Landscape Restoration Association (LARA)

Since 2022, FROWI has been working to support landscape restoration initiatives in Rukungiri Municipality through the Landscape Restoration Association (LARA). Arising out of its programme of Women Go Green and its objectives of a) Accelerating a transition to the green economy where numerous greener jobs will be created for Women and b) Building and strengthening member-based organisations and networks and the inclusion of women in (women’s) entrepreneurial associations, unions and savings societies, in January 2022, FROWI established the Landscape Restoration Association (LARA) as a strategic approach to rehabilitate degraded ecosystems, aiming to enhance biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human well-being. The Landscape Restoration Association (LARA) has a wide variety of members, encompassing both individuals and organizations. These include local communities, governments, private sector entities, civil society organizations, and academics. Essentially, anyone who is directly or indirectly affected by, or can influence, the restoration effort is considered a stakeholder and potential member. LARA membership category is as follows;

1. Individuals:

• Local communities - People who live and work within the landscape, rely on its resources, and have a vested interest in its health and sustainability.
• Practitioners - Individuals with practical experience in forest and landscape restoration, including those working in public and private sectors.
• Researchers and academics - Scientists, researchers, and academics who can contribute knowledge and expertise to the restoration process.
• Volunteers - Individuals in the Community who dedicate their time and effort to support restoration activities.
• Youth - Young people who are passionate about environmental issues and can bring fresh perspectives and energy to the effort.

2. Organizations:

• Landscape Restoration Clubs that are focusing on the restoration of degraded landscapes through various activities.
• Government agencies-Land management, environmental, and natural resource agencies at local, regional, and national levels.
• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)-Organizations focused on conservation, environmental protection, community development, and sustainable development.
• Private sector companies-Businesses involved in forestry, agriculture, tourism, and other sectors that can contribute to or be affected by restoration.
• Community-based organizations (CBOs)-Organizations representing and working directly with local communities on restoration and resource management.
• Academic and research institutions-Universities and research centers that can provide scientific knowledge, conduct research, and offer training.
• International organizations-Organizations like the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization, World Resources Institute, and International Union for Conservation of Nature and others that support landscape restoration initiatives globally can be members
• Multi-stakeholder platforms-Formal or informal entities that bring together diverse stakeholders to coordinate restoration efforts at a national or regional level can also be members

Through the Landscape Restoration Association (LARA), FROWI is working to mobilize people and communities so that the association can benefit more residents and the planet. Currently, LARA is operating in Rukungiri Municipality where it has 10 Landscape Restoration clubs in three divisions of the Municipality and 7 landscape restoration clubs in 7 schools in the Municipality.

Our approach to landscape restoration is more than just planting trees; it encompasses a holistic, standards-based approach that addresses the root causes of degradation and we integrate social, economic, and environmental concerns. Our approach to Landscape restoration focuses on creating resilient and productive landscapes that benefit both people and the planet. Our approach to landscape restoration is holistic because we consider the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the various factors that affect them, including social and economic systems. In our approach to landscape restoration, we aim to restore the ecological characteristics and functions of a landscape, such as water cycles, soil health, and biodiversity. Unlike traditional restoration methods, our approach tackles the underlying drivers of degradation, such as unsustainable land use practices. Our approach has multiple benefits including improved water quality, carbon sequestration, increased biodiversity, and enhanced livelihoods. In our approach to landscape restoration, we utilize natural processes and biodiversity to mitigate climate change and build resilience.