Nachhaltige Ziegelproduktion und energieeffizientes Kochen für vulnerable Haushalte in Yambio / Südsudan

Klimaschutzprojekt BOKU x Caritas

Sustainable Brick Production and Efficient Cookstoves instead of Deforestation and Poverty

In South Sudan, wood is used as fuel for cooking and brick firing, which causes high deforestation pressure and CO2-emissions. Deforestation leads to the degradation of fertile land and has negative impacts on the regional climate, such as longer dry periods, increased flooding, and more frequent bushfires. South Sudan, the fifth poorest country in the world, also faces widespread poverty. To counteract this and reduce CO2-emissions, the project provides efficient cookstoves that reduce the need for firewood and the associated deforestation. At the same time, brick production is shifting from firing clay bricks to pressing earth bricks.

Diverse Contribution to Sustainable Development on-site

The project contributes in multiple ways to sustainable development on-site. Specifically, it generates "co-benefits" for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 15, and 17. For example, the provision of energy-efficient cookstoves to a total of 1,250 households raises environmental awareness among the population and saves costs and time for firewood gatherers. As part of the project, a primary school and a learning center will be built using sustainably produced bricks. Thanks to training programs, around 100 young people will regularly earn income from sustainable brick production by the end of the project. Additionally, 900 households will plant a mango tree on their property. As part of the scientific accompanying research conducted by BOKU, two master's theses are planned.

Weiterführende Links:

Project Design Document – SPEEC

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Sustainable Brick Production and Energy-Efficient Cooking for Vulnerable Households / South Sudan

Expected Emissions Reduction14.715 t CO2-eq

Project Duration2023-2028 (5,5 years)

Project Costs365.000 €

KOSTEN PRO vermiedener TONNE CO230 €

Situation without the ProjectIncrease in CO2-emissions due to the rising consumption of firewood and charcoal for household energy supply and for firing clay bricks used in house construction

GoalFuel-efficient cookstoves for households and the replacement of fired clay bricks with compressed earth bricks in house construction reduce CO2-emissions, save energy costs, and create income opportunities for youth.

Project Developers & Partners• Caritas Austria,
• BOKU - Institute for Development Research
• 4 South Sudanese "Community-based Organizations"
• Makiga Company Uganda

Accompanying researchEcosystem Management and Conceptual Modeling of Human-induced Stress Factors, Sustainable Building, and Cooking

Sie möchten dieses Projekt mit einem Klimaschutzbeitrag unterstützen?

Further Projects

Verbesserung der Energieversorgung im ländlichen Raum und Aufbau nachhaltiger Landschaften und Lebensgrundlagen / Äthiopien

Klimaschutzprojekt BOKU x Caritas

Effiziente Kochstellen gegen Abholzung und Emissionen

Drei Milliarden Menschen in ländlichen Gebieten der Entwicklungsländer sind auf Biomasse angewiesen, oft ohne Zugang zu effizienten Kochstellen. Dies fördert Armut, Krankheiten und Ungleichheit. Jährlich werden weltweit über eine Milliarde Tonnen Biomasse, vor allem für traditionelles Kochen und Heizen, genutzt. In Äthiopien decken über 90 % der Energie Biomasse, wobei 98 % der ländlichen Haushalte Brennholz und Holzkohle nutzen. Die hohe Nachfrage führt in vielen afrikanischen Regionen zu Abholzung. Ein Projekt zur Reduktion des Brennholzverbrauchs senkt den Holzbedarf und die CO₂-Emissionen. Das Vorgängerprojekt GREEN-RE sparte in fünf Jahren über 29.000 Tonnen CO₂.

Nachhaltige Landnutzung für Ernährungssicherheit

Durch das Projekt wird in vielfältiger Weise zur nachhaltigen Entwicklung beigetragen. Konkret werden „Co-Benefits“ zu mehreren Sustainable Development Goals erzielt. Die Bereitstellung effizienter Kochöfen für insgesamt 5.750 Haushalte steigert das Umweltbewusstsein, spart Kosten und Zeit für die Suche nach Feuerholz und reduziert Gesundheitsrisiken. Gleichzeitig unterstützt das Projekt nachhaltige Landnutzung durch Maßnahmen wie Permakultur, Kompostierung, Fruchtfolge und Mischkultur, um die Bodenfruchtbarkeit zu verbessern und die Ernährungssicherheit zu erhöhen. Ergänzend werden Aufforstungs- und Bodenschutzmaßnahmen umgesetzt, darunter das Pflanzen von Mehrzweckbäumen und die Förderung von Wasserspeicherung, um Erosion zu reduzieren und degradierte Landschaften wiederherzustellen.

Stärkung der Gemeinschaft und wirtschaftliche Eigenständigkeit

Neben den ökologischen und gesundheitlichen Vorteilen stärkt das Projekt auch die wirtschaftliche Eigenständigkeit ländlicher Haushalte. Durch die Organisation in Spar- und Kreditgemeinschaften erhalten die Menschen Zugang zu finanziellen Ressourcen und neuen Einkommensmöglichkeiten. Schulungen und Werkzeuge für nachhaltige Landwirtschaft sowie alternative Erwerbsquellen wie Imkerei fördern langfristige wirtschaftliche Stabilität. Gleichzeitig tragen die Maßnahmen zur CO₂-Reduktion bei, indem jährlich über 5.000 Tonnen eingespart werden – bis 2030 summiert sich dies auf mehr als 25.000 Tonnen. Weniger Rauch in Innenräumen verringert zudem Atemwegserkrankungen und andere gesundheitliche Probleme. Das GREEN SEED Projekt bietet somit eine ganzheitliche Lösung für die Herausforderungen der ländlichen Entwicklung in Äthiopien und leistet einen wichtigen Beitrag zur Bekämpfung des Klimawandels.

Weiterführende Links:

Project Design Document – GREEN-SEED

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Distribution of Efficient Cookstoves / Ethiopia

expected emissions reduction> 25.000t CO2- over 5,5 years

Project Duration01.01.2025 - 30.06.2030

Project Costs850.000,- Euro

KOSTEN PRO vermiedener TONNE CO234 Euro

Situation without the ProjectThree billion people rely on biomass, which exacerbates poverty and deforestation. In Ethiopia, over 90% of energy comes from biomass, leading to rising CO₂ emissions.

Goal The project promotes sustainable land management to use natural resources efficiently and establish climate-friendly practices. At the same time, it supports rural households by diversifying sustainable income sources to improve their livelihoods by 2030.

Project Developers & Partners• Caritas of the Diocese of Feldkirch, International Aid section
• Caritas Meki
• University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU)

Accompanying researchDie Forschung, durchgeführt vom Institut für Nachhaltige Wirtschaftsentwicklung und dem Institut für Bodenforschung, untersucht die Anpassungsfähigkeit an den Klimawandel, den Einfluss nachhaltiger Landwirtschaft auf Bodenfruchtbarkeit sowie Geschlechteraspekte und Gemeinschaftswandel.

Sie möchten dieses Projekt mit einem Klimaschutzbeitrag unterstützen?

Further Projects

Forest Protection in the Colombian Rainforest / La Dorada

© Andreas Bauer

Forest conservation and species protection through nature conservation contracts and land purchase

The area of this nature conservation project is located in the centre of Colombia, near Dorada. In order to protect the forest, wildlife and plants, an area of 600 hectares is being developed as a model farm as part of the Las Mercedes project and a further 7,000 hectares are being managed sustainably in cooperation with local farmers. Sustainable management leads to higher yields in the long term, primarily through the introduction of an agro-forestry system using water buffaloes, thus protecting the forest from deforestation. In addition, the forest is used for research and artistic purposes as part of the project. This serves to raise sustainable awareness. In this way, the Las Mercedes project saves 12,000 tonnes of CO2 .

Forest Protection in the Colombian Rainforest

ERWARTETE EMISSIONSREDUKTION12,000 t CO2-eq jährlich über 12 Jahre, Einbehaltung eines Risikopuffers von 35%.

Project DurationStart 2020, support and monitoring for 12 years

Project Costs1.250.000 €

KOSTEN PRO vermiedener TONNE CO215,5 €

Situation without the ProjectDeforestation and overgrazing

Goal• Protection of a 600ha core area and 7,000ha of neighbouring
Areas before deforestation
• Transfer of the land to a sustainable agro-forestry system
(buffalo husbandry in the forest) with higher yields compared to the situation
without the project

Further Projects

Aufforstung und natürliche Wiederbewaldung in Nord-Gondar / Äthiopien

BOKU Climate Mitigation Projects

Sustainable management of pastures and forests

In order to tackle the problems of deforestation in Ethiopia, a participatory process was launched with local stakeholders as part of the BOKU climate protection project in North Gondar. Reforestation areas were defined that are protected from grazing by participatory agreements between land users. This enables controlled reforestation and natural regeneration of the areas. As a result, CO2 in the form of biomass and bound in the soil. The areas are managed jointly by the local population. The aim is to create a 30-hectare forest over a period of 30 years, which will save at least 5,300 tonnes of CO2 .

Reforestation and Natural Reforestation in North-Gondar / Ethiopia (CONCLUDED)

ERWARTETE EMISSIONSREDUKTION5.300 t CO2-eq in 30 years

Project DurationStart 2012, monitoring for 30 years.

Project Costs131.600 €

KOSTEN PRO VERMIEDENER TONNE CO225,0 €

Situation without the ProjectDeforested region and overgrazing

GoalTransformation of 30 ha of fallow land to an unevenly-aged stable coppice forest

Accompanying research
  • The role of seed dispersal, enclosures, shrubs and trees in the vicinity of churches and farms for the restoration of ecosystem diversity and Productivity in the Ethiopian Highlands
    und Bäumen in der Umgebung von Kirchen und Bauernhöfen
    für die Wiederherstellung der Ökosystemvielfalt und
    Produktivität in den Äthiopischen Highlands
  • Afforestation and Agroforestry in San Miguel / Costa Rica (fully financed)

    BOKU Climate Mitigation Projects

    Local commitment with global impact

    Tropical rainforests are the most species-rich ecosystems on earth and are also indispensable for stabilising the global climate. In January 2016, work began on reforesting an area of 14.6 hectares and converting it into a secondary rainforest. This should save around 4,400 tonnes of CO2 La2-storage from the atmosphere. Trained local employees ensure that the project is anchored locally. The reforestation is being organised by the Institute of Botany at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences in coordination with the association Rainforest of the Austrians and the La Gamba Tropical Station organised and coordinated.

    Afforestation and Agroforestry in San Miguel / Costa Rica (fully financed)

    ERWARTETE EMISSIONSREDUKTION4.400 t CO2 in 30 years

    Project DurationStart 2016, monitoring for 30 years.

    Project Costs136.000 €

    KOSTEN PRO VERMIEDENER TONNE CO231,0 €

    Situation without the ProjectIncreased deforestation in the region and lack of resources for afforestation

    GoalTransfer of approx. 15 ha fallow land into a secondary rainforest

    Accompanying researchExamination:
    • of growth strategies,
    • of allometric relationships,
    • carbon sequestration
    • and the growth of the trees

    Safe Drinking Water and Clean Air for Soroti / Uganda

    BOKU Climate Mitigation Projects

    Addressing a variety of challenges

    According to the WHO, about 70 percent of Uganda's rural population has no access to clean drinking water. Water is disinfected by cooking over open wood fires, but this also causes health problems. Many people already suffer from serious lung diseases caused by air pollutants from inefficient wood burning. Furthermore, Uganda has one of the highest deforestation rates in the world. An intact environment, clean air, and safe drinking water are, however, the prerequisites for a good life and are indispensable for education, ecological and social sustainability, and the fight against poverty.


    Innovative approaches through a broad cooperation network

    The use of solar water disinfection (SODIS method) drastically reduces the amount of firewood needed, which should save about 20,000 tonnes of CO2 in the next five years. Furthermore, this project will also counteract the development of harmful smoke in households. The cooperation between the BOKU Institute for Sanitation, Industrial Water Management and Water Pollution Control, the Water School Uganda, and the Makarere University in Kampala ensures a holistic approach to the project.


    Water disinfection by UV radiation

    2000 households in Soroti are being familiarised with the use of solar water disinfection (SODIS method) as part of the BOKU climate protection project. The Austrian start-up HELIOZ provides each household with a device for measuring UV radiation (WADI) that has been tried and tested in Africa and Asia. This makes it easy to check and guarantee the disinfection of drinking water. In addition to the CO2-mitigation, the project also brings additional social and ecological added value.

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    Safe Drinking Water and Clean Air for Soroti / Uganda

    Emissions Reduction20.000 t CO2-eq in 5 Jahren

    Project DurationStart 2019, monitoring for 5 years.

    Project Costs329.500 €

    KOSTEN PRO vermiedener TONNE CO220,0 €

    Situation without the ProjectDeforestation of forest areas, CO2-emissions from the use of firewood for drinking treated water, and health hazards due to flue gas development during wood combustion

    GoalUse of solar water disinfection (SODIS method with WADI) in 2000 households and improvement of the hygienic situation

    Accompanying research
  • Quantification of the impact of SODIS on CO2 and
    Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
  • The turbidity reduction required for SODIS with locally available agents
    verfügbaren Mitteln
  • Decentralized Composting in Addis Ababa / Ethiopia

    BOKU Climate Mitigation Projects

    CO2-mitigation through composting of organic waste

    Untreated waste due to lack of waste separation, low recycling efforts and inadequate landfilling is a major burden on the environment and the local population. Therefore, the aim of this BOKU climate protection project in Addis Ababa is to convert about 8,000 tonnes of organic waste per year into nutrient-rich compost, reducing about 200 tonnes of CO2 annually.

    Involvement of local partners as an important success factor

    Households, waste collectors, and other local stakeholders are trained in how to separate waste into organic and other material and collect it properly. The collected organic waste is processed in a composting plant commissioned as part of the project. Trained local workers learn how to control and monitor the composting process to ensure that the compost is of good quality. The compost obtained is then sold as high-quality, regional fertilizer and offers the local actors involved an additional income and safe working conditions.

    Commitment to equal opportunities

    Through the strong involvement of single women, the project also contributes to local social empowerment. This pilot project is intended to be the starting signal for further decentralized composting projects in Ethiopia. Not least through the show garden, a network for the exchange of knowledge and experience is to be created in order to establish decentralized and low-CO2waste management in Ethiopia. In addition to sinking CO2 and improving the quality of the soil, the general nutritional situation can also be influenced.

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    Decentralized Composting in Addis Ababa / Ethiopia

    Emissions Reduction200 t CO2-eq per year

    Project DurationStart of 2016

    Project Costs35.000 € per year

    KOSTEN PRO VERMIEDENER TONNE CO265 € - Co-financed by BOKU

    Situation without the ProjectOrganic waste is not processed and generates greenhouse gas emissions

    GoalCollection and composting of about 8.000 tonnes of organic waste annually

    Reforestation, Forest Protection and Agroforestry in Siwalik and Gauri- Sankar / Nepal

    BOKU Climate Mitigation Projects

    Counteracting the pressure on local forests

    In Nepal, large areas of forest are disappearing, while grasslands and shrublands are steadily increasing One reason for this is deforestation for short-term fertile farmland. The 2015 earthquake also increased the pressure on forests as a resource for construction and firewood. The main objective of this BOKU climate protection project is to reforest around 80 hectares in the Gauri Sankar and Siwalik regions, of which 20 hectares are earmarked for agricultural use. In addition, 500 efficient biogas stoves will be put into operation.

    Combination of forestry and agriculture as key to success

    Besides ecological aspects, economic, and social aspects are in the foreground. To counteract forest degradation and its negative social consequences, national and local stakeholders were therefore involved in the selection of the regions in a participatory manner. The decisive factor in the selection of Gauri-Sankar and Siwalik was that they have great potential for establishing a sustainable agroforestry system that can serve as an additional source of income for the local population.

    Einbindung lokaler Akteur*innen und Wissenstransfer

    A reforestation and management plan was drawn up with the management committees of Gauri Sankar and Siwalik (among others), best practice examples were presented and training sessions were held. The training courses in sustainable agriculture and forestry (forest management, seedling propagation and forest fire protection) and the commissioning of tree nurseries ensure the sustainability and stability of the project and are well received by the local population. In this win-win situation, CO2 is mitigated by reforestation, further emissions and harmful flue gases are reduced (cooking stoves), and a new economic basis is created.

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    Reforestation, Forest Protection and Agroforestry in Siwalik and Gauri-Sankar / Nepal

    Expected Emissions Reduction17.700 t CO2-eq in 30 years

    Project DurationStart 2016, monitoring for 30 years.

    Project Costs390.000 €

    KOSTEN PRO vermiedener TONNE CO222,0 €

    Situation without the ProjectForest degradation and deforestation

    GoalReforestation of 80 ha of fallow land and establishment of agroforestry

    Accompanying research
  • Community forestry
  • The ecology of regeneration of the tree species Quercus
  • The influence of land use types on floristic diversity, vegetation patterns and carbon sequestration
    Vegetationsmuster und Kohlenstoffbindung
  • Community Biogas Plants in Gulu / Uganda

    BOKU Climate Mitigation Projects

    Small-scale biogas plants instead of deforestation and erosion

    This BOKU climate protection project reduces CO2-emissions through the use of biogas plants. Increased cooking on open fires leads to heavy over-exploitation of forests, the release of hazardous carbon compounds and soil erosion. The purchase of charcoal and firewood is increasingly becoming an economic burden for the local population. The construction of small biogas plants and their proper commissioning offers an alternative and energy-efficient cooking option.

    Strengthening of the community through solidarity implementation

    The joint organization of the introduction of animal manure and the distribution of gas and fermentation residue (fertilizer) strengthens the sustainable development of the area. The bio-gas plants are based on a collaborative approach, in which households with more animals support households with fewer animals by introducing more animal manure into the plants. The produced bio-gas and fertilizer are distributed to the respective households in solidarity.

    Seedlings and training courses flank the project

    Households are provided with gas stoves and training as part of the project. They are also given seedlings so that they can use the fertilizer produced immediately. The scientific support of the project is provided by BOKU and the University of Gulu and offers research opportunities to students and young scientists. Thus, this BOKU project not only makes a significant contribution to climate change mitigation and adaptation but also improves the living situation in Uganda through co-benefits.
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    Community Biogas Plants in Gulu / Uganda

    Emissions Reduction18.000 t CO2-eq in 6 years

    Project DurationStart 2020, duration of 6 years

    Project Costs703.200 €

    KOSTEN PRO vermiedener TONNE CO219,5 €

    SITUATION WITHOUT THE PROJECTDeforestation of forest areas, CO2 emissions from the use of firewoord and charcoal, and health hazards from fuel gasses

    GoalConstruction of 200 bio-gas plants for a total of 800 households and schools, and an increase in food production.

    Project DeveloperCaritas Carinthia, IFA - Institute for Environmental Biotechnology (from BOKU), Caritas Gulu and Gulu University, Uganda

    Co-financing Partners and (other) PartnersCaritas Upper Austria, Bruder und Schwester in Not Innsbruck (BSIN), Missio

    Accompanying research
    • Increasing the efficiency of biogas household systems below 30°C
    • Investigation of energy self-sufficiency systems in countries of the Global South