Regenerative future with the world’s fastest-growing hardwood species
Imagine a future where ecological and financial growth share the same roots.
This is the promise at Damara Mopane Lodge near Khorixas.
The vision is to establish a climate-resilient, scalable plantation that drives environmental regeneration while pioneering sustainable land use.
The initiative seeks to create a reliable, long-term project that contributes positively to ecosystems, closely aligned with the global shift towards eco-conscious and impact-driven investment.
The Kiri Tree-Planting Project, a strategic collaboration between Gondwana Collection Namibia and Avagrow, has entered its first phase.
It is driven by Bernd Grahl, Gondwana Collection Namibia’s group digital manager, working closely with the company’s environmental and social impact team.
Recently, 30 Gondwana Collection team members, joined by 16 community members from Khorixas, came together to plant 435 Kiri trees, one of the world’s fastest-growing hardwood species.
The non-invasive trees were planted in open areas, carefully integrating them among the existing Mopane woodland and other native species, ensuring the natural landscape remains intact and biodiversity is respected.
To further reduce environmental pressure, the trees are irrigated using recycled water. This eases demand on groundwater reserves and gives treated water from the lodge a sustainable new purpose. For years, recycled water has been used to water the property’s lawns, gardens and now, Kiri tree plantation.
About 1.2 tonnes of biochar, acquired through Pyronam, has been used in the planting phase to support the soil composition and promote climate resilience due to its water and nutrient retention properties.
Kiri trees can reach maturity within five to seven years, producing lightweight yet durable timber increasingly sought after for furniture, construction, and specialised manufacturing.
Unlike conventional forestry, Kiri trees regenerate after harvesting, require less water, and actively improve soil quality, making them well suited to Namibia’s semi-arid conditions.
The initial planting at Damara Mopane Lodge is only the beginning. The project is designed to scale into a 3 000-tree Kiri plantation, establishing a proven model that combines environmental stewardship with commercial viability.
– This report has been generated with the use of artificial intelligence.
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