Inspiring locally-led nature restoration through REDAA

“Alongside the communities… we work together to consider how we could restore the land, identifying challenges and solutions,” says Ritha Tarimo. 

Ritha leads a community-centred initiative supporting local farmer and pastoralist organisations in Tanzania to lead research, use restorative agricultural practices and overcome barriers to sustainability.

This project is among the initiatives benefitting from funding from the Reversing Environmental Degradation in Africa and Asia (REDAA) programme, which supports research and action for nature restoration and climate resilience.

Funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and managed by IIED, REDAA offers grants and facilitates shared learning between partners in locally-led nature restoration initiatives.

Selected from over 1,200 applicants, the first cohort of REDAA-funded initiatives have worked to improve evidence, tools and governance to help nature, climate and people thrive. They are also developing a community of practice together that encourages mutual support and learning. 

James Mayers, who leads the programme team at IIED, said: “Through the funded initiatives and shared learning, REDAA will help policymakers and practitioners grow their knowledge and powers to prioritise more ambitious sustainable strategies and allocate the right financial, policy and human resources to create change for the good of nature restoration.”

A second cohort of supported initiatives launched in March 2025. REDAA currently supports 27 locally led research-to-action initiatives that improve evidence, tools and governance to help people and nature thrive. These take place across 25 countries and cover a diverse range of landscapes and ecosystems.