Lafa (exclosure)
Lafa is an exclosure located in the Dogu'a Tembien woreda of the Tigray Region in Ethiopia. The area has been protected since 1988 by the local community.
Timeline
Source:- 1988: established as exclosure by the community
- 2017: support by the EthioTrees project
Environmental characteristics
Source:- Area: 45 ha
- Average slope gradient: 41%
- Aspect: the exclosure is oriented towards the south
- Minimum altitude: 2008 metres
- Maximum altitude: 2088 metres
- Lithology: Antalo Limestone
Management
As a general rule, cattle ranging and wood harvesting are not allowed. The grasses are harvested once yearly and taken to the homesteads of the village to feed livestock. There are two guards to protect the exclosure. Field observations showed that however some illegal grazing occurred in the exclosure in 2018.Benefits for the community
Setting aside such areas fits with the long-term vision of the communities were hiza’iti lands are set aside for use by the future generations. It has also direct benefits for the community:- improved ground water availability
- honey production
- climate ameliorator
- the sequestered carbon is certified using the Plan Vivo voluntary carbon standard, after which carbon credits are sold
- the revenues are then reinvested in the villages, according to the priorities of the communities; it may be for an additional class in the village school, a water pond, or conservation in the exclosure.