Strategies for engaging local communities: how to maximize the success of large-scale forest restoration

Want to learn more about effective strategies for large-scale forest restoration? Join us for a webinar on Effective strategies for engaging local communities to maximize the success of large-scale forest restoration, taking place on May 24, 2024.

The United Nations has proclaimed the period 2021-2030 the "United Nations Decade of Ecosystem Restoration", calling on countries to restore one billion hectares of land. However, at the current rate of progress, only 5% of this target will be achieved. Ecological restoration is therefore not only insufficient today, but needs to be considerably accelerated, as quickly as possible.

The challenge of restoring forest ecosystems while maximizing environmental, economic and social benefits is complex. While many organizations aim to achieve this balance, integrating local communities into restoration efforts remains a crucial but often difficult aspect. In our next webinar, we'll tackle this issue head-on, sharing ideas, experiences and best practices from leading experts in the field.

Don't miss this opportunity to interact with leading professionals, gain valuable information and contribute to the discussion on sustainable forest restoration.

Register now to secure your place and participate in this discussion by filling out the following form:

The panel of speakers will include experts in restaurant ecology, community engagement and sustainable development:

• Katherine Sinacore (Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute) is a restoration ecologist and researcher recognized for her contributions to climate solutions in tropical forests. She has authored several studies and played a key role in designing carbon capture initiatives that prioritize sustainability and social justice. Her latest study focuses on landowner compensation for ecosystem services, revealing surprising results that she will explore further.
• Bruno Gomes (Humana) is a Brazilian sociologist with 20 years' experience in project management, research and the promotion of multi-stakeholder partnerships. Co-founder of HUMANA, he focuses on the development of areas impacted by major projects, particularly in the mining sector and its interaction with ecological transition and renewable energies. Bruno is skilled in creating planning solutions, governance and financial mechanisms for local development. He sits on the IDB-MICI List of Independent Experts and facilitates the Mining Working Group of "Uma Concertação pela Amazônia."
• Emira Cherif (MORFO) is the Scientific Director of one of the world's leading food service companies. She leads a range of experimental and field research initiatives in collaboration with renowned institutions such as IRD, UFV and UFSCar. His work is dedicated to strengthening the resilience of restored forests. His research focuses on integrating biodiversity with socio-environmental benefits.
• Cibele Santana (Rede de Sementes do Cerrado) is Treasurer of the Rede de Sementes do Cerrado (RSC), an institution that catalyzes change and inspires conservation action in the Cerrado region. Through knowledge generation, exchange and partnerships, the RSC offers innovative solutions for inclusive ecological restoration, from seed collection to policy formulation. It creates value for the Cerrado, supports conservationists and environmental managers, and offers opportunities for the region's inhabitants while providing social, environmental and economic benefits for society.

Learn community engagement strategies from the experts

During this webinar, you'll gain invaluable insights from experts who have dedicated their careers to advancing ecological restoration and community engagement. Here's what you can expect to learn:

• Gain insight into the latest scientific research on integrating local populations into ecological restoration projects. Learn about innovative approaches and successful case studies that highlight the importance of community involvement.
• Explore common pitfalls and past mistakes in integrating local populations into restoration projects, with a particular focus on funding issues. Understand how these challenges can be addressed and overcome.
• Discover how technical solutions can help project developers create high-quality, sustainable projects that benefit both the environment and local communities. Learn practical strategies and tools that promote community engagement and ensure project success.
• Explore the role of technology and data in improving the effectiveness and impact of restoration projects. From community monitoring to feedback mechanisms, discover how innovative technology can support community involvement and project sustainability.
• Throughout the webinar, we'll address common challenges faced by restoration practitioners, including: balancing time and resources effectively, designing large-scale restoration projects while respecting the needs and perspectives of local communities, and finally ensuring the long-term sustainability of projects, including securing ongoing funding and support.