The LoCoFoRest (Locally Controlled Forest Restoration) training programme focuses on one critical question: How can we scale up the restoration of forest landscapes while securing the prosperity of local communities and maintaining and improving ecosystem services? Find out more about LoCoFoRest and learn how you can participate in the programme.
Forest landscapes are set to play an increasingly important role as we transition from a world reliant on fossil-fuel to a circular bioeconomy. Well-managed, natural forests are key for climate change adaptation and mitigation, water quality and water availability, as well as meeting the growing global demand for wood-based products.
Our objective
LoCoFoRest will build capacity in national, regional and local institutions and organisations. The programme will give participants the skills and knowledge to enrich their organisations’ capacity to support local communities and entrepreneurs to make forest and landscape restoration scalable and to take advantage of new value chains and the growing demands of a biobased economy.
Target group
We are looking for participants from:
- National, regional and local government; civil society; private sector and academic organisations working with forest restoration, processing of forest products, management of forest ecosystem services and natural resources management such as water and biodiversity.
- Applicants are individuals working in these organisations and institutions, and require the approval of their employer.
- In English language programme rounds from Ethiopia, Lao PDR, Nepal, Thailand and Vietnam.
- In French language programme rounds from Burkina Faso, Democratic Republic of Kongo (DRC), Senegal and Togo (see LoCoFoRest web-site in French).
Training programme components
The programme has five components, all based in your home country or neighbouring region:
- Start-up meeting and part-time online course
- Intensive mid-term workshop
- Mentored “Change Project” (CP)
- Final meeting presenting CPs (jointly with start-up meeting for next course round)
- Alumni platform and alumni seminars
Programme period
LoCoFoRest runs from 2021–2025. The programme has experienced some delay during the pandemic but is now running according to original intentions.
Partners and Donor
The Swedish Forest Agency (SFA) is lead organiser in partnership with Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) and The Eco-Innovation Foundation (EIF). The programme is financed by the Swedish International Agency for Development Cooperation (Sida).
