N’situ Pelende: a forest project to absorb the equivalent of our residual CO2 emissions

With an extensive reduction programme, we have already drastically reduced our greenhouse gas emissions in recent years. By planting a new forest – N’situ Pelende – we aim, from 2030 onwards, to absorb at least the equivalent of our residual CO2 emissions.

En route to net zero emission

Our initiatives on green electricity, cooling and heating optimisation and sustainable transport have already resulted in a huge reduction of our greenhouse gas emissions. In the future, we will focus on a combination of further emission reduction on the one hand and CO₂ capture on the other, whereby we will capture at least the equivalent of our remaining emissions through forest planting. In other words, we are opting for capturing our own emissions instead of buying carbon credits. The aim is to achieve a net-zero emission from 2030 within scope 1 and 2 of the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol. The sum of, on the one hand, the greenhouse gases we emit (+) and, on the other hand, the CO₂ we capture (-), will be 0.

Colruyt Group's climate plan: a complementary approach with both reduction and compensation measures.

An ambitious project in the Congo

In Kwango Province, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Colruyt Group is working with local communities on an ambitious tree-planting project called N’situ Pelende (the forest of the Pelende, the local people), combining climate action, biodiversity conservation and local development.

What began as an initiative to capture CO₂ from the atmosphere over the long term has evolved into an integrated project built around four pillars: tree planting, collaboration with local communities, agro-economic development and social infrastructure.

To date, we have already planted more than 6,000 hectares of forest, representing millions of trees. At the same time, we are working with dozens of surrounding villages to transition towards a sustainable local economy.

Why plant trees?

Planting trees is currently one of the most effective measures against climate change. Trees capture carbon dioxide and store it in their biomass (wood, leaves or roots) as well as improve soil and groundwater quality and increase biodiversity. The project and its measurable impact on the climate are subject to rigorous monitoring and external certification.

Trees purify the air. They capture CO₂ by photosynthesis and produce O₂ and can also capture other toxic gases.

Why in the Democratic Republic of Congo?

To make a real impact with forest planting, a large area is needed. 10,000 hectares in this case, or about 2.3 times the size of the Sonian Forest. This is not evident in densely populated Belgium, but it is possible in the green heart of Africa: the Democratic Republic of Congo. This country is an ideal location for several reasons. The second largest rainforest worldwide is in the Congo basin, and additional forest planting means we can strengthen that ecosystem even more.

The project location is currently subject to high levels of over-exploitation through logging and burning.

Our current coffee project in Kivu shows the force of corporate sustainability.

Colruyt Group, in collaboration with its foundation Colruyt Group Foundation, already has several positive experiences with projects carried out in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We intend to continue along the same path. In addition, Colruyt Group’s Export department has been active in the country for many years.

The specific project location Kwango also has different strengths:
- There is sufficient space for the forestry project without causing conflicts with the activities of the local population.
- Kwango is relatively easily accessible thanks to the proximity of a national access road and the international airport N'djili in Kinshasa. The project location is close to the provincial capital of Kenge.
- Various local villages are willing to help with the project. This way, we can also boost local employment.
- The site allows us to demonstrate in practical terms that, even under the most challenging conditions and on the most degraded land, tree planting is possible. We fully embrace our pioneering role in sustainability and hope to inspire other projects in this way.

Kwango is in the south west of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The province borders neighbouring country Angola (in the south) and the provinces of Kwilu, Kasaï, Congo Central and Kinshasa (respectively to the north, east, west and northwest).

The province of Kwango has almost 5.2 million inhabitants and covers an area of about 90,000 km²: almost three times the size of Belgium.

Much more than trees

N’situ Pelende is much more than a simple tree-planting project. The forest is designed as a sustainable ecosystem, made up of more than 36 different tree species, including several threatened species, in a region where the savannah is severely degraded. Creating different layers of vegetation helps recreate a rich natural habitat that supports biodiversity while strengthening the forest’s resilience. In this way, we aim to replicate as closely as possible the few natural forests that remain in the region.

Illustration of a tree showing four layers of vegetation: emergent layer, canopy, understory and forest floor.

Nursery of young seedlings with a sign reading “Block C II – species: Cara Siam”

The choice of native species not only contributes to restoring nature, but also provides useful products for the local population, who have free access to the forest. Particular attention is paid to (re)learning how to live in harmony with the forest, as well as rediscovering the many benefits it can provide. The millions of trees grown locally in our nurseries are largely raised from seeds collected as locally as possible, with the involvement of people from the surrounding area.

Much more than a forest

The project’s long-term success depends on close collaboration with the local population. We work hand in hand with the surrounding villages and invest in employment, training and local development. Today, the project employs several hundred local people who, in addition to receiving extensive on-the-job training, have access to a range of other training opportunities, including in technical and IT skills. Training and initiatives in areas such as forest management, beekeeping, and fruit and vegetable growing are also available to the entire local population. Local fire prevention teams also play an active role in protecting the forest.

A group of people pose in a nursery of young seedlings, at the foot of lush green hills under a cloudy sky.

How do we work with the local population?

The local anchoring of the forestry project N'situ Pelende is essential. Living conditions in the surrounding villages are often particularly challenging. That is why, together with our Congolese partners, we examined how we can provide an added value for the local population. Result? We will…

create large-scale employment opportunities for the local population
provide infrastructure: schools, water sources, a bridge and a medical post
improve access to sustainable energy and water
plant trees which can (indirectly) serve as a source of food for the local population: fruit, caterpillars, etc.
further promote agroforestry and other forms of local agricultural production – including an apiary and processing facilities for cassava and other products, as well as crops such as bananas and pineapples – to make it easier for local people to meet their own food needs and, in the longer term, potentially market these products.