Centre For Restoring Our Resilient Ecosystems: The Baobab Initiative
Project currently
under development
Project Objectives
Geospatial Mapping & Documentations
We are Identifying, mapping, and digitally documenting ancient and culturally significant trees across Africa using geospatial technologies (GIS), specifically land-use change data highlighting any loss and damage to the stock of the baobab tree within specified locations spanning 20 - 30 years.
Education, Awareness & University Research for Value-added Outcomes
The Baobab App is under development to incorporate the following programs:-
Baobab tree conservation techniques (seed collection, propagation, sustainable harvesting, pest / disease management). Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) for climate adaptation (agroforestry, soil and water conservation, biodiversity corridors). Collaboration with universities and research institutions to study tree ecology, climate adaptation, value-added uses, and the impacts of land use change on baobab and other heritage trees.
Up & Coming Publications
April 2026
The Baobab Initiative
Research Question
“How does the type of natural resource management affect the extent of loss and damage to baobab trees across African landscapes?”
Key Publication Themes
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Natural Resource Management Models
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Ethical Models / Nature-Based Solutions
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Value-Added Approaches and Green Finance
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Loss and Damage
Ethical Frameworks
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Sankofa (returning to the past to inform sustainable futures)
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Ubuntu (community and interdependence)
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Ma’at (balance, justice, and harmony with nature)
Key Research Focus
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Baobab Land-Use Change
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Forms of Community Governance
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Community Engagement with Local and National Government
Contrasting Natural Resource Management Models
1. Common Property Resource Management (CPRM)
2. Community Land Management (Government-Recognised)
3. Community Land Management (Not Government-Recognised)
4. Private or Individual Resource Management
5. Co-Management or Hybrid Governance
Monitoring Loss and Damage of Baobab Trees with Landsat
The baobab tree in our study areas is typically scattered across savannas, dry woodlands, and community-managed agroforestry landscapes, which makes it difficult to monitor using coarse-resolution satellites. For our project, the Landsat Program offers the perfect combination of long-term historical coverage and 30 m spatial resolution, allowing us to accurately track land-use changes, canopy loss, and degradation affecting baobab populations. By integrating Landsat data with local community knowledge and field observations, we can assess how different natural resource management models influence loss and damage to the baobab tree, providing actionable insights for sustainable conservation strategies.
Our Leadership
Discover the rich history and cultural significance Africa's ancient trees with our innovative project. We are dedicated to identifying,, and digitally documenting these remarkable trees, particularly the iconic baobab, advanced geospatial technologies. Our focus on land-use change data provides critical insights into the loss and damage of these majestic trees over the past30-50 years. Join us in preserving and celebrating the natural heritage of these trees.
Dr Musa Gaba
PhD in Forest Ecology
University of Maiduguri
Maiduguri
Borno State, Nigeria
Dr Peter Katanisa
Director of the African Community of practice on the System of Environmental and Economic Accounting.
Dr Daniel Gwary
Centre for Arid Zone Studies
University of Maiduguri
Maiduguri
Borno State, Nigeria
Fadeke Ayoola, FCCA
Centre For Restoring Our Resilient Ecosystems:
The Baobab Initiative
C/O NET Africa