Forest4Life in action: A reflection on our year with the Restoration Stewards program

This year has been a transformative journey for the Forest4Life team. When we first started in 2023, we faced significant challenges, particularly due to a lack of funds. However, 2024 has proven to be a breakthrough year for our project – a year of success. 

Forest4Life team distributing trees to the community members Photo: Ombeni Safari 

About the Forest4Life project 

The Forest4Life project leads efforts to restore degraded lands in Rwanda through reforestation, agroforestry and sustainable land management practices. Initiated by young restorationists and agriculture-driven graduates specializing in conservation agriculture, our mission is to enhance biodiversity, mitigate climate change and create a sustainable future. By planting native trees, training farmers in Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and conservation agriculture and engaging youth in environmental stewardship, we aim to transform landscapes and strengthen communities.  

Personal growth and unforgettable experiences 

Claudine Kamanzi holding mango trees.  Photo: Thadee Ubayeho 

As a Restoration Steward, this program has been a doorway to immense personal and professional growth. It has strengthened my public speaking skills, uncovered hidden leadership potential and opened opportunities I never imagined. 

One of the standout moments of this year was attending the Drought and Desertification Day in Germany. The theme, “United for Land: Our Legacy, Our Future,” highlighted the urgent need for healthy land to drive global prosperity and stability. The event emphasized that combating desertification and promoting sustainable water and soil management issues must be central to our work. I learned that our actions today will profoundly shape the future. As young people, we have the power to advocate for sustainable practices and policy changes that secure a healthier planet for generations to come. 

 

Drought and Desertification Day in Germany.   Photo: GIZ/Barbara Frommann 

Another milestone this year was participating in the Landscape Leadership Camp and GLF Africa organized by the Global Landscapes Forum (GLF). The camp deepened my understanding of landscape approaches, leadership and climate justice as essential elements for building a sustainable future for Africa. A highlight of this experience was a session led by the Youth in Landscapes Initiative (YIL), where we envisioned a greener, stronger Africa. Additionally, I had the privilege of sharing Forest4Life’s achievements with a broader audience during GLF Africa. 

Landscape Leadership Camp 2024 in Kenya.  Photo: Eirini Sakellari 

Another defining moment of the year was attending the UNCCD COP16 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Being invited to speak on various panels about how young visionaries are rewriting the future of Africa’s landscapes was both an honor and a great responsibility. This platform enabled me to network and strengthen Forest4Life’s partnerships. These experiences would not have been possible without the trust and motivation provided by the GLF. 

The sixteenth session of the Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) Photo: The GLF 

Key achievements of Forest4Life in 2024 

This year, Forest4Life made significant strides in advancing our mission to restore degraded lands and strengthen communities. One of our key achievements was training 200 individuals on the importance of land restoration, with women comprising 60 percent of the participants. This milestone underscores our commitment to promoting gender inclusivity in environmental stewardship. 

We also distributed over 800 native trees and fruit trees to the community, furthering our efforts to enhance biodiversity and provide sustainable resources. In addition, we prioritized youth engagement by establishing environmental clubs in primary schools. These clubs are designed to inspire the next generation of restoration leaders, fostering a sense of responsibility and passion for the environment from an early age. 

Children from Kayovu Primary School plant tree seedlings as part of reforestation efforts. Photo: Adeline Utetiwabo 

To expand our reach and visibility, we successfully launched our official website forest4life. This platform has become a valuable tool for connecting with stakeholders, sharing our progress and amplifying our message to a broader audience. Furthermore, participating in the GLF’s online training sessions, including expert-led workshops on fundraising techniques, has equipped our team with essential skills to sustain and expand our initiatives. 

Gratitude and acknowledgments 

None of these achievements would have been possible without the unwavering support of the Global Landscapes Forum and our mentors. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Eirini Sakellari, Pedro Mourao, Laari Hyginus and Nancy Barisoa, whose constant encouragement and motivation have inspired me throughout this journey. 

I want to give a special thanks to our mentors Adrian Leitoro and Dr. Ermias Betemariam for their advice and the time they dedicated to guiding us in advancing our restoration project. Their advice has been instrumental in shaping our strategies and achieving our goals. 

Lastly, I want to acknowledge my incredible teammates Adeline Utetiwabo, Thadee Ubayeho and Reponse Iradukunda. Working alongside them every day has been a privilege, and our collective effort has driven Forest4Life’s success. Together, we have laid a strong foundation for a sustainable future, and I am excited to see what we will accomplish next. 

Looking ahead 

As we reflect on this incredible year, we are filled with hope and determination to continue our work. The collaborations we formed and the lessons we learned this year have set a solid foundation for future success. With strengthened partnerships and a growing community of restoration enthusiasts, the coming years promise to be even more impactful. 

A heartfelt thank you to the GLF for providing us with the opportunity to learn, grow and be a part of the Restoration Steward community. Together, we are building a legacy of resilience, sustainability and hope for the future.