Successful restoration projects in the high-altitude Polylepis forests of Peru, such as those led by Instituto de Montaña, ECOAN, and Accion Andina, have shown the importance of stakeholder participation, conservation agreements, and community engagement. These projects focus on protecting existing forests, improving water security, and restoring degraded pastures and forests through sustainable management practices. By working closely with local communities, including Indigenous Quechua people, these initiatives have not only benefited ecosystems and biodiversity but also enhanced community livelihoods and pride in the restored forests. The long-term goal is to restore 1 million hectares of native Andean forests by 2045, requiring ongoing commitment from donors and a community-led approach rooted in Inca customs of communal work and pride.
Author: News.mongabay
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Ethiopian youth groups restore Rift valley lake & livelihoods
Local youth groups in Ethiopia's Abijata-Shalla National Park, supported by Wetlands International, are actively engaged in restoring the ecosystem through sustainable land management practices. The degradation of the park, exacerbated by climate change, is being addressed through initiatives focused on restoring degraded areas, implementing bylaws, and creating sustainable livelihoods for the local community. The project, funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, has shown visible improvements in tree cover, reduced erosion, and increased water levels in the lake. By integrating local bylaws and traditional governance systems, the project aims to ensure lasting ownership within the community and prevent erosion of conservation results. Women play a significant role in the restoration efforts, contributing to the recovery of the landscape and ensuring long-term protection of the land.
https://news.mongabay.com/2025/12/ethiopian-youth-groups-restore-rift-valley-lake-livelihoods/
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Congo’s communities are creating a 1-million-hectare biodiversity corridor
Strong Roots Congo is working to create a 1-million-hectare corridor between Kahuzi-Biega National Park and Itombwe Nature Reserve in the DRC by securing community forest concessions. The project aims to rectify past displacements caused by the creation of the national park and engage communities in conservation. Despite challenges, the initiative has secured 23 community forest concessions covering nearly 600,000 hectares. The corridor will allow species to move safely between protected areas and promote biodiversity while supporting the livelihoods of local communities. The initiative also aims to bridge the gap between modern and customary laws regarding forest land ownership, reduce the impacts of armed conflict on forests and wildlife, and protect Indigenous peoples from land grabbing.
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How Southern African farmers & elephants can both adapt to coexist
Conservation groups in Southern Africa, including the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) in Zimbabwe, the Ecoexist Trust in Botswana, and Elephant-Human Relations Aid (EHRA) in Namibia, are implementing various strategies to promote coexistence between farmers and elephants. These strategies include using technology such as satellite collars, virtual fencing, and geofences to monitor elephant movements and prevent conflicts. By adapting farming practices, establishing fenced gardens, and implementing nonlethal repellents, these organizations are working towards fostering peaceful coexistence and reducing human-elephant conflict. Through these efforts, there is potential to create an "elephant-aware economy" in the region, incentivizing coexistence behavior and protecting Africa's remaining savanna elephants.
https://news.mongabay.com/2025/12/how-southern-african-farmers-elephants-can-both-adapt-to-coexist/
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In Peru, community-led camera trapping boosts conservation and ecotourism
Community members in Alto Mayo, Peru are working to protect a unique wetland forest through sustainable ecotourism, scientific research, and participatory management of the territory. The Tingana Conservation Concession, managed by Adecaram and supported by Conservation International, covers 4,000 hectares and hosts a diverse ecosystem with renaco trees and aguajales above 800 meters. Visitors can explore flooded forests, learn about sustainable agriculture, and contribute to the community's economy while observing biodiversity through canoe tours. Camera traps have captured footage of rare wildlife like jaguarundis, margays, and birds, aiding in scientific research and environmental education efforts. The initiative has empowered local communities, broadened scientific knowledge, and emphasized the importance of preserving the ecosystem for future generations, with generational replacement being a key focus for sustainability.
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Women scatter seeds, restore forests in Guinea, the ‘water tower of West Africa’
The arboRise Foundation's reforestation project in Guinea has been successful in combatting deforestation and addressing the impacts of climate change, creating employment for over 1,100 people and restoring water sources. By employing local women to collect seeds and monitor tree growth, the initiative challenges traditional power dynamics and aims for long-term sustainability through carbon credits. The project provides economic benefits to participants and empowers women in traditionally male-led societal structures. Despite facing challenges in replication and vulnerability, the project offers hope and optimism in the field of environmental work, providing a beacon of positivity in the face of environmental challenges.
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Loma Santa marks first Indigenous protected area in the Bolivian Amazon
The Loma Santa Indigenous Conservation Area in the Bolivian Amazon, established through collaboration between Indigenous communities, NGOs, and the government, showcases self-governance and participatory conservation. Spanning 198,778 hectares, the area is home to a diverse range of bird species, including vulnerable ones like the harpy eagle and gray tinamou. Indigenous communities have set up monitoring posts with advanced technology to prevent illegal activities and monitor regional weather, demonstrating a model of collaboration for conservation efforts. The initiative, led by the Multiethnic Indigenous Territory, highlights the harmonious integration of nature and culture, driven by the active participation of local Indigenous groups and aiming to preserve the land for future generations.
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New ventures set out to tackle the plastic choking Bangladesh’s ECAs
Bangladesh is struggling with a significant amount of single-use plastic waste being discarded annually, leading to environmental degradation and harm to ecosystems. To address this issue, the NGO BRAC has launched a project to recycle single-use plastic waste into raw materials for plastic products in Ecologically Critical Areas, aiming to create a market for the recycled materials and promote entrepreneurship in managing plastic waste. The success of this project has prompted plans to replicate it nationwide, while the government has also implemented measures to limit single-use plastic use and promote biodegradable alternatives to protect the environment, especially in popular tourist destinations like the Sundarbans and Cox's Bazar.
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Rights to millions of hectares of Indigenous & local communities’ lands restored by ‘barefoot lawyers’
Nonette Royo, executive director of the Tenure Facility, emphasizes the importance of utilizing the legal system to secure land rights for Indigenous and local communities in various countries. The organization aims to achieve land rights and governance for 60 million hectares of forested land by 2027, currently at roughly half that goal. They have made significant progress in securing land rights through legal, formal, and social means, with a focus on community-government alliances and trust-based community-led social mapping. The Tenure Facility has secured funding totaling $150 million, allowing them to scale operations and work towards accreditation with the Green Climate Fund. The conversation also touches on the importance of listening to diverse voices to foster collaboration and find sustainable solutions to climate-related challenges.
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From waffle gardens to terraces, Indigenous groups revive farming heritage in America’s deserts
Native American farmers in the southwestern United States, such as Clayton Brascoupe, Roxanne Swentzell, and Lilian Hill, are leading efforts to revitalize traditional weather-adaptive techniques like dry farming, terracing, and seed saving. These age-old farming methods are being shared to help communities in dry regions worldwide, promoting cultural identity, self-sufficiency, and better health through better food and traditional farming practices. By incorporating animals and insects into their farming practices, they create sustainable food systems that minimize waste and maximize resources. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased interest in these practices as access to fresh food became limited, highlighting the importance of spreading ancient agricultural wisdom globally to address concerns about climate change and drought.