Environmental Benefits
In addition to the sequestration of carbon, other environmental benefits include:
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Biodiversity
Because Plan Vivo projects are planned at a local level, with a variety of community stakeholders, they are almost invariably diverse in their composition. Plan Vivo forestry activities therefore will nearly always create a mosaic of small scale stands and generally make the best possible use of natural seedbanks. The mosaic of habitats increases the niches available and the number of different species which the area can support. Activities often involve the restoration of degraded lands or damaged forests with native trees, which provides areas suitable for local wildlife. A variety of native tree species also beneficial for consumptive uses for example medicinal plants, non consumptive uses for example ecotourism and for the support of native fauna. -
Watershed Protection
Floods are prevented because water does not enter river systems so readily. Trees increase the lag time for rainfall to pass through catchments, as more water is absorbed in the soil as it flows through litter from the trees. Tree roots stabillise soils on hillsides which further reduces sedimentation and also the flow of pollutants in major rivers and lakes and their downstream users. Access to water is one of the major challenges to communities in many areas of Africa. Changing climates are making sourcing clean water more difficult in many areas. -
Soil Stability
Another occurrence in much of Africa is desertification and loss of soils. Nutrients in soils are required for agriculture to be sustainable, and this is especially important in the areas where there are steep slopes and little vegetation. Trees also reduce rainsplash, where raindrops fall directly onto bare soil, and therefore soils are less likely to be washed away and nutrients leaching from the soil. Vegetation also increases moisture retention in soils (by reducing evaporation, and reducing runoff) which is important in areas prone to drought.