Photo Credit: RAPO

Rewilding is happening now all over the world, both on land and at sea, bringing back key species and restoring entire ecosystems at all scales. We are now an alliance of over 200 organisations that are restoring nature around the world.

We warmly welcome Redemption Against Poverty Org (RAPO) to the alliance, who are bridging the dual challenges of poverty and climate change through nature restoration that keep local communities at the heart of positive action.

Tackling poverty and climate change through rewilding

Partner Organisation: Redemption Against Poverty Org – RAPO

Location: Tanzania

Poverty and climate change are two of the greatest challenges that we face today. How does one go about tackling these issues simultaneously? It may seem like a big ask to tackle them both at the same time, but this new partner is proving that it can be done by partnering with both people and nature.

Based in Tanzania, our newest Alliance Partner, Redemption Against Poverty Organisation (RAPO) bridges both challenges through nature restoration and protection projects that keep local communities at the heart of positive action.

In their vision, when people are involved in the core of action to recover local ecosystems, not only do we see nature rushing back, bringing with her a plethora of ecosystem services, but also this in turn secures community livelihoods and a self-sufficient future. These projects, therefore, have a strong long-term vision and take into account all pieces of the restoration puzzle – people, wildlife and forests.

Boy with plants credit RAPO

Photo Credit: RAPO

Their work on community-focused forest restoration takes us to Mwienzi and in the Kigosi Forest Reserve. Since 2021, they have helped to bolster conservation efforts by preserving 500 hectares; creating a wildlife corridor and securing the biodiversity of part of the Albertine Rift montane forests – an ecological haven. This five year project takes into account the socio-economic context by adapting and evaluating species selection, planting methods and planting monitoring, all with the help of local communities.

Rewilding is not just about planting trees; it is planting the right tree in the right place at the right time, with a view to the future in which that tree will become home to a magnitude of species.

Creating wildlife corridors, organising tree planting of native species, raising awareness in local communities, lake clean-up activities and future mangrove restoration, are all under their remit. RAPO is a small organisation that creates deep links between people and planet, resulting in healthy ecosystems and sustainable livelihoods.

rewilders credit RAPO

Photo credit: RAPO tree nursery – Acacia family

Team credit RAPO

Photo credit: RAPO native tree restoration activity

Their ethos of “collaboration is key” serves as a powerful reminder that by coming together with shared purpose, our Alliance Partners can achieve remarkable things, creating a wilder and more equitable world.