Life on Land

The reduction in deforestation helps preserve vital wildlife habitats.

Life on Land

The reduction in deforestation helps preserve vital wildlife habitats.

We would always destroy very many trees all at once as we were all looking out for large amounts of firewood. This is different now since we use one bundle of many pieces of firewood for a week or two, we then let and give chance to the remaining trees to grow

Because the DelAgua stove significantly reduces wood consumption and the associated deforestation, vital wildlife habitats are preserved.

Despite its small size, Rwanda boasts one of the richest varieties of flora and fauna in Africa. Sierra Leone is home to a biodiverse rainforest ecosystem with many rare and endangered species, while The Gambia features river-centered ecosystems, including mangroves along the Gambia River, and exceptional bird diversity. 

In each country the forestry is home to a remarkable diversity of plants, insects, birds and mammals. This biodiversity is under threat from the pressure on their environment from a large and growing population and in particular from the harvesting of firewood.

Rwanda’s forestry is home to the Mountain Gorilla, the world’s most endangered ape.

Only about one thousand remain in the wild and they are on the IUCN Red List of wildlife threatened with extinction. Half of the worldwide population of Mountain Gorillas is found in Rwanda, they are a revered and treasured icon for Rwandans and huge conservation efforts are being made.

The Mountain Gorillas’ survival depends on limiting human intrusion and disturbance and the conservation of forestry.

This means ensuring rural communities can sustain themselves without having to encroach on this land for firewood harvesting. The DelAgua stove plays a vital part in this. Once on the brink of extinction, the good news is that Mountain Gorilla numbers are slowly rising.

DelAgua Rwanda project, October 2014
General Village shots - Patimayawah, Yele_-3

Saving Chimpanzees, Supporting Communities

Sierra Leone’s forests are home to the Western Chimpanzee, a critically endangered species and an important part of the country’s biodiversity. Ongoing deforestation, largely driven by reliance on firewood for cooking, continues to threaten these habitats. Supporting rural households to meet their energy needs more sustainably is therefore essential.

Empowering Communities, Protecting Nature

The Gambia’s forest and riverine ecosystems, including its vital mangrove forests along the Gambia River, support a range of wildlife and play a key role in regional biodiversity conservation. However, increasing demand for firewood contributes to environmental degradation and habitat loss. Addressing this challenge requires solutions that balance community needs with environmental protection. DelAgua’s cookstoves reduce reliance on firewood, helping to preserve forest cover, protect ecosystems, and support sustainable livelihoods for rural communities.

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The project is funded by the sale of carbon credits. Help conserve wildlife, provide more life-changing stoves, offset your carbon footprint and buy carbon credits directly from DelAgua.

Other Benefits