African Blackwood Conservation Project preserves natural resources
The American NGO African Blackwood Conservation Project (ABCP) has been working for 30 years years to conserve Dalbergia melanoxylon - better known as the grenadilla. This wood with multiple properties is used in many fields of activity and in particular for the manufacture of clarinets and oboes. If the demand from the instrument making industry is constant and reasonable, other sectors are putting a strong pressure on this species which is also suffering from the effects of deforestation. Moreover, this species is considered difficult to germinate, grow and mature (it takes about 80 years).
In order to preserve this precious resource, ABCP has set up replanting programs involving the local communities where the very young trees are replanted. Thanks to the cooperative efforts of schools, municipal organizations and private landowners, the NGO has been able to distribute several hundred thousand seedlings after developing a unique know-how in its nursery.
Convinced by the interest of this initiative, the Henri SELMER Paris house joined forces with other members of the CSFI to support the NGO in a context where environmental and social issues are increasingly important.
In 2025, the NGO have made a significant advancement, with a high increase in both the number of trees planted and the geographicalarea covered. More than 65,000 trees have been planted, spread across the Kilimanjaro and Arusha regions, with the introduction of a new species of avocado, locally called the “Africado,” distributed as a food source for residents of the area.
indigenous species such as African mahogany (Khaya nyasica) and Albizia Schimperiana. These species will increase ecological benefits and improve local livelihoods by focusing on ecologically and economically viable tree species that contribute to biodiversity.
Educational initiatives have also been carried out, in order to foster a sense of community ownership over environmental conservation efforts, ensuring the sustainability of these actions well beyond the planting season.
Future plans of the ABCP include the purchase of land plots which will be cleared and fenced and planted exclusively with Dalbergia melanoxylon. This will not only give the ABCP the ability to conduct scientific studies for preservation of the species, but will become a valuable future commodity for the citizens of Tanzania.
► Learn more about the African Blackwood Conservation Project
► Learn more about the French Union of Instrument Makers
