WeForest

WeForest is a dedicated organization focused on the restoration and conservation of forests and landscapes. They define landscapes as intricate mosaics encompassing ecosystems, land uses, and various management practices under different tenure and governance systems. These landscapes serve multiple purposes, providing a wide array of ecosystem functions and services, including biodiversity conservation, food and water security, economic growth, and human well-being.

Their approach is built on several fundamental principles:

• Conserve Existing Forests: WeForest emphasizes the importance of preserving natural ecosystems and avoiding the conversion of these precious landscapes. They actively support the natural processes of recovery and resilience, recognizing the stability and equilibrium that characterize naturally developed ecosystems.

• Restore Multiple Functions: WeForest's efforts in Forest Landscape Restoration (FLR) aim to reinstate a multitude of functions that benefit various stakeholders. These encompass ecological functions such as species diversity and forest structure, ecosystem services like clean water and soil erosion reduction, and socio-economic functions like agroforestry and food production. These functions may vary across different sections of the landscape.

• Context-Driven: Acknowledging that there is no universal solution, WeForest tailors its projects to the local context using diverse approaches. They consider the landscape's history, local social and cultural values, economic needs, and ecological conditions. Their interventions are shaped by the latest scientific knowledge, best practices, and traditional wisdom.

• Empower Local Stakeholders: WeForest places a strong emphasis on empowering local communities and involving them actively in the restoration and conservation processes. They recognize the vital role that local stakeholders play in the success of landscape restoration initiatives.

• Embrace Partnerships and Collaboration: WeForest believes in the strength of partnerships and collaborative efforts. They engage with local communities, government institutions, scientific communities, the private sector, civil society, landowners, and land managers. These collaborations foster shared decision-making and enhance the effectiveness of restoration goals.

• Support Local Livelihoods: In many landscapes, forests are closely linked to local livelihoods. WeForest acknowledges the intricate relationship between forests and people's well-being. Their FLR approach aims to both alleviate the consequences of forest degradation and deforestation on livelihoods and address the underlying drivers of these challenges.

• Manage Adaptively for Long-Term Resilience: WeForest adopts adaptive management strategies to ensure the long-term resilience of restored landscapes. This approach allows for flexibility in responding to changing conditions and optimizing the outcomes of restoration efforts.