Environmental Impact
Biodiversity
Mere are developing high intensity, fast growing Teak trees (Tectona grandis) for their timber. To develop and maintain a high-quality biodiverse environment within the Afram Headwaters forest reserve, Mere have committed to planting 5% of the total area with indigenous tree species that do not currently have a recognised commercial value. These trees form part of the forest cover for generations to come. In interspersing these trees within the Teak stands, pressure is removed from the forest in the traditional sense, allowing them to thrive ecologically benefiting the forest. We far from understand the benefits to be found in each tree, and science is increasingly discovering previously unknown of forgotten benefits of trees and plants.
​
A baseline ecological survey was carried out to document the flora and fauna species composition and diversity in the target areas of Mere's plantation development. The study focused on three taxonomic groups: plants, birds and large mammals. The units on which the baseline study focused on were selected on the basis of their relevance in monitoring ecological changes within a forest habitat.
​
The Forestry Commission is empowered by the Forestry Commission Act 1999 (Act 57) to undertake the Environmental Impact Assessment of Mere's forest plantation development as part of its madate forest development programmes such as plantation establishment in degraded areas, such as forest reserves. This also provides a regulatory framework for forest and wildlife operations and implements the collection of royalties and their disbursements to Traditional Authorities and District Assemblies.
​
​Mere carry out numerous practices for the benefits of wildlife and soil health such as:
-
Continuous cover forestry
-
Riparian improvement with 20m either side of every river is planted with native vegetation to increase flora/fauna diversity.
-
Fire protection measures, such as fire-rides and community volunteers, protect natura vegetation regeneration.
-
The employment of security patrol teams, working to eliminate illegal wildlife poaching in Afram Headwaters Forest Reserve.
-
Low-impact machines and mulching practices to maximise soil health improvement.
-
Utilising nature in our nursery process, such as using chickens to keep seedlings pest-free and fertiliser rather than chemicals. These chickens provide additional income to our nursery workers.
-
Mere employ security patrol teams, working to eliminate illegale wildlife poaching in Afram Headwaters Forest Reserve.
Sustainable Development
Sustainability is development that satisfied the needs of the present without compromising the capacity of future generations, guaranteeing the balance between economic growth, care for the environment and social well-being.
​
The UNITED NATIONS Sustainable Development Goals are the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. Addressing the global challenges we face, including those related to poverty, inequality, climate, encironmenetal degradation and prosperity.
​
In Europe, much is made of the additionality derived from the general public having access to forests during leisure time. This is known as additionality, and is a word used to justify the expenditure of a forest establishment and maintenance when the public purse is used. Mere do not use public funds, so have less burden of accountability for additionality. There is a fine line in a commercial plantation operation between respecting the forest community and their traditional access for hunting, gathering and medicine, and keeping the forest safe. By far the vast majority of forest fires in the dry season occur as a result of human activity. Lighting of fires for cooking, boiling water, washing, are all major contributors to wildfire in a forest reserve. There are also farmers and hunters both on and off reserve that use fire to clear land. In the dry season, grasses are tinder dry. The slightest spark can cause fire that if unchecked, can consume mile after mile of area. Once control is lost, of even a small cooking fire, the effects can be devastating. Mere spend considerable amounts of money each year on the establishment and maintenance of internal and external fire rides. At 8m wide, the external rides will halt the advancement of a full-blown forest fire. Mere also invest heavily each year in training local communities in fire protection and management.
​
Tradition says that the spirit of the ancestors lives in the forests. As the forest is seen as a constant, and a resource that has always been there you can see where this belief would come from. As long as anyone can remember, the forest has provided everything the community has needed. Ranging from food to medicine, clothes to shelter, everything needed to survive and thrive can be found in the forest. Mere want this to continue, just adapting to the 21st century. With quality jobs, training and community engagement the forest can continue to provide. The currency may evolve from hunting and gathering of bounty from the forest to employment in the forest, the reserve continues to allow the local community to raise their families in this spectacular environment. That coupled with the potential of a healthy return make our business, and product offering a beacon in the confusion that is climate change and development aid.