IKI support to the Forest and Landscape Restoration Mechanism

The International Climate Initiative (IKI) supports the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Forest and Landscape Restoration Mechanism (FLRM) through “The Paris Agreement in action” project. 

The International Climate Initiative (IKI) supports the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Forest and Landscape Restoration Mechanism (FLRM) through “The Paris Agreement in action” project. 

This project aims to enhance forest and landscape restoration (FLR) efforts and achieve the nationally determined contributions (NDCs) of specific countries in Africa, the Pacific Islands and the Mediterranean.

Since the effective implementation in early 2019 of the IKI project in selected countries with high potential for restoration, such as Fiji, Lebanon, Morocco, Niger and the Philippines, there have been several noteworthy initiatives and achievements. Let’s take a closer look at the opportunities created to enable conditions for upscaling FLR.

Lebanon

In Lebanon, tools have been developed to support the inclusion of FLR into the country’s NDC and estimate greenhouse gas capture through FLR projects. These tools record, monitor and report on FLR projects, progress and achievements. Socio-economic studies were also undertaken in the Tannourine and Manara municipalities to integrate local communities in rangeland management plans. Moreover, support was given to the finalization of the Lebanese Forest and Rangeland Code, which is expected to include rangeland management as an important component of FLR.

Morocco

In Morocco, a revised NDC for the forest sector was submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which raised the national NDC ambition to a 45.5 percent reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Studies were also conducted to apply the most recent regeneration techniques on cork oak and develop new truffle value chains, enhancing the participation of local communities in the Maâmora Forest.

Fiji

In Fiji, where the IKI project focuses on the islands of Mamanucas and Yasawas, the FLRM was involved in providing critical support to local communities as well as the basis for community-based restoration of 400 hectares. Agreements were signed to implement restoration actions. Collect Earth training for land use monitoring was provided and biophysical data were collected. 

Niger

In Niger, the project focused on three municipalities, Kollo, Illéla and Soucoucoutane, where several training sessions were held to increase the restoration capacities of the local population. This training provided for locals focused on the practice of making improved mud stoves to save on wood fuel, while municipality stakeholders were instructed on the need for more planning on the project and clarifying the status of land recovery sites. A study was conducted to enhance and develop the Moringa value chain for improved nutrition and income generation. Nine small grants were awarded to the municipalities for income-generating activities and FLR investments were achieved with 236 hectares of half-moons, 502 hectares of Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR) and 166 hectares of stone barriers.

The Philippines

In the Philippines, more specifically in Bohol and Bataan, significant areas are under restoration thanks to a partnership with the Carood Watershed Model Forest Management Council and the Society of Filipino Foresters. The restoration activities will benefit at least 80 households, with a minimum of 5 hectares per household, totalling 400 hectares of land under assisted natural regeneration. In Bataan, the plan is to restore 605 hectares of degraded land through the involvement of three community-based forest management associations. This activity will benefit more than 115 households. 

Vanuatu 

In Vanuatu, support was provided through the IKI regional technical assistance facility to help revise the national Forest and Landscape Restoration Strategy. This aims to protect soils, rivers, streams and the ocean; contribute to food security and address socio-economic needs; reduce pressure on forests and the vital services that they provide. Thanks to this dynamic, Vanuatu secured additional funding for FLR, including an Adaptation Fund grant for seven millions of USDs.

Outlook

Forests play an important role in providing valuable ecosystem services. The maintenance of forested landscapes will reduce the impacts of climate change. Effective planning, implementation and monitoring of large-scale programmes mainstreaming FLR and promoting joint mitigation and adaptation approaches are critical for achieving climate and global restoration goals.