Locally Controlled Forest Restoration Training Programme

Training Date: From 18 December, 2023
Venue: Jämtland, Sweden
Training Provider: Swedish Forest Agency.

The Locally Controlled Forest Restoration Training Programme is currently open for applications. This initiative, a collaboration between the Swedish Forest Agency (SFA), Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI), and The Eco-Innovation Foundation (EIF), is known as LoCoFoRest (Locally Controlled Forest Restoration). The primary focus of this training program is to address a crucial question: How can the restoration of forest landscapes be expanded on a larger scale, ensuring the well-being of local communities and the preservation and enhancement of ecosystem services?

The training program, supported by the Swedish International Agency for Development Cooperation (Sida), aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to the scaling up of forest restoration efforts. The significance of well-managed natural forests is emphasized, especially as the world transitions from a fossil-fuel-dependent model to a circular bioeconomy. Such forests are integral for climate change adaptation and mitigation, maintaining water quality and availability, and meeting the increasing global demand for wood-based products. The Locally Controlled Forest Restoration Training Programme, LoCoFoRest, aims to enhance the capabilities of national, regional, and local institutions and organizations. Participants in the program will acquire the expertise and skills necessary to strengthen the capacity of their respective entities. This capacity-building is designed to empower organizations to effectively assist local communities and entrepreneurs in making forest and landscape restoration efforts scalable. Additionally, participants will be equipped to leverage emerging value chains and capitalize on the increasing demands of a bio-based economy.

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Eligibility

If you believe that both you and your organization stand to gain from participating in this program, and you are a resident of Ethiopia, Nepal, Thailand, Laos, or Vietnam, they encourage you to submit an application.
While the application should be initiated by the individual applicant, it must receive endorsement from their employer.
Only applications submitted using the provided application form and accompanied by a signed consent will be taken into consideration.
While proactive and motivated individuals are envisioned to take the initiative in applying, organizations can also play an active role by motivating and prioritizing individuals to submit applications.

Benefits

Anticipated results encompass an enhanced comprehension and improved capacity to provide support and engage in discussions related to LoCoFoRest within the context of Forest Landscape Restoration (FLR).
As a long-term objective, the program aims for smallholders to secure land tenure, receive incentives, and develop the capability to sustainably restore and manage forests in alignment with the expanding bio-economic markets.