Potential Natural Vegetation Of Eastern Africa: Volume 1 The Atlas
University of Copenhagen
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Abstract: This atlas presents high-resolution maps of Potential Natural Vegetation (PNV) across Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi, and Zambia. Developed under the VECEA project, it integrates historical surveys and physiognomic classification to improve ecological planning and agroforestry site selection. Kenya?s zones include semi-deciduous forests, montane mosaics, and savannah grasslands. The atlas explores vegetation succession, climax communities, and species dominance per zone. It introduces mapping units aligned with Frank White?s continental vegetation model but enhances practical usability for conservation and restoration planning. PNV maps support reforestation targeting, biodiversity corridors, and climate modeling under varied emissions scenarios. The atlas sets the stage for regional vegetation guides that list indigenous species for restoration and agroforestry use. Overall, it bridges ecological baseline understanding with spatial landscape management, enabling more precise climate resilience planning across diverse East African ecosystems.