Protect Uganda's Cranes & Restore Wetland Habitat

Dear Donor,

We are pleased to share our commitment to expanding community-led forest restoration and agroforestry through the establishment of 10 community tree nurseries designed to supply 100,000 seedlings across the Albertine Rift and Mayuge District in Uganda.

Trees are essential to healthy ecosystems and resilient rural livelihoods. They help protect soils, support biodiversity, improve vegetation cover, store carbon, and provide valuable resources for communities. However, degraded landscapes and insufficient access to quality planting materials can limit the ability of households to participate effectively in restoration and agroforestry.

To address this challenge, the initiative aims to establish 10 community tree nurseries that will produce and supply seedlings for planting by smallholder farmers and other community members. By bringing seedling production closer to the communities that need the trees, the initiative seeks to improve access to planting materials while encouraging local ownership of environmental restoration.

The target of 100,000 seedlings will support agroforestry and efforts to increase tree cover across the Albertine Rift and Mayuge. Agroforestry integrates trees with crops and other suitable land uses, creating opportunities for farmers to improve land management while diversifying their livelihoods.

Depending on the tree species and how they are managed, seedlings may eventually provide benefits such as improved soil protection, shade, organic matter, fruits, poles, timber, and other useful products. Integrating appropriate trees into farming systems can also help strengthen landscape resilience and reduce pressure on natural forest resources.

Community nurseries can create additional opportunities for knowledge sharing and practical skills development. Community members can learn about seedling propagation, nursery management, transplanting, and tree care, helping build local capacity to sustain tree-growing activities beyond individual project cycles.

The initiative also recognizes that successful restoration depends on more than producing seedlings. Selecting suitable species, matching trees to local conditions, distributing seedlings at the right time, and supporting their establishment and survival are all important to achieving lasting results.

We are grateful to the communities and partners who contribute to this vision of greener landscapes and more sustainable rural livelihoods. Their collaboration is essential to making community-based restoration practical, inclusive, and sustainable.

Our goal is to grow 100,000 seedlings through 10 community tree nurseries, empowering local communities to restore degraded landscapes, expand agroforestry, and increase tree cover across the Albertine Rift and Mayuge.

Together, we can turn locally managed nurseries into lasting sources of environmental restoration, community knowledge, and livelihood opportunities for generations to come.

Thank you for supporting community-led conservation and a greener future for Uganda.