Connecting with You: December 2009 

The Tree of Life is a symbol that resonates with people of all cultures and creeds around the world. Certainly, as the sun sets on 2009, trees will form an intrinsic part of Christmas celebrations for more than two billion of us. Trees have an important role to play in alleviating poverty in Africa, bringing life in a far more mundane way than many might realise. In this issue of Connecting with You, we might well be accused of not seeing the wood for the trees, with the theme of Forestry taking centre stage in our first three sections. That seems particularly apt as the United Nations gather for the 2009 Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen.

We’d really like to share our gifts with you. There’s no denying that 2009 has been a difficult year, especially for the young sapling that is African Rainbow Consulting. In response to this, we have changed our business model  and are keen to ensure that you have a clear idea of the services we offer,  as well as why we offer them. So please, unwrap our gifts  – the sooner the better!!!

May the Spirit of Life and Hope be with you through 2010!

The destruction and degradation of the world’s forests account for one-sixth of global carbon emissions and are intricately linked with desertification and poverty. In this article, we examine the linkages between climate change and poverty via deforestation in Africa. We also review the scope for using renewable energy alongside sustainable forestry to achieve a positive-sum game with respect to environmental, social and economic outcomes.

Plant a tree in Kenya this Christmas with just a few clicks of your magic mouse (and a small handful of dollars)! In addition to offsetting one tonne of carbon emissions per tree planted, your tree pledge will help to support local disadvantaged communities in the Great Rift Valley. Discover just how easy it can be for your business to save costs, reduce emissions, meet legal requirements and win more customers through carbon management.

Forestry used to be the exclusive domain of large-scale institutional investors. Learn more about this fascinating asset class and how it is becoming more accessible.

Despite the impact of the global financial crisis, growth forecasts for Africa remain encouraging. Read our analysis of the Grounds for Growth, with a focus on Angola, Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Liberia, Uganda and Zimbabwe.

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