Your Cart
In the heart of Bunda Bunda Chiefdom, something inspiring is taking root. A group of determined individuals, known in their community as Charprenuers, are proving that protecting forests and earning a living don’t have to be at odds. They go hand in hand.
With the support of BCP (BioCarbon Partners), the Forestry Department in Rufunsa, and the Soli Shamifwi Royal Establishment, these local champions are part of the Eco-Charcoal Project—a community-led effort turning traditional charcoal production into a sustainable and eco-friendly livelihood.
But this is more than just charcoal… It’s about renewing the land, restoring dignity, and rewriting the story of what’s possible when people are empowered to lead change.
Eco-Charcoal is charcoal that’s made sustainably, using smarter, cleaner methods that preserve trees, protect biodiversity, and reduce deforestation. Unlike traditional charcoal—which often comes at a high cost to forests—Eco-Charcoal is produced using techniques like selective cutting (only harvesting certain trees), leaving fruit and mother trees standing, rotating harvest areas to allow forests to regrow, and using the high-efficiency Casamance kiln to reduce waste. It’s a product that helps both people and the planet thrive.
In 2025, 28 Charprenuers came together once again—not just to work, but to learn, connect, and grow. Through a refresher training, they deepened their knowledge of sustainable practices like selective cutting, protecting fruit and mother trees, allowing forests time to regenerate, and using the efficient Casamance kiln that produces more charcoal with less wood.
As the production season begins, these Charprenuers have been equipped with PPE and ongoing support. Forest officers from the Rufunsa District will be working alongside them to ensure the highest environmental standards are maintained, because for these producers, quality and care for the land are non-negotiable.
This is what community-driven climate action looks like: thoughtful, skilled, and full of heart. It’s a story of people stepping up to protect what matters most—their forests, their future, and each other.
From Bunda Bunda to beyond, hope is burning bright—and it’s sustainably made.
Related Articles
