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Faiths for Land

14 faith-led land-restoration initiatives in Zambia, caring for 151,377 hectares, in the Faiths for Land directory.

14 initiatives 151,377 hectares 2 traditions
  • AGRICULTURAL INSTITUTE OF ZAMBIA

    Christianity

    23.8 million hectares hectares

    Miombo Woodland Restoration Copperbelt & Muchinga (WeForest) Location: Copperbelt (Luanshya district) and Muchinga provinces Activity: Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR) on smallholder farms; agroforestry, beekeeping, controlled burning. Scope: approx. 5,379 ha restored in Luanshya; 2,405 ha planted; over 7 million trees growing Benefits: Improves forest cover, enhances livelihoods through honey production (3,200 farmers yielded 53 t honey). Katanino Forest Reserve Regeneration Location: Katanino Forest Reserve, Copperbelt Province Activity: Enrichment planting, ANR, agroforestry; managed by WeForest and Katanino Forest Trust. Focus: 94 native species; supporting livelihoods via beekeeping and sustainable practices. Outcome: Enhanced forest health and strengthened community-based forest governance. FMNR-Based Projects Eastern & Central Provinces Locations: Katete & Sinda (Eastern Province); Chibombo (Central Province) Implemented by: World Vision with Australian Gov. Funding Target: Restoring 150,000 ha over five years through Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR), incorporating agroforestry and soil health improvements Copperbelt UniversityWorld Vision Partnership: Establishing FMNR R&D programs centered on Kitwe and Copperbelt. Large-Scale Carbon Corridor Restoration Southern Zambia Project: MusokotwaneNyawa Miombo Woodland Carbon Project Location: Kazungula District, Southern Province Scale: 185,000 ha starting Q1 2026 over 40 years, connecting Kafue and Victoria Falls landscapes. Techniques: ANR, native species planting, watershed rehabilitation; community-led; carbon credits planned. Wetland & Floodplain Rehabilitation Lukanga Swamp (Central Province): Ongoing invasive plant control (Salvinia) via biocontrol (weevils) by BirdLife International, ZARI, ZEMA, CABI since 2017 Kafue Flats: A 20-year agreement exists since ~2021 with ICF, WWF Zambia, and EWT to restore the floodplain in partnership with communities. Community Forest Management Kasanka National Park Location: Greater Kasanka landscape Effort: Secured 20,000 ha as Community Forest Management Areas (CFMAs); managed by local groups zoned for ecological and livelihood use In summary Zambia The Agricultural institute of Zambia faith based organization is actively engaging in both large-scale and community-driven ecosystem restoration, spanning Miombo woodland regeneration, agroforestry, FMNR, carbon-financed reforestation, wetland recovery, and community forest governance. Projects are spread acros the Copperbelt, Eastern, Central, Southern, and Muchinga provinces, often integrating restoration with livelihood benefits like honey production or sustainable agriculture. Deforestation and forest degradation, driven by charcoal production, unsustainable agriculture, and infrastructure development, remain major threats. Many rural communities rely heavily on natural resources for livelihoods, yet often lack acces to sustainable land management training or alternatives. Land tenure insecurity, especially in customary areas, discourages long-term investment in restoration. Additionally, climate change exacerbates land degradation through droughts, erratic rainfall, and soil erosion.

  • Conservation South Luangwa

    Christianity

    1.4 million hectares hectares

    Conservation South Luangwa (CSL) has partnered with Zambias Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) to protect wildlife and mitigate human-wildlife conflict (HWC) in the South Luangwa Valley. CSL works to safeguard 1.4 million hectares of largely intact wildernes, encompassing South Luangwa National Park and its surrounding Game Management Areas. CSL employs an integrated approach to wildlife protection, resource management, and human-wildlife coexistence, working in close collaboration with DNPW, local communities, and conservation partners. Prioritising community engagement, CSL works with people living alongside the wildlife of the South Luangwa Valley through conservation awarenes and support programmes, alongside anti-poaching foot patrols, aerial surveillance, K9 Unit tracking and detection, and 24/7 veterinary support for both domestic and wild animals. 1.Human activities like deforestation, urbanization, and agricultural expansion lead to habitat los and fragmentation, causing population decline and potential extinctions. 2.Rising temperatures and extreme weather events disrupt ecosystems, force species to adapt or migrate, and exacerbate other threats like habitat los and pollution. 3.Plastic debris, and other pollutants harm wildlife, disrupt food chains, and contribute to environmental degradation. 4.Unsustainable hunting, fishing, and collection of plants and animals deplete wildlife populations and disrupt ecosystems. Expanding human populations lead to land fragmentation, altering natural habitats and threatening wildlife populations. 7.Driven by demand for wildlife products, poaching and illegal trade decimate wildlife populations and disrupt ecosystems.

  • Equalizer Movement

    Christianity

    10 hectares hectares

    Their faith organization is currently in the early planning stages of initiating land restoration activities in Kalumbila District, North-Western Province of Zambia. The organization is developing a project that integrates faith-based stewardship principles with practical restoration strategies. These will include tree planting (particularly indigenous species), agroforestry, erosion control, and organic composting to rebuild soil health. The initiative will involve local congregations, youth groups, and community members in both education and hands-on restoration work, promoting a shared responsibility for creation care. This project aims to rehabilitate at least 10 hectares of land within the first phase, with plans to scale up depending on available resources and support. This effort will also serve integrating scriptural teachings on stewardship and creation care to inspire wider community involvement. If not already active in land restoration, the organization is fully committed and enthusiastic about launching this work. The organization believe that faith-based approaches can play a transformative role in healing the land while strengthening social and spiritual bonds within communities. Additionally, unpredictable weather patterns linked to climate change disrupt restoration progres and crop productivity. Land tenure insecurity also discourages long-term investment in sustainable practices.

  • Kukula Eco Farms

    Interfaith

    150000 acres hectares

    Their faith organization is dedicated to environmental stewardship and land restoration. We're currently working on restoration projects in Zambia's Eastern Province, with a focus on: Reforestation efforts in Chipangali and Kasenengwa Districts, where we're planting trees to restore degraded habitats and promote biodiversity. Soil conservation initiatives in Chipata, Katete, Lundazi, and Vubwi Districts, where we're collaborating with local communities to implement sustainable farming practices and reduce soil erosion. Through these projects, we're committed to protecting the environment, supporting local communities, and upholding their faith values. 2.Climate change impacts, such as droughts and unpredictable weather patterns. 5.Balancing competing land uses, such as agriculture and conservation.

  • Anglican Dioceseof Eastern Zambia

    Christianity

    20 hectares hectares

    Crop rotation,Solid waste management,that is collection of empty plastic and glas bottles,use of compost manure,advocacy on not cutting trees, planting of trees.The organization is situated in Central Africa in a country called Zambia.The organization is in the Eastern Zambia Charcoal burning, indiscrimate cutting down of trees, farming and building houses on slopes of hills and mountains , shoppingmalls using banned plastic bags.

  • Muthadizani Initiative

    Christianity

    20 hectares hectares

    Their local initiative is actively involved in land restoration activities in the Lufwanyama and Maposa areas, located in the Copperbelt Province of Zambia. These efforts are part of their broader mission to care for creation and promote environmental stewardship rooted in their faith values. One of their key initiatives is the Tree and Seed Bank project, which focuses on the planting and preservation of indigenous tree species. These trees are not only ecologically significant but also culturally and economically valuable to the local people. By reviving indigenous species, the organization aim to restore the natural balance of the ecosystem, improve soil health, and create a sustainable source of food, medicine, and income for communities. The project includes the identification, collection, and storage of native seeds, which are then distributed for community-led planting activities. The organization organize seasonal planting campaigns, environmental education workshops, and community-led monitoring efforts to ensure long-term succes. Women play a central role in these activities, both as knowledge holders and as agents of change within their communities. In addition to tree planting, the organization is exploring regenerative agriculture techniques, such as composting and agroforestry, to further rehabilitate the land and improve food security. These practices are introduced through faith-based gatherings, community workshops, and partnerships with local environmental experts. Their vision is to scale these efforts to other regions in Zambia, maintain nurseries, and provide adequate training and tools for community members. Additionally, changing weather patterns and prolonged dry seasons due to climate change have affected seed germination and tree survival rates. Community awarenes remains uneven, and more education is needed to shift mindsets toward long-term environmental care.

  • United Religious Initiative

    Interfaith

    200 hectors hectares

    Youth4Green project is a project that was launched in February 2024 by the United Religious Initiative corporation circle Zambia member called Musa Community Development and Sustainability Organization which is a youth led non-profit organization. Their project is located in kasama Zambia northern Province which is at it's low level with the establishment of the nursery for both indigenous trees for a community forest of 200 hectors and fruit trees for community planting in schools and churches. To fully pay the money demanded by the chief for 200 hectors which his pledge to increase it to 500 hectors.

  • Caritas Zambia

    Christianity

    300 hectres hectares

    To continue sensitizing community members on the use of agroecology use of animal manure, compost and use of cover crops and crop rotation with legumes and introduction of agro-forest in the field crops such as acacia for nitrogen fixation. Water management by using water harvesting and use of basins in the field that will help at reducing on water runoff causing soil erosion in the fields. Improving biodiversity by having a mixed farming of crops and livestock for ecosystem improvement and resilience. Further promote practicing of farmer regenerative natural resources where they don't cut the whole tree for fire would or poles. Instead, they have to get branches or a part of tree that they would want to use for their poles and leave the rest of the tree to regenerate for future use. Rigidity from the local people because of the belief that the chemical fertilizer is the only thing that one can improve their crop yield. Locals not having titles to their land hence leading to a 'The organization tolds care attitude ' towards natural resource management. Conflicting approaches among developmental players in land restoration. Heavy promotion of chemicals and fertilizer by the Government.

  • Sisters of the Child Jesus

    Christianity

    50 by 50 hectares

    In Zambia, particularly North Western Province,the planned land activities is to do sustainable land management practices, such as crop rotation and the application of organic manures and mineral fertilizers on agricultural lands associated with faith institutions Limited funding,inadequate human resources and expertise, land tenure complexities, public engagement and influence of climate change.

  • The Agricultural Institute of Zambia

    Christianity

    752,000 square kilometers hectares

    Their faith organization is currently exploring land restoration activities focused on the Miombo Forest and the Lower Zambezi region in Zambia. While the organization has not yet launched large-scale restoration projects, the organization is deeply committed to environmental stewardship as part of their spiritual and community mission. The organization is in the planning phase of initiating a faith-led tree planting and awarenes campaign in the Chongwe District, which lies on the fringe of the Lower Zambezi ecosystem. This effort aims to combat deforestation and restore degraded areas through the planting of indigenous Miombo woodland species such as Brachystegia, Julbernardia, and Isoberlinia. In addition, the organization is partnering with local schools and community churches to establish small nurseries and create green zones for reforestation. Their educational programs incorporate biblical teachings on caring for creation with practical training in sustainable agriculture, soil management, and water conservation to encourage holistic land restoration. The organization is also engaging local traditional leaders and government extension officers to ensure that restoration efforts align with national strategies such as Zambias National Restoration Agenda and the AFR100 commitment. Their vision is to expand this initiative acros other vulnerable sites in Lusaka Province and eventually into Eastern Province, contributing to the protection of biodiversity and the restoration of ecological integrity in line with both faith-based values and scientific principles. Additionally, low community awarenes and competing land-use demandsespecially from agriculture and charcoal production contribute to continued deforestation and land degradation. In rural areas, land tenure insecurity discourages long-term investment in restoration by local communities. Despite these obstacles, the organization remain committed to fostering partnerships, mobilizing community action, and integrating faith-based environmental education to drive restoration efforts acros the region.

  • Savannah Zambia

    Christianity

    Savannah Zambia is involved in Land Restoration activities in country of Zambia in Lusaka Province and Copperbelt Province. Sites in 76 schools of Mufulira Town and Mufulira communities of Copperbelt Province. Also, transformation of Lusaka City to Garden city by 2035 and 50 schools of Lusaka City in Lusaka Province. Their organization has gone capacity building through webinars of G20 Land initiative and UNCCD Secretariat in Germany. The organization has gained UNCCD recognition as Accreditation organization status in land Restoration and Sustainable Land Management SLM. Equally, Government of Republic of Zambia has granted their organization the National Status in land Restoration and Environmental Stewardship. Knowledge gap of Land Restoration by communities,. Local farmers lack skills in Agroecology and Agroforestry in sustainable land management practices.

  • Catholic Diocese of Solwezi and Laudato Si Movement

    Christianity

    The Solwezi Diocese, where The organization serves as Coordinator for Environmental Justice and Care for Creation, is engaged in promoting sustainable land use practices. Their current activities include: Agroforestry Project: Collaborating with Caritas-Solwezi and International Voluntary Services (SVI) to promote eco-friendly farming practices in Mutanda and Matebo areas. Advocacy and Education: Educating farmers on sustainable land use techniques and promoting environmental stewardship. Land Degradation: The prevalent use of unsustainable farming practices is leading to land degradation, with many areas slowly becoming desert-like.

  • disaster management &mitigation unit, office of the vice president. zambia

    Christianity

    Disaster management &mitigation unit, office of the vice president. Zambia is currently serving GGGI and the ministry of Green economy and environment for disaster management &mitigation unit, office of the vice president. Zambia's country. The program focuses on Article 6 of the Paris Agreement whose primary interest is Carbon trading. At the same time, within disaster management &mitigation unit, office of the vice president. Zambia's district, disaster management &mitigation unit, office of the vice president. Zambia is collaborating with Ministry of Agriculture and the forestry department with the intent of establishing REDD+ programs and Low carbon agricultural initiatives that farmers can implement in order to benefit from the carbon trading space. At the same time, the organization has noticed gaps in the capacities of their teams considering that the organization is based in rural settings where literacy levels are low. Furthermore, the organization need to tailor their initiatives to include mindset change strategies for the sustainability of programs in the long term.

  • Jesuit/AHETI

    Christianity

    The organization is deeply committed to promoting integral ecology and healing both people and the planet, following the call of Pope Francis in Laudato Si. Acros their provinces, their efforts in land restoration are rooted in their faith conviction that caring for the environment is a moral and spiritual responsibility. Current Work: In Zambia, through their Jesuit parish and social apostolates in Lusaka and Kasisi, the organization is engaged in reforestation and agroecology initiatives aimed at restoring degraded land, especially around community farming zones and parish grounds. At Kasisi Agricultural Training Centre, a long-standing Jesuit initiative, sustainable farming and soil rehabilitation programs are equipping smallholder farmers to restore soil health and reduce deforestation. In South Africa, Jesuits are collaborating with local Church partners to integrate ecological restoration into social justice initiatives, especially in communities impacted by mining and land degradation. The Jesuit Institute South Africa also promotes ecological education and awarenes to build long-term support for land care. Planned Work and Interest: As part of their commitment to the Universal Apostolic Preferences and the African Synod proces on integral ecology, the organization is exploring expanded land restoration efforts in Mozambique and Zimbabwe, with a focus on community-led reforestation, protection of water sources, and promoting indigenous ecological knowledge. The organization is eager to deepen these efforts through partnerships, especially in regions vulnerable to climate change, deforestation, and soil erosion. The organization sees land restoration as environmental work but as part of their faith mission to reconcile humanity with creation and ensure a just, sustainable future for all. Furthermore, climate change including droughts, floods, and soil degradation exacerbates the fragility of restoration efforts. Finally, there is a need for greater ecological awarenes within faith communities themselves, which the organization is addressing through education and formation grounded in Laudato Si.