Somalia

Their organization, Dalsan Agricultural Services LTD, in collaboration with the soon-to-be-established Hakeemah Foundation, is actively engaged in land restoration and environmental sustainability in Somalia, specifically in the Hodan District of Mogadishu and the Gurale area in central Somalia. The organization has launched a reforestation initiative aimed at planting over 100,000 trees, with a current target of 30,000 trees dedicated focused on native and drought-resistant tree species to combat desertification and soil erosion. Their activities also include goat and sheep fattening, sustainable fodder production, and training rural communities, particularly women and youth, in climate-smart agriculture and land stewardship. The organization promote the Islamic teachings of caring for the Earth and use faith-based values to inspire environmental responsibility within the community. In addition, the organization is developing a land-use plan that integrates agroforestry, fruit trees, and rainwater harvesting to revitalize degraded areas. Additionally, insecure land tenure in rural Somalia hinders long-term investments in restoration.

Their faith organization is currently involved in several land restoration activities focused on improving and preserving the environment around their community. Although the land the organization manage is relatively small, it is located in [Somaliland, Hargiesa New Hargiesa ], a region known for its rich natural beauty and potential for ecological growth. The organization has actively planted various native tree species on the land surrounding their mosque to enhance greenery, prevent soil erosion, and improve air quality. Additionally, the organization is implementing water conservation techniques to maintain soil moisture and support the growth of vegetation. Their efforts also include educating and mobilizing the local community, especially the youth, to participate in planting trees and caring for the environment as part of their religious and social responsibilities. Looking ahead, the organization plan to expand these restoration activities by acquiring more land in nearby areas and increasing the variety of plants and trees cultivated. The organization is committed to developing a sustainable land management plan that aligns with both their faith values and environmental stewardship. This work not only helps restore degraded land but also fosters a stronger connection between their faith community and nature, encouraging ongoing care and respect for the environment. Thirdly, community awarenes and engagement need strengthening to ensure broader participation in land care and environmental protection. Finally, navigating legal and administrative processes to secure land rights and permits can be complex and time-consuming.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Somalia Water and Land Information Management (FAO SWALIM) coordinates land restoration and degradation monitoring acros Somalia. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Somalia Water and Land Information Management (FAO SWALIM) leads land cover mapping in Hirshabelle and Southwest states, covering over 10 million hectares. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Somalia Water and Land Information Management (FAO SWALIM)'s work involves soil suitability assessments, watershed management, and participatory natural resource planning. While FAO SWALIM is not a faith-based organization, The organization personallys integrate Islamic principles of environmental stewardship into Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Somalia Water and Land Information Management (FAO SWALIM)'s community trainings, particularly in rural areas where faith plays a central role in resource use. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Somalia Water and Land Information Management (FAO SWALIM) is also supporting concept development for nature-based restoration in degraded rangelands of Middle Shabelle, many of which are communally managed and linked to mosque-endorsed communal land use. This masterclas will help bridge Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Somalia Water and Land Information Management (FAO SWALIM)'s technical role and faith values, enabling future collaboration with Somali imams and faith networks to restore faith-managed lands, including mosque compounds and sacred groves threatened by charcoal production and soil erosion. Cultural perceptions often disconnect environmental protection from faith values, despite strong Islamic environmental ethics. Additionally, land degradation is worsened by charcoal harvesting, unmanaged grazing, and climate shocksespecially in areas with no formal land tenure or restoration mandates. Engaging faith leaders is crucial but underutilized.

The PSU Climate Resilience Center, under Puntland State University and aligned with their faith-based commitment to environmental stewardship, is actively engaged in land restoration efforts in Puntland, Somalia. Currently, the organization is restoring 15 hectares of land in the Garowe area that were severely degraded by repeated seasonal flooding. Their restoration activities include reforestation using native and drought-resilient species, soil and water conservation techniques (such as contour bunding and check dams), and the introduction of climate-smart agriculture practices in partnership with local farming communities. These activities are implemented in collaboration with students, local elders, and faith leaders, reflecting a community-driven and spiritually grounded approach to healing the land. The organization also integrate their restoration work into academic and field-based training programs at the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources Management, aiming to equip future practitioners with practical skills and environmental ethics rooted in faith and sustainability. In the near future, the organization plan to expand their restoration initiatives to additional sites acros Nugal and Mudug regions, focusing on areas affected by desertification and overgrazing. The organization is actively seeking partnerships and technical support to scale these efforts and promote ecosystem restoration implementation, and enforcement of effective land management policies, reducing the impact of restoration initiatives. Climate Change and Arid Conditions Puntland is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts, including prolonged droughts and recurrent floods, which exacerbate land degradation and complicate restoration efforts.