past projects

SEM Fund Project
Reforestation in Senegal
Supported by the Knollenberg Foundation

A Knollenberg Foundation gift  to the SEM Fund will support the planting of approximately 3,000 trees in Senegal.  Planted in the rural communities of Diougoup in the Saint-Louis region and M’Backombel in the Thies region, the trees will create natural pathways to direct livestock to appropriate areas, thus protecting farms from the damage the animals cause.   In addition to fighting deforestation and erosion, the trees will also provide socio-economic benefit to the communities, through income-generating activities as women can start their own micro-businesses selling fruits. This has contributed to alleviating poverty and improving the living conditions of vulnerable individuals.The Knollenberg Foundation gift will cover 1,000 trees in Saint-Louis and 2,000 trees in M’Backombel and the cost of transporting the plants.  The SEM Fund will contribute the technical expertise and the community members and supporters will plant the trees.  The Ali Scholars will participate in the tree planting in Saint-Louis in July.  In August, planting will take place in M’Backombel and, as the land is community property, all the families in the area will benefit.  Overall, approximately 2,000 people were directly impacted by the project.