Projects
Yoyema, Sierra Leone
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With project Yoyema, we are contributing to the development and growth of the bamboo industry. We choose this specific location close the equator which has the best climate to grow bamboo and support our main goal, the sequestration of CO2. Bamboo grows much better in this stable climate with enough rainfall than in colder and changing weather circumstances more north.
We are planting bamboo on degraded land in Yoyema which land has not changed land use for the last 20+ years nor is productive for the local community. Bamboo grows 15 times faster than wood and removes a lot of CO2 from the atmosphere. By developing bamboo production, we also provide meaningful employment and have an impact with the capture of CO2.
From our nursery in the greenhouses we have grown plants for over 5 months before they were strong and resilient enough to survive outdoors. We co-own a total of 1.000 hectares of which we planted the first 250 hectares in June ’25’.
The plants grow the first year mainly underground where the roots (rhizomes) grow very fast preventing soil erosions and capture substantial volumes of carbon permanently.
We grow an average of 10.000 ton of biomass on the 250 hectare per year, absorbing minimum of 11.000ton CO2 per annum above and underground.
After 4 years the first harvest will take place and the poles will be used for construction works as sustainable raw material and the bamboo shoots will be use as food ingredient. Now the bamboo will grow exponentially fast after first harvest and carbon capture will accelerate as the bamboo becomes every year thicker and stronger.
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Working towards sustainable rural employment
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International governments have set ambitious plans to transform to a net zero economy. Green jobs are at the core of this transition and have an important role in delivering environmental management strategies that promote sustainable economic development. This evolution provides an opportunity to address embedded labour market inequalities to support a fair and just transition.
As rural areas in Yoyema are suffering high unemployment, the work generated with managing and the harvesting of the bamboo creates permanent jobs for both men and women with equal rights and opportunities.
Sustainable product longevity
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Bamboo is fast emerging and being recognised as one of the most popular and sustainable materials, with its fast growth rate and wide range of applications it is being hailed as an environmentally friendly alternative to more traditional materials.
The positive impact of bamboo is also recognised and valued not only for the products generated from it, but for the positive impact on bio-diversity, water retention and creating a more versatile soil regeneration for future generations and sustainability.
Positive impact on the municipality
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The project has had a very positive impact on the municipality from the very start and continues to grow and thrive today. Besides the employment for men and women working in the plantation to grow, plant, maintain, weed control and harvest the bamboo, the municipality gains in the revenues from the plantation which is an important part to increase their self-reliance as community.
With the green jobs being created by the plantation and the country as a whole is working towards a net zero carbon economy it is a very proud moment for SBC in being part of ensuring the sustainability and self reliance for future generations.
Greener futures for the next generations
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This is where you can find bamboo takes center stage in fighting climate change. Bamboo absorbs more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than most other plants and trees. Plus, it releases more oxygen, making the world a better place to breathe!
The carbon removed from the atmosphere is secured with carbon removal credits and contribute to a greener future for all. Read more…
For more information on how you can get involved please contact us and we will be happy to get you started.
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