Update on AP Sensing's Tree Planting Project

AP Sensing is delighted to share the 2021 yearly update from the Malawi Mulanje project of our partner WeForest. In 2019 we began contributing to this project by planting 100 trees for every fiber optic sensing interrogator unit (DTS/DAS/DVS) that we sell.

2021 progress

The Mulanje project restores two types of native forests: montane and miombo. In 2021, a total of 85,754 cedars and their companion species have been raised for ecological restoration. Eight local community nurseries took care of carefully growing and nurturing the seedlings, as they are sensitive to disturbance and therefore need active planting. About 87% of the seedlings raised were ready for planting at the beginning of 2022 and the remaining seedlings will be planted in the upcoming season, beginning November 2022.

Further activites in regeneration and education

To measure the success of the seedlings raised in this biodiversity hotspot, monitoring was conducted at the sites approximately eight months after planting. Many areas have seen great survival rates, but in some, survival is not as high as anticipated (an average survival rate of 58% was found). There are several challenges for seedlings in this area and mortality is most likely the result of a combination of frost, drying out and fire.

For fire management, approximately 7.2 km of firebreaks were established around the cedar planting sites in 2021 and maps were developed with MMCT to determine where firebreaks will be needed to secure the full protection of all WeForest sites.

Furthermore 11 village forest committees were supported, conducting ranger patrols, and hanging hundreds of beehives in the forest that will produce wild honey and create income for local families. Since the COVID situation has eased in 2021 and schools have reopened, WeForest also began a new collaboration to raise awareness within 11 schools in the local area.

Future plans

For 2022, the project's focus will be on the regeneration of the surrounding miombo forests through Assisted Natural Regeneration, supporting law enforcement activities to stop deforestation and continuing activities in nurturing seedlings and monitoring.

Read the full 2021 annual report here

Why is AP Sensing Growing Trees?

The AP Sensing tree planting program called Passion for Plants is intended to be a long-term partnership with WeForest. With our impact, we are supporting WeForest in restoring forests, empowering local communities, conserving biodiversity and taking climate action. We recognize that as a successful company, we have the means and responsibility to make further contributions to the world around us. Additionally, AP Sensing appreciates WeForest’s scientific approach to restoring forests which ensures a maximum survival rate of the trees planted, carbon sequestration and a forest ecosystem that functions as it did before deforestation. A healthy forest also supports local agriculture, affects the soil and water supply, and has a positive economic impact on the region.


*The photos used on this page are ©RubenFoquet and ©WeForest