The promise of community led forestry

Forests provide essential ecosystem services that are crucial in supporting forest dependent communities to adapt to extreme climatic events such as floods. These ecosystem services include, soil conservation and regulation of the water cycle, ensuring safe drinking water for all.

But forests — and their ability to provide these essential services — are under threat!

Members of Kisembe Womens Group ((Kakamega Rainforest, Kenya)

The race to resilience

Today, we’re seeing more and more occurrences of extreme climate-induced events like heat waves, severe drought and floods that increase the vulnerability of already fragile forest ecosystems and put even more pressure on the lives and livelihoods of forest dependent communities.

Here at ITF, we know that a focus on the most vulnerable, frontline communities will enhance green recovery by building resilient livelihoods and increasing the protection of natural ecosystems.

Community led restoration through appropriate tree planting offers communities around the world, essential “climate adaptation services”. These services include:  increased rainfall during times of drought, habitat provision for wildlife and biodiversity as well as job creation for local people.

ITF staff and members of Muliru Farmers Conservation Group (Kakamega Rainforest, Kenya)

Looking ahead, we’re optimistic that the climate change movement will catalyse global ambition for climate resilience, putting people and nature first in pursuit of a resilient planet.  

Donate today

Support communities on the front lines of the climate crisis to plant trees, restore ecosystems and improve their livelihoods.