Descriptions

Ecosystems degradation, has emerged as a primary concern for policy makers in Sub-Saharan Africa. Degradation significantly reduce the ecosystems capacity to produce food, ecosystems services and sustain rural livelihoods. Expansion onto marginal lands has already taken place in many areas, and the subsequent degradation and inherent low productivity of the marginal lands pose a threat to feeding a fast-growing population over the coming few decades. If ecosystems degradation is not adequately addressed, it is likely to jeopardize future food security and other ecosystems services for more people in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The initiative goal is to realize a people-centred approach that recognizes and promotes the role of traditional knowledge of local communities and indigenous peoples (IPs) for the restoration, conservation and sustainable use of ecosystems in Sub-Saharan Africa. This would be achieved through building a community of best-practices to influence policies and existing institutional frameworks towards a local and sustainable management of ecosystems.
The commitment aims to identify and offer community-based solutions to problems of ecosystems degradation, access and ownership of restored ecosystems. Improving access and availability of productive ecosystems will enhance livelihood options to the poorest communities and IPs of Africa. The initiative proposes to bring together many national, regional and ILC members and other partners to empower and influence local communities and indigenous peoples engaging them and uplifting their capacities to be the championing voice in ecosystems agroforests restoration and conservation in sub-Saharan African countries.