The event explored how churches can spearhead sustainable land restoration and climate resilience efforts. Focusing on advocacy, community engagement, and faith-rooted solutions, participants addressed the pressing environmental challenges of our time.

Athena Peralta, director of the WCC Commission on Climate Justice and Sustainable Development, highlighted the church’s essential role as environmental custodians. “Churches are uniquely positioned to bring hope and transformation. By integrating care for the land and all creation into our faith and actions, we can respond to the climate crisis in ways that promote the livelihoods of the socio-economically vulnerable and uphold the dignity of life,” Peralta stated.

Workshop participants shared knowledge on land use, climate mitigation, and adaptation strategies. A key achievement of the gathering was the creation of a network of churches dedicated to promoting climate-resilient farming and sustainable land use and restoration practices.

Rev. Jotham Odari of Kenya underscored the influence of churches in shaping climate action policies: “Churches play a vital role in advocacy, pushing for policy changes in agricultural practices and ensuring climate-resilient approaches are embraced by both communities and policymakers.”

One highlight of the workshop was a visit to a Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) site in Nakuru, where participants witnessed the transformative potential of faith-based land restoration. Sally, a local farmer, shared how adopting FMNR techniques allowed her to sustain her family and provide education for her son, who lives with a disability. Her farm, now thriving with indigenous trees, vegetables, and livestock, exemplifies how simple, sustainable practices can create lasting change.

The workshop also showcased global faith-based initiatives, such as the Ethiopian Orthodox Church’s conservation efforts across 35,000 monasteries and the Anglican Communion Forest’s global reforestation projects. “FMNR restores the identity of the land,” noted Irene Awino Ojuok from the University of Bonn-Centre for Development Research, reinforcing the spiritual dimension of land restoration.

In conclusion, workshop participants committed to advocating for sustainable land restoration policies at international forums, including upcoming UN climate conferences. They also pledged to strengthen partnerships between faith communities, NGOs, and policymakers, ensuring marginalized voices—particularly indigenous peoples, women, and youth—are central in climate justice efforts.

Nicholas Pande of the Communion Forest emphasized the significance of these efforts: “The aim is to significantly increase Anglican tree growing and ecosystem conservation around the world, deepening care for creation within the life of the Church.”

The workshop was made possible with support from the German Federal Foreign Office and critical partners, including the All Africa Conference of Churches, Bread for the World USA, the Global Evergreening Alliance, the National Council of Churches in Kenya, the Organisation of African Instituted Churches, Oikodiplomatique, the Right Livelihood Foundation, and World Vision Kenya.

Sustainability and Economy of Life

Care for creation and climate justice