First Quarter Newsletter 2025

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This initiative, in collaboration with our amazing partners at NAWIRI, is directly engaging with local farmers, who are at the forefront of the regreening efforts. By the end of this year 2025, our target is to dig 3,000 Half Moon Bunds and revive 33,000 tree stumps using the Kisiki Hai method—creating a greener, more resilient environment for the future. So far, we’ve seen tremendous enthusiasm with 30 champion farmers leading the charge.

The project has already kicked off with a training session, a workshop, and even a movie roadshow to raise awareness and get the community excited about the regreening process. With strong community involvement and innovative techniques, Regreening Iringa is setting the stage for lasting change and a more sustainable, prosperous future for these villages. Stay tuned as we continue to grow and nurture the green revolution in Iringa! 

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Here is our Quarter Four Newsletter

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Additionally, we utilized virtual reality goggles to provide visitors with an immersive experience of our field activities. We also had an opportunity to host a high-level side event with the Tanzania Minister of Environment, which generated significant interest and engagement. The half-moon bund prototypes, in particular, proved to be a popular attraction, facilitating clear explanations of their functionality. Here is our highlight video of our participation in the UNCCD COP 16 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

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But this training was about more than just skills; it’s about equipping our team to face the real challenges of heat and climate change that impact our communities. By combining heat adaptation strategies with our beloved Kisiki Hai approach, we’re going beyond tree-saving. We’re paving the way toward a greener, cooler future for everyone. 

What’s next? We’re just getting started! Look out for more exciting updates as we continue making climate resilience a reality, one step at a time. Follow along on this journey toward a sustainable future!

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Each roadshow has been a unique experience, immersing attendees in the beauty of local culture and providing an inspiring backdrop for discussing important land restoration issues. Whether through films showcasing environmental success stories or traditional dances that celebrate resilience, these events have been a powerful way to connect with communities on a deeper level.

And the journey is far from over! Our roadshows are still rolling across Dodoma and will soon start in Singida region. The excitement continues to grow. With the support of incredible partners—Justdiggit, One Tree Planted, and the World Resources Institute through Terrafund for AFR100—we’re reaching hundreds of communities across our program areas, uniting people in a shared vision for a greener, healthier future.

Together, we’re building a movement, and we can’t wait to see what the coming months hold. Stay tuned as we bring even more energy, hope, and change to Dodoma and beyond

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These dedicated change makers are diving deep into the art and science of Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) and rainwater harvesting. Through hands-on training and practical demonstrations, they’re gaining the knowledge to breathe new life into degraded lands, increase productivity, and turn environmental challenges into opportunities. From reviving dry, barren fields to conserving precious water resources, they’re learning to rewrite the future of land restoration! 

These farmers are empowered to take what they learn here and spark real change back home starting a grassroots movement. Each champion farmer is tasked with passing on the knowledge and activating more than 100 of their fellow farmers. Imagine the ripple effects as these leaders apply their skills to restore ecosystems, boost harvests, and bring hope to their communities.

And we’re not doing it alone! With the support of incredible partners—Trias, Justdiggit, MWIWAMA, MVIWARUSHA, and PWC—

Stay tuned! We’re excited to share every step of this inspiring journey towards a greener, more sustainable future.

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Our team had the honour of presenting our work in Tanzania, highlighting the effective communication strategies that have strengthened our Regreening Programs. The session spanned key topics like funding, monitoring, policy, gender equality, and impactful communication, we dove into the holistic elements driving successful restoration.

The Restoration Academy provided a unique space for shared learning, empowering us to tackle pressing challenges and create lasting solutions. As we continue to contribute to the #GenerationRestoration movement, we’re inspired by the dedication of our global peers working to regenerate our planet, one ecosystem at a time.

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We have already planted 180,000 Gliricidia trees in the last 2 rain seasons!  But that’s just the beginning. Our goal is nothing short of ambitious: we’re aiming to grow 100,000 seedlings in the 2024/2025 season!! These little green powerhouses will soon find their new homes with more than 10,000 farmers and 20 institutions as part of the Mpwayungu-RESET Program.

Why does this matter? Every seedling we plant is a promise of a greener future. A future where farmers are empowered, the land is restored, and entire communities benefit. From shading our landscapes to providing vital resources for generations to come, these seedlings are a testament to the power of sustainable agriculture and community-driven efforts.

This is more than just planting trees; it’s about sowing hope, resilience, and a future where nature and people thrive together. Our farmers are not only nurturing seedlings but nurturing a legacy that will transform Mpwayungu and beyond.

We’re excited about what’s coming next, and we can’t wait to share more updates as we grow toward a greener tomorrow. Stay with us on this incredible journey—together, we’re making real change happen, one seedling at a time!

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1. Ethical Clearance Secured

One of the critical steps in any research project is obtaining ethical clearance, and we’re pleased to announce that our clearance from the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) was approved in July. This approval is a significant achievement as it ensures that our project adheres to the highest standards of ethical research, paving the way for the successful implementation of our study.

2. Awareness Training Sessions

In July, we conducted a series of training sessions aimed at raising awareness and preparing our teams for the project’s demands. We engaged research assistants, community advisory board trained to ensure that the project’s activities align with community needs and expectations as well as trainers.

These training sessions were crucial in building a solid foundation for the project, ensuring that all participants are informed and ready to contribute effectively.

3. Pilot Preparations and Execution in Mpwapwa

Preparation is key to any successful project, and in June, we began preparing for our pilot site visits. These visits took place in Mpwapwa and were crucial for testing the study tools. The pilots allowed us to refine our methodologies and ensure that our tools are effective and ready for broader application.

4. Stakeholders’ Workshop in Mpwapwa

Engaging with stakeholders is vital to the success of HAP. In July, we hosted a workshop in Mpwapwa, bringing together leaders from various levels, including district, division, and ward representatives. This workshop provided an opportunity to discuss the project’s goals, gather feedback, and build strong partnerships that will be essential as we move forward with the project.

5. Preparing for October Implementation and CHAC 2024

As we look ahead to the coming months, our team is in the final stages of preparation for the full-scale implementation of the Heat Adaptation Project, set to begin in October. This phase will be crucial in translating our research and pilot findings into actionable strategies that can benefit communities facing the impacts of climate change.

Additionally, we are preparing to participate in the Climate and Health Africa Conference (CHAC 2024) in Harare, Zimbabwe. This conference is a unique opportunity to share our insights, learn from global experts, and further our understanding of how to best support communities in adapting to climate change.

Looking Ahead

The progress in Q3 has set a strong foundation for the next phases of the Heat Adaptation Project. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue our journey toward building resilient communities capable of thriving in a changing climate.

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