Overview
At Harapan, we are carrying out large-scale experiments to evaluate the costs and benefits of different approaches to forest restoration in relation to carbon, non-timber forest products and biodiversity.
In Gola, the primary focus of research is to assess how effectively key forest species such as picathartes, Gola malimbes, pygmy hippos and primates are being protected.
We are also doing research in surrounding farmlands on carbon capture and sequestration and local livelihoods, to provide scientific underpinning for a future Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation scheme.
In both Gola and Harapan, our scientists provide training for local researchers. Building local capacity is central to our work. The research we do uses a combination of standard field surveys methods, camera traps, radio tracking, remote sensed land cover data, LiDAR data and drone-based aerial photography.
We will help to develop a Gola Rainforest Conservation Centre, which will be a key asset for Gola, Sierra Leone and West Africa.
