GLF Africa 2021: As it happened

Hosted by the Global Landscapes Forum, the fully-online event on 2–3 June 2021 brought together thousands of participants from 186 countries, including pastoralists, scientists, youth activists, restoration practitioners and the highest levels of government, and reached over 32 million people through social media.

Featuring 47 sessions, the release of 12 white papers, and launches of several major initiatives, the conference provided critical insights on dryland restoration for policymakers ahead of the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, which launched on World Environment Day, 5 June 2021. The UN Decade will accelerate action to protect, halt and reverse the degradation of ecosystems worldwide, including grasslands and savannas, peatlands, forests, farmlands, mountains, freshwater, coastal and marine ecosystems, and urban areas.

 

A convention driven by African youth

With a median age of 19.7 years, Africa has by far the youngest population of any continent in the world. Young Africans are emerging as leaders of a growing movement to revive the continent’s ecosystems and safeguard livelihoods. Over 4,000 youth from over 90 countries took part in GLF Africa, making up nearly 70% of participants. The conference provided a unique opportunity for young people to connect, share ideas and create new partnerships to restore and transform landscapes.

Supported by

Organizations that engage with GLF