Our work in

Africa

We work with local communities to plant trees that transform landscapes and lives. We know that successful and sustainable restoration depends on community involvement. Which is why all our projects are designed and run by local groups.

Our work has always been about more than just planting individual trees. It is about empowering communities to protect and benefit from their landscapes. It’s about stopping threatened species from going extinct and reversing biodiversity loss. It’s about giving people the tools to transform their lives as well as their landscapes.

Our approach

  • We are community-led

    Through radical listening, we engage communities to identify their needs and ideas. Together, create practical, locally-driven solutions that include everyone—especially women, young people, and vulnerable groups.

  • Multiple impact approach

    Our mission goes beyond planting trees. We’re restoring damaged landscapes while helping communities thrive with better livelihoods, stronger economies, and healthier ecosystems.

  • Protecting endangered trees

    We combine indigenous knowledge and scientific methods to protect endangered and threatened native trees. From identifying and propagating these vital species to planting them, we follow international standards like the IUCN Red List and Plant for the Planet.

  • Participatory monitoring

    By involving communities and using cutting-edge GIS technology, we collect real-time data to track progress, learn what’s working, and improve as we go. This approach ensures an impressive 85% or higher tree survival rate.

“I gained the skills and confidence to grow my own vegetables. This initiative has become very important in dealing with malnutrition, low levels of income and poor balanced diet at the household level.

This project has revolutionized my living style, instilling confidence and self-sufficiency. No longer do I worry about raising my children.”

Kabugho Medres, Kikyo village, Uganda.

Kabugho Medres from Kikyo village, Uganda, stands smiling next to a vegetable plant. She is proudly holding freshly harvested vegetables in her hands.
A group of people in Africa walk away from the camera, heading down into a lush green valley to plant trees. They are carrying tools and supplies on their heads.

Threatened hotspots

We focus our efforts where they’re needed most – places with threatened ecosystems, endangered tree species, and vulnerable livelihoods. Using a holistic approach, we collaborate with communities and partners to tackle social, economic, and environmental challenges together.

Here’s where we focus out impact:

  • Highlands: Safeguarding vital water towers and key biodiversity hotspots.

  • Wetlands: Protecting areas teeming with rich biodiversity.

  • Drylands: Fighting desertification and restoring life to arid landscapes.

  • Coastlands: Preserving ecosystems under serious threat.

The case for restoration in Africa 

Africa is losing more forest than any other part of the world – an average of 3.9 million hectares a year between 2010 and 2020. 

In Kenya alone, land degradation costs an estimated US$1.3 billion every year in lost agricultural productivity, damaged water systems and pressure on rural livelihoods. These aren’t only environmental losses, they’re economic and human ones, borne most directly by the communities living closest to degraded land.  

Restoration offers a strong, evidence-based response, with the UN’s Convention to Combat Desertification estimating that every dollar invested in land restoration can generate around eight dollars in social returns.  

Our work in East Africa is shaped by this. We focus efforts where the need is greatest, in partnership with communities who have the most at stake, to deliver restoration projects that combine long-term ecological recovery with sustainable livelihoods.  

Where we work

Sustainable Development Goals

Our work in East Africa is making a real difference, driving progress on 8 out of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). From boosting social and economic development to managing natural resources sustainably and tackling climate change head-on, we're creating fast and lasting impact where it makes the biggest difference.

Graphic showcasing 8 goals that guide our work: 1. No Poverty 2. Zero Hunger 5. Gender Equality 6. Clean Water and Sanitation 7. Affordable and Clean Energy 13. Climate Action 14. Life Below Water 15. Life on Land

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