ONGOING MAINTENANCE AND REFORESTATION EFFORTS AT MARAGOLI HILLS FOREST

Efforts to restore and conserve the Maragoli Hills Forest continue to make impressive strides as both maintenance operations and fresh reforestation activities advance across the landscape.

As part of the ongoing commitment to ensure healthy forest regeneration, maintenance operations were recently conducted across 70 acres of previously reforested land.

This phase saw the successful planting of 50,000 indigenous tree seedlings and Bamboo, boosting a remarkable survival rate of over 85%, a testament to proper planting techniques, timely rains and vigilant aftercare.

On May 15th and 16th 2025, key silvicultural practices—beating up and spot weeding—were carried out to support the young forest stands.

Beating up involved the replacement of dead or non-viable seedlings with healthy ones to maintain optimal stocking density, while spot weeding helped reduce competition for water and nutrients by clearing vegetation around the young trees.

These practices are crucial during the early stages of forest establishment to improve survival rates and promote vigorous growth.

Simultaneously, reforestation efforts have commenced on an additional 55 acres of degraded forest land in Maragoli Hills.

With the long rains continuing across the region, this favorable Climatic window is being utilized to push forward with the planting of an additional 38,500 assorted indigenous tree species.

The selected species—Bischofia javanica, Spathodea campanulata, Croton macrostachyus and bamboo—have been carefully chosen for their ecological value, fast growth and ability to support biodiversity.

These species not only play a significant role in soil stabilization and watershed protection but also support local fauna and contribute to climate resilience.

Bamboo, in particular, has been highlighted for its capacity to rapidly restore degraded soils and provide economic opportunities through sustainable harvesting in the future.