In Africa, various methods are helping to restore damaged landscapes, including planting trees, allowing natural plant growth, improving soil and water conditions, and managing land more effectively. These efforts are detailed in the 2026 World Forest Status Report, released on September 28 by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The report highlights how local communities are playing a key role in these restoration projects, often using traditional knowledge combined with modern techniques. In Kenya, for example, 2,584 hectares of degraded pastureland in the Amboseli-Chyulu ecosystem are being restored. One technique used there is the creation of half-moon shaped trenches, which help collect and hold water in the soil. This method has improved soil moisture and helped native grasses and wildlife return to the area. Additionally, Maasai women in the region have established seed banks to produce forage seeds and hay. These efforts not only support livestock but also provide a source of income for the community. In Burkina Faso and Niger, the Great Green Wall initiative is helping to restore degraded land across the continent. This African-led project aims to restore 100,000 hectares of land by involving local communities in deciding which areas to focus on and what actions to take. These decisions are then included in the development plans of local communes. According to the FAO, when communities are involved in planning and selecting restoration actions, it increases the likelihood that these efforts will be maintained over time. Dr. Pa Aï Vivien Nenwala, a researcher at the Agricultural Research Institute for the... (note: the name of the institution was cut off in the original text), emphasizes the importance of community involvement in such projects. Local knowledge and participation are crucial for the long-term success of landscape restoration efforts. These initiatives not only help the environment but also support local economies and improve the quality of life for people living in these regions.