establishing clonal coffee nurseries alongside indigenous trees, food crops, and natural barriers, the project strengthens degraded landscapes while creating reliable income streams for local farmers. Every new seedling planted represents not just future harvests, but also restored soils, cleaner water, and safe passages for the endangered chimpanzees that share these forests.
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Bulindi chimpanzee with its baby sitting on a tree in its natural habitat. Bulindi Agroforestry and Chimpanzee Conservation Project, Green Earth.
As part of Green Earth’s wider mission, the project demonstrates how nature-based solutions can address some of today’s most pressing challenges: reversing habitat loss, diversifying rural livelihoods, and securing climate resilience. With its integrated design, the Bulindi nursery will supply thousands of future seedlings to scale up agroforestry across the region, creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond the initial planting site.
Local farmer working on his field. Bulindi Agroforestry and Chimpanzee Conservation Project, Green Earth.
The Bulindi Agroforestry and Chimpanzee Conservation Project generates high-quality carbon units that represent more than just emissions reductions—they embody restored forest cover, expanded agroforestry systems, and tangible benefits for local communities. By purchasing units from this project, businesses can credibly meet sustainability and net-zero goals while ensuring that every unit invested contributes to chimpanzee habitat protection, biodiversity gains, and improved farmer livelihoods in Uganda. Green Earth provides transparent reporting and verification, allowing companies to demonstrate measurable impact and strengthen their environmental leadership.
