Event Category: GLF Event
Asia Community & Action Digital Week 2026
DATE
2-6 February 2026
LOCATION
Online
SOCIAL
#ActLandscape
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Asia Community & Action Digital Week 2026: As It Happened
Did you know that Asia is home to some of the world’s most diverse and most pressured ecosystems?
From mountain forests to megacities, from monsoon coastlines to dry inland plains, communities are navigating rising energy needs, food insecurity, extreme weather and rapid development all at once.
Yet across the region, a different story is also emerging. What if prosperity were rooted in nature, rather than at its expense?
From 2–6 February 2026, the Asia Community & Action Digital Week brought together voices from across the region to explore and imagine futures shaped not by extraction, but by care, resilience and community leadership.
Building on the visions that emerged from the GLF Asia Community & Action Assembly 2025 in Bogor, this fully online gathering convened around 20 activists, young scientists, policy experts and community leaders. Together, they reflected on lived experiences and explored care-based pathways forward for people and landscapes across Asia.
This event was fully digital and open to everyone, creating space for inclusive participation, dialogue and collective learning across borders.
EXPLORE THE EVENT THEMES
Enabling Conditions
Exploring how governance, economic systems and rights shape the pathways needed for transformative change.
Community-led Landscape Restoration
Showcasing restoration work by communities and Indigenous Peoples across Asia.
Just Energy Transition
Advancing fair, community-driven renewable energy solutions for the region.
Diverse Food Systems
Reviving traditional knowledge and promoting regenerative, climate-smart agriculture.
Environmental justice
Examining climate impacts on communities and strengthening local resilience.
The Future of Asia
Imagining future Asian landscapes through locally grounded, transformative visions.
REWATCH ALL THE SESSIONS HERE
02
Showcasing restoration work by communities and Indigenous Peoples across Asia.
03
Advancing fair, community-driven renewable energy solutions for the region.
04
Reviving traditional knowledge and promoting regenerative, climate-smart agriculture.
05
Examining climate impacts on communities and strengthening local resilience.
06
Imagining future Asian landscapes through locally grounded, transformative visions.
LEARN MORE
MEET THE SPEAKERS
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Anggrita Cahyaningtyas
IndonesiaGlobal Landscapes Forum -
Ayshka Najib
United Arab EmiratesPeople's Climate Diplomacy Program -
Isabelle Dela Paz
The PhilippinesCIFOR-ICRAF -
Jess Roasa
The PhilippinesGlobal Landscapes Forum -
Jitsai Santaputra
ThailandYouth for Energy Southeast Asia -
Nina Sangma
IndiaInternational Land Coalition -
Nita Murjani
IndonesiaForest Conservation Fund -
Rahmiana Rahman
IndonesiaRumah Relawan Remaja -
Shaik Imran
IndiaPrakheti Agrologics -
Shaw La Mun
BurmaGlobal Youth Biodiversity Network -
Simra Riyaz
Sri LankaThe Climate Intelligence Network -
Tamtam
IndonesiaContent Creator & Food Researcher -
Thomas Oni Veriasa
IndonesiaLembaga Alam Tropika Indonesia -
Trisa Bhattacharjee
IndiaZoo Outreach -
Varun Tumuluru
IndiaGlobal Landscapes Forum -
Veena Balakrishnan
IndiaYouth Negotiators Academy -
Zata Amani
IndonesiaGlobal Landscapes Forum
Any questions? Get in touch
GLFx COMMUNITY
Anggrita Cahyaningtyas
GLFx Asia Regional Officer
A.Cahyaningtyascifor-icraf.org
GLF Africa 2026: Stewarding Our Rangelands
HYBRID CONFERENCE
GLF AFRICA 2026: STEWARDING OUR RANGELANDS
In the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, a global call to action for Africa’s pastoralist regions
Follow the event in English, French, Swahili and Portuguese.
DATE
6–7 May 2026
LOCATION
CIFOR-ICRAF Campus,
Nairobi, Kenya, and online
SOCIAL
#GLFAfrica
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Did you know that rangelands support 60% of the world’s food production?
They also cover 54% of the Earth’s land area and sustain the livelihoods of 1.2 billion people.
And if you’ve ever been hiking or camping, you know how crucial they are for tourism and conservation.
But what are rangelands? In short, they’re lands that are grazed by livestock or wildlife and mainly stewarded by pastoralists.
And now is the time to act on them, because half of the world’s rangelands are under threat from the climate crisis, conflict, mismanagement and underinvestment – putting these pastoralist livelihoods at risk.
The UN has declared 2026 the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists – which is why GLF Africa will return with a special edition to bring these often forgotten landscapes and communities from the margins to the center.
This event is free for everyone to join online. Get your ticket now and join 8,000+ like-minded people as we revitalize our rangelands!
GLF Photography Awards 2026
To celebrate the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, we’re inviting photographers from across the world to tell powerful visual stories of these landscapes and the people who steward them.
So, get your cameras ready and show us what rangelands and pastoralism are all about – and stand a chance to win up to USD 500 and more!
Be sure to submit your photo before the deadline on 6 March to be considered. Don’t miss this opportunity to share your perspective and celebrate the vital role of rangelands and pastoral communities worldwide.
Explore the event themes
Rethinking rangeland governance
Design systems and institutions that help pastoralists gain access rights and protect rangelands.
A pastoralist-led stewardship economy
Invest in rangelands and pastoralist livelihoods, from ecotourism to sustainable commodities.
Innovating in rangelands
Develop new solutions for rangelands using AI, science, biotech and Indigenous knowledge.
MEET SOME OF OUR PAST SPEAKERS
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Executive Secretary, UN Convention on Biological Diversity UN Environment Programme (UNEP)
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Restoration Steward Moilo Grass Seed Bank
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Land Ambassador UNCCD
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Africa Managing Director and Global Partnerships World Resources Institute (WRI)
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Climate activist and Founder, Rise Up Rise Up
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Executive Secretary United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
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Regional Lead- Forests, Landscapes and Livelihoods Programme; Country Representative for Rwanda International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
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Co-founder Tanzania Conservation and Community Empowerment Initiative (TACCEI) & GLFx Maasai Steppe
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President & CEO ONE Campaign
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Economist and former Minister of Finance Nigeria
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Co-Chair International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists: Efforts towards dryland restoration
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Deputy Director Forestry Division, FAO
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Executive Director GreenAid
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Coordinator, Indigenous Women and Peoples Association of Chad Indigenous Peoples of Africa Coordinating Committee
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Country Director, Ghana World Cocoa Foundation
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Senior Environmental Specialist, FOLUR and Food Systems Programs Lead Global Environment Facility
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WWF Africa’s Food Future Leader WWF
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CEO and Chairperson Global Environment Facility
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Secretary, Committee on Forestry (COFO) Working Group on Dryland Forests and Agrosilvopastoral Systems Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Why should you join?
Connect.
Network with top experts, youth, Indigenous and local leaders, businesses, policymakers and financiers. Strengthen collaborations and lay the ground for resilient rangelands, pastoralist livelihoods, economies and ecosystems.
Share.
Exchange knowledge and experiences with 8,000 fellow participants from across Africa and the globe. Show the world how Africa is leading the way in restoring degraded rangelands through innovation and community-led action.
Learn.
Discover how to put these often forgotten landscapes and communities on the global map. Gain insights into the vital role rangelands play in climate stability, food security and regional biodiversity.
Act.
Play your part in rewriting Africa’s story. Help elevate the agency of pastoralist communities within climate, biodiversity and food system discourses to drive meaningful, long-term policy change.
Register to join GLF Africa in Nairobi, Kenya
Join GLF Africa in person in Nairobi, Kenya, at the CIFOR-ICRAF office, located next to the beautiful Karura Forest.
❗Please note we do not provide funding to attend the event in Nairobi, nor will we sponsor visa requests or travel arrangements.
Discover the best of rangelands and pastoralists
Past editions of GLF Africa
What others are saying about GLF Africa
South Africa
Kenya
South Africa
Namibia
Nigeria
Any questions? Get in touch.
General
Amos Amanubo
a.amanubocifor-icraf[dot]org
SPEAKERS
Tamika Du-Pont
T.dupontcifor-icraf[dot]org
MEDIA
Kelly Quintero
K.Quinterocifor-icraf[dot]org
Majority for Action: Countdown to COP30
#MajorityForAction
Countdown to COP30 in Belém, Brazil
Up to 89% of humanity wants greater climate action.
Let’s make it happen.
We’ve hit 1.5°C.
Where do we go from here?
Surveys have shown that 80 to 89% of people around the world want their governments to do more to tackle the climate crisis. At the 2025 UN Climate Change Conference (COP30), we have the opportunity to reimagine the future of climate action – and we can’t afford not to.
Last year at COP29, rich countries promised $300 billion a year in climate finance to the Global South by 2035 – just a small fraction of what’s needed. Since then, the U.S. and multiple European countries have also cut billions in development aid. Meanwhile, climate disinformation is running rampant on the internet, even as the cost of climate disasters continues to mount.
We need a radical rethink of our economic and political systems if we are to survive the decades to come. We need to build a united front for global climate justice from the ground up. We don’t need a seat at the table – we need a new table.
We are the majority for action. This is our time to join forces and rewrite our own story.
Will you join us?
Get inspired
Our best climate solutions already exist. Here are some of our favorites.
Learn
Upskill and be part of the change.
Act
Join the fight for global climate justice – while we can still win.
Discover COP30
All you need to know about the 2025 UN Climate Change Conference in Belém, Brazil.
Fears for inclusivity as Belém struggles with the logistics of hosting the UN Climate Change Conference
Looking back at 33 years of the UN climate, biodiversity and land conventions
Attending COP30 in person?
We’d love to see you at GLF Climate 2025 (17 November) and the 8th Investment Case (18 November) in the Blue Zone.
You’ll find us at the Action on Food Hub. If you’d like to attend, we strongly encourage you to RSVP by filling out the form below.
❗Please note you must have a valid COP30 Blue Zone accreditation to attend in person. We unfortunately cannot offer accreditations or sponsorships.
Join the #MajorityForAction. Spread the word. Here are some materials to get you started.
Share the campaign
The Global Landscapes Forum (GLF) is the world’s largest knowledge-led platform on integrated land use, dedicated to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Paris Climate Agreement and Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and committed to the landscape approach. The Forum takes a holistic approach to create sustainable landscapes that are productive, prosperous, equitable and resilient and considers five cohesive themes of food and livelihoods, landscape restoration, rights, finance and measuring progress. It is led by the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF), in collaboration with its co-founders UNEP and the World Bank and Charter Members. Charter members: CIAT, CIFOR-ICRAF, CIRAD, Climate Focus, Conservation International, Crop Trust, Ecoagriculture Partners, The European Forest Institute, Evergreen Agriculture, FAO, FSC, GEF, GIZ, ICIMOD, IFOAM – Organics International, The International Livestock Research Institute, INBAR, IPMG, IPAM Amazonia, IUFRO, Rainforest Alliance, Rare, Rights and Resources Initiative, SAN, SouthSouthNorth, TMG-Think Tank for Sustainability, UNCCD, UNEP, Wageningen Centre for Development Innovation part of Wageningen Research, World Farmer Organization, World Bank Group, World Resources Institute, WWF International, Youth in Landscapes Initiative (YIL)
The views expressed in this site are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the Global Landscapes Forum. This site is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0). | Global Landscapes Forum is governed under CIFOR’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
The 8th GLF Investment Case
Stream the event on demand
WATCH ON DEMANDEleven country delegations join the launch of the first AI marketplace to bridge capital to communities at COP30
READ MOREHow to fix climate finance
READ MORECOP30: How to finance real, meaningful climate action by 2035
READ MOREHYBRID CONFERENCE AT COP30
The 8th GLF Investment Case Symposium
Financing Nature’s Frontlines
Co-organized with:
The 8th GLF Investment Case Symposium, as it happened
Most of humanity wants real, meaningful climate action – but how do we fund that change?
At the 8th GLF Investment Case Symposium: Financing Nature’s Frontlines, we brought together investors and changemakers to explore how to channel finance towards regenerative, community-led solutions.
Held at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, and livestreamed worldwide, the event gathered over 4,400 participants from 147 countries, along with 56 speakers and 53 global and local partner organizations.
Reaching over 6 million people and counting via social media and media channels, with more than 763,000 engagements, this global event challenged governments and investors to rethink the future of climate and nature finance.
Missed the event? Don’t worry – all hybrid and online sessions are now available to stream on demand.
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WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
Magic never happens inside your comfort zone, what we are seeing is that we need to break silos… You need to get out of what you are used to doing, and that is what we are seeing today. We are seeing people going beyond what an investor does, going beyond what community work does and this is what is going to save us.
Our ambition is very clear: to be a place of reference where impact, resilience and investments meet, where ideas become action and where nature-positive investments scale. We want Luxembourg to be a hub where innovative finance mechanisms are tested, refined and deployed, and where global partnerships are forged to accelerate change. Let’s work all together to build the pipeline, connect maturity stages and unlock capital for the landscapes that need it most.
I’m hearing at this whole conference [COP30] that carbon is king. In my opinion, it is not – because we have to see this broader perspective as a collective thing. What we call nature is a bunch of great assets: biodiversity, ecosystems and payment services.
We are piloting a financial instrument that will not only talk to the direct financial issues that smaller farmers have – most of them women and youth – but also ensure that climate action is there, in addition to access to finance.
TFFF [the Tropical Forest Forever Facility] will not and should not replace any source of funds. We are not saying this is the mother of all the facilities, and everybody else goes there. This is meant to complement and bring more money to support forests, because we need more money.
We are standing at a decisive point in history. Science, local knowledge and capital are converging as never before. If we act now, we can reshape finance into a force that allows humanity to prosper within planetary boundaries.
Finance must become an enabler of well-being, not unsustainable growth. It must serve regeneration, not its opposite – depletion, exploitation – and it must be rooted in values.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Finance must serve people and planet
Reforming finance will require political will. The solutions already exist, including stronger partnerships and local stewardship. Now, finance must move away from short-term growth and start striving for long-term wellbeing – fostering systemic change that sustains life, regenerates ecosystems and strengthens grassroots communities.
Innovate in finance, invest in nature
Financial innovation is vital. Bottom-up, locally-led investment models are shaping the portfolios of the future, from AI-enabled direct finance mechanisms to environmental impact bonds to payment for ecosystem services. But we will only achieve true impact when we fully value nature and invest in the communities restoring life and ecosystems worldwide.
Value nature properly
Biodiversity finance is stuck at the margins. Money is flowing – but to harmful agrifood and energy systems rather than local communities and regenerative small and medium enterprises. To change this, we need development finance institutions and philanthropists to step in with guarantees, first-loss capital, insurance and technical assistance. We also need development banks and corporations to start accounting for biodiversity across their operations.
Partnership is the new resilient infrastructure
Partnership is the new infrastructure. We need scientists at the table, communities in the lead and finance aligned with stewardship – not charity. To build these partnerships at scale, we need bold, responsible capital allocation and value-aligned partners. Rio Changemakers, a new initiative by Luxembourg’s Ministry of Environment, Climate and Biodiversity and the Global Landscapes Forum, is a science-led and adaptive AI-enabled global marketplace that will drive this transformation by rapidly connecting capital with locally-led solutions.
Close the digital divide
AI can help accelerate capital flows, improve risk assessments and strengthen deal pipelines – but only if the system is built from the bottom up. When communities guide data and metrics, technology can strengthen sovereignty, participation and accountability. We need a robust global governance system for AI to prevent power imbalances and ensure that it’s used responsibly, inclusively and impactfully by communities, for communities.
Rio Changemakers
Rio Changemakers is a brand-new global marketplace that uses artificial intelligence to connect global investors with climate, biodiversity, land and community solutions led by grassroots actors, especially Indigenous Peoples and local communities.
Less than 15% of climate finance currently reaches locally-led projects in the Global South. This new initiative aims to change that by combining science, finance and community expertise to make sustainable investments faster, more transparent and more inclusive.
Co-developed by Luxembourg’s Ministry of Environment, Climate and Biodiversity and the Global Landscapes Forum (GLF), Rio Changemakers was launched at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, in November 2025. Following a 12-month pilot phase, it will become fully operational by COP31 in November 2026.
As a flagship initiative under Luxembourg’s new Climate Nexus Investment Program, it will commit EUR 320 million over the next five years to scale up high-integrity, locally-led nature-based solutions.
VIDEOS
News
GLF Climate 2025
Stream the event on demand
WATCH ON DEMANDVoices from 178 countries demand action at COP30 climate summit
READ MORE5 ways to support real climate action
READ MORE
GLF Climate 2025, as it happened
Up to 89% of the world’s population wants to see greater climate action.
At GLF Climate 2025: A New Vision for Earth, we gathered this majority for action – showcasing and demanding recognition for the grassroots climate solutions being led by communities worldwide.
This event, held at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, and livestreamed worldwide, gathered over 10,000 participants from 178 countries. A satellite event was held in Lima, Peru, along with watch parties in 10 countries.
All 13 live-streamed plenaries and sessions are now available to watch on demand. Tune in to discover what real climate action looks like on the ground.
Share:
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
There are many companies that are designing new platforms to neutralize carbon, and that’s amazing – we need that. But this is not going to solve the root cause of the problem: overproduction and overconsumption. We need to change our mindset and to stop producing in the quantity we are now.
The climate crisis needs so much more finance, especially Indigenous communities, who are living in extreme poverty. That’s something that is not talked about at all at climate events – so many of us have to be on stage, but we go back home to really unlivable conditions.
It is utterly absurd that we are still negotiating ways to die more slowly when we know how to keep ourselves alive and well, happy, fed and secure in the present and future for our children.
I recommend that Indigenous Peoples always be at the center of climate debate and action so that we can bring nature-based solutions and also have more investment in our local organizations, because what we do is global.
Is this the world I’ll hand over to my children? A world where people make beautiful speeches, forgetting that those on the frontline of climate change go to bed hungry, without food, without jobs? Will the next 30 years be about beautiful talks, or about concrete, transformative action?
Tropentag 2025
WORKSHOP 14 AT TROPENTAG 2025
Enhancing Tropical Landscape Multifunctionality, Resilience, Adaptability And Health Through Socio-ecological Gains
A knowledge exchange
WHEN
10 September 2025,
09:00– 12:00 (CEST)
SOCIAL
#ThinkLandscape
Want to help shape a resilient and just future for tropical landscapes?
Join our workshop to learn how to create stronger, healthier tropical landscapes. We’ll explore context-specific, inclusive land strategies that combine biophysical and social innovations. These approaches are designed to make landscapes more resilient, adaptable and useful for everyone.
You’ll discover real-world success stories and pinpoint key opportunities for the biggest impact. This isn’t just a discussion – it’s a chance to build new partnerships and directly contribute to a concrete plan of action and a joint white paper. Together, we can help ensure the long-term health of these vital ecosystems.
Join us in person or online and be part of the conversation!
MEET SOME OF OUR SPEAKERS
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Director General, CIFOR; Director of Science CIFOR-ICRAF
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CEO COP 30
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Director for Sustainable Supply Chains, agriculture and food systems Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)
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Co-founder & CEO Vambo AI
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Resident Representative, UNDP South Africa, Director of the UNDP Africa Sustainable Finance Hub UNDP
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Managing Director Barka Fund
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2025 Oceans Restoration Steward
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GLF Youth Program Officer Global Landscapes Forum
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Zahrah Cassiem
South Africa CDKN/ SouthSouthNorth -
Senior Advisor of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) Ethiopia GIZ Forests for Future (F4F) project,
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Advisor for Forestry and Biodiversity GIZ Forests for Future (F4F) project
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Project Manager Greater Regeneration for Evergreen Environment (GREEN), World Vision Kenya
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Learn more about multifunctional landscapes
Any questions? Get in touch.
Venetia Galanaki
Events Content Officer
V.Galanakicifor-icraf[dot]org
New Vision for Earth Film Festival 2025: FORESTS POP-UP!
2026 Restoration Stewards Program & GLFx Chapters
2026 RESTORATION STEWARDS PROGRAM & GLFx CHAPTER NETWORK
JOIN A GROWING RESTORATION COMMUNITY
APPLICATIONS ARE CURRENTLY CLOSED
All successful applicants will be contacted in the coming months if selected for the next round
The climate crisis is already ravaging landscapes and livelihoods, but it’s not too late to act: all across the globe, people are fighting back by restoring ecosystems and working with local communities to adapt.
To support those efforts, we’re opening applications for the 2026 Restoration Stewards program and new GLFx chapters. If you’re a young restoration practitioner or a community-based organization and you’d like to scale up, deep or out the impact of your landscape projects, this opportunity is for you!
APPLICATIONS ARE CURRENTLY CLOSED
2026 Restoration Stewards Program
Are you a young restoration practitioner ready to scale your project?
Apply if you are:
- A young, ambitious restoration practitioner between the ages of 18 and 35.
- Leading or part of a youth-led and youth-driven team.
- Working on an ecosystem restoration project for oceans, wetlands, peatlands, mountains, forests, drylands or rangelands.
As a Restoration Steward, you will get:
- EUR 5,000 in funding to support your restoration project;
- Mentorship opportunities with our global network of experts;
- Spotlighting opportunities through GLF platforms and media outreach;
- Capacity development opportunities, including workshops and the Landscape Academy.
2026 GLFx Chapter Network
Are you a local NGO working towards sustainable landscapes?
Apply if you are:
- Representing a locally-led organization in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean.
- Leading or part of a registered NGO led by local people, and embodying values of diversity and inclusion (gender, Indigenous people, youth).
- Working to promote sustainable land use at the local level to boost food security, livelihoods and biodiversity.
If selected to join the GLFx network, you will get access to:
- Exclusive funding opportunities;
- Networking and peer-to-peer learning with other GLFx chapters;
- Collaboration with experts from the GLF network of charter members;
- Training opportunities, including workshops and the Landscape Academy.
GENERAL INQUIRIES
Restoration Stewards Program
Eirini Sakellari
Youth Program Coordinator
E.Sakellari@cifor-icraf.org
GLFx Chapter Network
Ana Yi Soto
GLFx Coordinator
A.Yisoto@cifor-icraf.org
Media Lab: Stories Into the Woods
Forests are everywhere, standing tall for climate action, economic stability and human well-being. Yet, they remain at risk – often misunderstood, sometimes overlooked and always essential.
Communicators play a crucial role in decoding the science, revealing hidden narratives and making forest stories resonate with diverse audiences.
During this two-day media lab, experts guided participants through crafting compelling stories that connect people and forests, harness technology and data, and navigated audience engagement.
Held between GLF Forests 2025 and Forests, People, Planet, and in the buildup to the decisive climate COP30, the lab sharpened participants’ skills in working with scientists and creating powerful forest stories.
AGENDA
- 13:00–14:30 UTC
DAY 1
7 May 2025
Why a Media Lab on forests?
Making forests matter to younger audiences
Panel and Q&A
How do we bring forest stories to life for younger audiences? Storytelling experts will share what works, from social media to traditional newsrooms. Kiyo, Business and Climate Reporter and “Planet A” Lead at Deutsche Welle (DW); Yunanto, Science Journalist and Visual Interaktif Kompas (VIK) Manager at Kompas; and Andrea, Social Media Specialist at the GLF, explored impactful angles, formats and language choices that make forest stories engaging and relevant. They also discussed how to highlight positive narratives, create content directly from forests, fact-check content and manage story production in teams of any size.
Bridging journalism and science
Discussion and Q&A
In an informal exchange, Paula Díaz Levi, General Editor – Latin America at Climate Tracker; Beria Leimona, Theme Leader – Climate Change, Energy & Low-Carbon Development at CIFOR-ICRAF and Eden, Multimedia Editor at ThinkLandscape unpacked the art of collaboration. They discussed tackling misinformation, uncovering unexpected forest stories and connecting forests to climate narratives. Discover how science and storytelling can work together to make forest issues more accessible and compelling.
DAY 2
8 May 2025
From figures to forests: Data in storytelling
Demo and Q&A
Explore how data from scientists and communities can enrich fact-based storytelling, from in-depth investigations to quick snapshots. With Felix, Head of Media at Odipo Dev; Tor-Gunnar, Head of Spatial Data Science and Applied Learning Lab at CIFOR-ICRAF; and Ava, Associate Editor at ThinkLandscape, learn how dashboards, satellite imagery, AI and data visualization help uncover new angles, enhance reporting, navigate safety or budget constraints, strengthen investigations and fact-check information.
Ideate and pitch impactful forest stories
Expert tips and Q&A
The Pulitzer Center grantees Elodie Toto, Central Africa staff writer at Mongabay Africa; Paritta Wangkiat, editor-in-chief of The Mekong Eye; Rob Soutar, Environment Editor at The Bureau of Investigative Journalism (TBIJ); and Pê Magalhães, the GLFx Latin America & the Caribbean Hub Officer, shared how to craft, pitch and publish compelling forest stories. Drawing from their experience in editorial leadership, investigative reporting and fieldwork, they guided participants on how to shape story angles, use data effectively and structure stories for high impact.
What's next? Forest content resources and a small grant opportunity
After attending the Media Lab, journalists and content creators received quick references to fact-based content on forests and were invited to submit story ideas for a chance to win a small grant and guidance to produce their stories. Learn more below!
MEET THE SPEAKERS
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Social Media Specialist Global Landscapes Forum (GLF)
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Multimedia Editor ThinkLandscape, Global Landscapes Forum (GLF)
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Central Africa staff writer Mongabay Africa
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Head of Media Odipo Dev (Africa Data Hub)
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Media Relations Coordinator Global Landscapes Forum (GLF)
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Business and Climate Reporter, and "Planet A" Lead Deutsche Welle (DW)
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Editor-in-chief The Mekong Eye
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General Editor - Latin America Climate Tracker
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Environment Editor The Bureau of Investigative Journalism (TBIJ)
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Principal Scientist, Head CIFOR-ICRAF
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Science Journalist and Editor at Kompas.com Kompas.com
THE FOREST STORY GRANT
Journalists and content creators: do you have a forest story to tell? We want to support you!
Who is this grant for? Journalists and social media content creators who attended the Media Lab, have a proven track record of relevant publications and an active platform or engagement with an outlet, and have never been part of a GLF program except the Social Media Ambassadors program.
How to apply: Submit a 250-word pitch outlining your original forest story idea by 30 May. Include key angles, the proposed format and a distribution plan. You are invited to apply in English, Spanish, French or Portuguese. The application form will be sent to you by email on 9 May.
What grants are available?
- Journalistic story (USD 500). Format: Written, audio (radio/podcast), audiovisual or visual-only. Must feature insights from at least one of the Global Landscapes Forum (GLF)’s network changemakers (Restoration Stewards or GLFx chapters). The distribution plan should include potential cross-publication on ThinkLandscape.
- Social media story (USD 200). Format: 60–90 second video. The story should expand on themes from GLF Forests 2025 or to be addressed at Forests, People, Planet and be published as a collaborative post across your platforms and the GLF’s social media channels.
What does the grant include? The journalistic report will receive USD 500 and editorial guidance from the ThinkLandscape team if the story is to be published on the platform. The social media reel will receive USD 200 and guidance from the GLF social media team. Payment will be made upon publication. Your story must be published no later than the start of COP30 (10 November).
The application deadline is 30 May. Finalists will be announced by 21 June. The grant may be declared void if none of the proposals are considered viable.
Questions? Contact Kelly Quintero at k.quintero@cifor-icraf.org and media@globallandscapesforum.org.