Eastern Afromontane Biodiversity Hotspot Program

As we reflect on the past year, we are proud to share the significant progress made across our restoration projects. Despite the challenges faced, including political instability and ongoing recovery from conflict, our collective efforts have led to substantial environmental and community benefits. In 2024, we saw remarkable advancements in ecosystem restoration, forest governance, and community resilience. From the Desa’a Project's Ecosystem Restoration Standard (ERS) verification to the Ferlo Restoration Project's successful community engagement, each project has made meaningful contributions to both environmental sustainability and improved livelihoods.

In 2024, the Desa’a project achieved significant milestones, receiving Ecosystem Restoration Standard (ERS) verification by Preferred by Nature, a testament to its high restoration standards. A midline evaluation revealed that over the past five years, interventions increased above-ground carbon stocks by 15% and woody plant species richness by 20% in degraded buffer zones. 

The project continued to play a crucial role in supporting community resilience during times of conflict, notably by assisting over 23,000 households with improved agricultural inputs. Restoration efforts in 2024 included planting over 425,000 native seedlings across 4,588 hectares, managing nurseries, and implementing vital soil and water conservation structures. Community consultations remained central to planning and governance. The project also strengthened forest-friendly livelihoods, supporting over 1,500 households with beekeeping, livestock, cookstoves, solar lamps, and fruit trees. 

Notably, over 63,000 multipurpose tree seedlings and 1,000 apple seedlings were distributed to improve incomes and nutrition. Inspiring case studies from Felegeweyni village showcased how poultry and beekeeping packages helped families generate sustainable income and recover from the impacts of war and drought. Despite facing funding limitations and the ongoing recovery from conflict, the project demonstrated strong resilience, with tree survival rates above 90%. In 2025, the focus will shift to restoring an additional 2,835 hectares, producing half a million seedlings, expanding sustainable income activities to nearly 3,000 households, and continuing to build institutional capacity across the landscape.

This year, the Wof-Washa Forest Restoration Project marked a key milestone with the initiation of a general management plan for the proposed Wof-Washa Protected National Park. A major consultative workshop brought together various stakeholders to align on objectives for forest conservation, benefit-sharing, and potential carbon market opportunities. Forest governance was notably strengthened through engagement with local leaders and communities, leading to the development of delineated forest maps and bylaws by 12 Participatory Forest Management groups. Meanwhile, 348 hectares were restored, and 25,450 native seedlings were planted, with over 500,000 seedlings currently being cultivated in four active nurseries for future restoration. 

Efforts to promote forest-friendly livelihoods saw the planting of over 163,000 multipurpose and high-value crop seedlings across 39 hectares of agroforestry land, directly benefiting 910 households through planting, training, nursery work, and guarding roles. A youth seed collection group was also established, creating employment and generating income. Despite the persistent political instability in the Amhara region, leading to site inaccessibility, safety concerns, and fieldwork suspensions, the project adapted its strategies and maintained progress through local collaboration. Looking ahead to 2025, the project aims to expand restoration to 500 hectares, involve 2,300 households in agroforestry, approve the forest’s protected area plan, and continue developing local forest governance systems.

The Ferlo Restoration Project made notable strides in forest governance, conservation, and community livelihoods. A key success was organizing the sale of fodder from restored plots, which generated €7,700, ensuring continued management of these areas by local communities. The project also updated pastoral unit management plans, trained local committees, and fenced 585 hectares of degraded land. A total of 82,337 nursery-raised seedlings were planted, and local communities contributed to seed and organic manure collection, with 240 people trained in reforestation techniques. However, challenges remain, particularly in ensuring the long-term sustainability of community engagement without financial compensation. There was also a need to improve communication among project partners. Moving forward into 2025, the project will focus on scaling up activities, publishing research findings, and further enhancing its impact within the Great Green Wall initiative. Key priorities include evaluating the project for future phases and capitalizing on the results for broader regional success.

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all our partners, supporters, and the communities involved in these transformative projects. Your dedication and collaboration have been crucial to the progress we’ve made, and together, we are laying the foundation for a sustainable and resilient future. Looking ahead to 2025, we are committed to continuing our restoration efforts, strengthening local governance systems, and expanding our impact across the landscapes we serve. Thank you for your ongoing support in helping us restore ecosystems and improve livelihoods.

Links:

• Desaa Project
• Ferlo Project
• Wof Washa project