RESTORING ETHIOPIA'S LANDSCAPES: A DECADE OF PARTNERSHIP WITH World Vision Australia

World Vision Australia is a leading humanitarian organization dedicated to tackling poverty and injustice. It focuses on empowering communities, particularly vulnerable children, through sustainable development initiatives. The organization works globally to provide emergency relief, promote justice, and create lasting change for those in need. 

World Vision Australia with FORLIANCE as exclusive commercial project partner and technical advisor, have together developed exceptional projects that are nature-positive, community-based and most importantly sustainable. Knowing what we have put in motion and accomplished during the past 10 years of joint work, we are excited to realize our future plans and projects together. 

The challenge was to restore large areas of degraded land in the Sodo and Humbo regions of Ethiopia. These areas faced severe deforestation, soil erosion, and treathened biodiversity, impacting the livelihoods of local communities. The goal was to implement a reforestation program that would not only address environmental issues but also provide social and economic benefits. 

In partnership with World Vision Australia (WVA), FORLIANCE conducted detailed field assessments and managed the technical implementation of several impactful projects. WVA is a global humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. Our collaboration focused on implementing sustainable development projects in Ethiopia, with the Sodo/Humbo project being one of the key initiatives utilizing the Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) technique. 

FMNR offers a cost-effective and adaptable solution that is crucial for Ethiopia's dry climate and fragile soils. By promoting FMNR, the Sodo/Humbo project facilitates forest regeneration and enhances soil fertility, ensuring long-term agricultural productivity and resilience to drought. This technique allows farmers to prune and manage the natural regrowth of trees and shrubs, restoring degraded landscapes and improving the environment without the need for expensive tree planting. 

FMNR is particularly significant in Ethiopia because it leverages existing vegetation and local knowledge, making it a practical and scalable solution. The technique empowers farmers to take control of their land, improving agricultural yields and providing additional resources such as firewood and fodder. This not only boosts food security but also reduces the pressure on remaining forests, helping to combat deforestation. 

PROJECT OVERVIEW AND IMPORTANCE

Using the innovative FMNR technique, the Sodo/Humbo project successfully restored 503 hectares of land in Sodo and 2,724 hectares in Humbo. This approach enabled community participation in managing and regenerating the forest, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility. By involving the community directly in environmental stewardship, FMNR not only restores degraded landscapes but also builds local capacity and knowledge, ensuring the sustainability of these efforts.

• WATER ACCESS AND HEALTH

  Through the development of 12 new wells, the project addresses a critical need for clean water, which is vital for human health and community development. Access to reliable water sources prevents waterborne diseases and fosters agricultural productivity and livelihood opportunities, laying the foundation for sustainable development in the Sodo and Humbo communities. Clean water is essential not only for drinking but also for irrigation and livestock, directly impacting the food security and health of the population

   

• BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION

  The project is committed to protecting over 25 endangered animal species, playing a pivotal role in preserving Ethiopia's unique biodiversity. By safeguarding habitats and promoting species diversity, the project contributes to ecosystem resilience, which is essential for mitigating climate change impacts and sustaining ecosystem services crucial for both wildlife and human communities. Biodiversity conservation helps maintain the balance of ecosystems, which in turn supports agriculture, water resources, and overall environmental health.

   

• ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL IMPACT

  By creating over 2,000 jobs, investing in infrastructure, and empowering women in leadership positions, the project fosters inclusive and sustainable economic growth. Through these initiatives, the project not only improves the well-being of local communities but also strengthens social cohesion and resilience, promising sustained prosperity for generations to come. Job creation and infrastructure development are critical for poverty alleviation, while empowering women ensures gender equality and enhances the effectiveness of community development efforts.

   

Looking ahead, World Vision Australia and FORLIANCE plan to expand their reforestation efforts, aiming to develop new projects in Africa and beyond. The focus remains on connecting rural communities affected by climate change with global carbon finance opportunities, continuing to build resilience and sustainable livelihoods.