Nepal

10.5 acres hectares

The Learning Fortres, located in Bardiya District of Lumbini Province in Nepal, currently stewards a 10.5 acre plot of land where education, ecology, and cultural values intersect. Their land restoration efforts are rooted in inclusive spiritual practices and the belief that land is a sacred inheritance, not a commodity. Guided by values of interfaith harmony and stewardship, weve initiated youth-led biodiversity mapping and organic farming projects that integrate local knowledge systems, environmental science, and non-formal education. In collaboration with community educators and local governments, were restoring soil fertility through regenerative agriculture, native tree planting, and water conservation strategies. The site also serves art, and ritual. Looking ahead, the organization plan to develop a community seed bank and expand their intergenerational curriculum on eco-spirituality. Their restoration activities are embedded in a broader vision of restoring dignity not just by land but by uplifting historically marginalized voices in conservation narratives. These efforts align with their long term goal of transforming The Learning Fortres into a replicable model of faith rooted, youth-powered land restoration acros Nepal and beyond. Additionally, bureaucratic hurdles and fragmented coordination with local authorities slow down implementation of land use strategies, especially for community driven initiatives. Despite these obstacles, the organization remain committed to inclusive stewardship, drawing strength from interfaith collaboration and youth leadership.

2,179 Sq Km hectares

The Gaurishankar Conservation Area Project covers as area of 2,179 SqKm. The area is largely degraded. Currently, National Trust for Nature Conservation-Gaurishankar Conservation Area Project is working at Gaurishankar Conservation Area Project. The organization conduct multiple activities for land restoration, including reforestation/plantation, soil conservation through bio-engineering methods, high-altitude range land management, watershed management, and community engagement through the Conservation Area Management Committee (CAMC). The key challange is the high outmigration in the mountain area of Nepal. The organization also face huge problem of climate change issues. The Gaurishankar Conservation Area covers an altitude from 1000m to 7,000m from mean sea level.

7500 hectors and more in colabration with nepal goverment hectares

The Nepal Buddhist Federation (NBF), representing over 2,000 monasteries and nunneries acros the country, is leading land restoration efforts in Nepals high-altitude and fragile mountain regions, including Manang, Dolpo, Dolakha, Rolwaling, and the Tsum Valley. These initiatives are guided by the Buddhist Faith Plan for the Environment (20242034)Nepals first such frameworkdeveloped with support from WWF. To advance the Plans goal of planting one million trees, NBF translated Tree Growing for Conservation and Ecosystem Restoration: A Guide for Faith-Based Actors into Nepali and Bhot. A baseline assessment has begun in Manang, covering 70 hectares acros 10 monasteries, to identify tree planting potential around monastic lands. Overall, monastic institutions in Nepal collectively steward an estimated 6,105 hectares, representing significant restoration opportunity. For technical support for scientific tree plantation, NBF has partnered with the Institute of Forestry (IoF), Tribhuvan University the premier forestry institution of Nepal. NBF, with IoF support, has developed plantation guidelines tailored for high-altitude monasteries, beginning with Manang as well as towards pollution management. NBF also advocates for the establishment of non-violence zones around monastic lands, where harming wild or domestic animals is prohibiteddeepening the Buddhist principle of non-harming. Tree planting is being promoted integrating environmental care into religious life. Additionally, the use of chemical fertilizers is discouraged to protect soil health and avoid harming even the smallest forms of life, such as ants and insects. With outreach to over 10,000 monks and nuns, and influence acros Nepals broader Buddhist communities, NBF is uniquely positioned to inspire large-scale engagement in ecological restoration. By blending spiritual values with practical action, NBF offers a compassionate and sustainable model for restoring Nepals mountain ecosystems. Despite these obstacles, NBF remains committed to its mission by fostering partnerships, engaging local communities, and building capacity through context-specific approaches. These efforts aim to promote restoration that aligns with Buddhist principles of compassion and care for all living beings, even in the most challenging environments.

While their faith-based initiative has not yet directly implemented a formal land restoration project, the organization is deeply committed to laying the groundwork through awarenes and education. The organization currently work with schools and colleges acros Nepal to provide STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education that includes environmental awarenes, sustainability, and eco-friendly engineering practices. Through their STEAM outreach, the organization has introduced practical workshops, project-based learning, and school-level competitions focusing on climate action, waste management, and green innovation. For example, in their robotics and science classes, students are taught how technology can support reforestation, smart irrigation, and urban greening efforts. These activities foster early consciousnes among students about their role in environmental protection and land stewardship. The organization is now planning to expand this approach by partnering with local faith-based schools and communities in regions such as Kathmandu Valley, Tokha, and Lalitpur to launch small-scale land restoration projects like school garden creation, community composting, and native tree plantation drives. These initiatives will combine technical learning with spiritual values of care for creation, encouraging both reflection and action. Their long-term goal is to integrate land restoration education into their broader faith-inspired STEAM programs, empowering young people and their communities to lead sustainable change. Participation in the Faith4Land Masterclass will equip us with the necessary guidance, interfaith perspectives, and global examples to translate their vision into meaningful impact. Most schools and community groups the organization works with do not own land suitable for long-term restoration activities. Or community-based projects.