Around 12% (two billion hectares) of the Earth’s land surface is degraded. Degraded lands cost 10% of global GDP annually. The potential societal benefits of restoring degraded land is in the order of US$84 billion per year. Restoration of degraded tropical forest landscapes offer some of the greatest returns on investment, to address climate change, reduce poverty and food insecurity and support biodiversity. To deliver sustainable development goals (SDGs) optimal restoration approaches are vital and the link between knowledge of native tree diversity and appropriate use to address SDGs in currently lacking. This represents a significant gap in capacity to enable scaling up FLR pledges from the Bonn Challenges to deliver multiple SDGs through restoration of degraded lands.

During this launchpad event we will present the Bioversity International Trees for Seeds Initiative. Dr. Marius Ekue will examine the current gaps in capacity and knowledge on delivery of native tree species that are relevant to the AFR100 and introduce how the Trees for Seeds Initiative can support resilient restoration in the region. Dr Barbara Vinceti will present the case of Nutrition sensitive restoration in Burkina Faso and lessons that can be learned from this concluding project. Finally, Dr Marlene Elias will present gender-responsive Forest Landscape Restoration, and novel approaches to ensure equality in FLR decision making.

We will conclude with a Panel discussion including all speakers and invited panelists from UNDP, World Bank, and National Forestry representatives.