By Emamuzo Iboma
In a decisive step to combat land degradation, 39 land restoration projects led by grassroots organisations have been awarded USD 395,000 through the inaugural Small Grants Programme of the G20 Global Land Initiative (GLI), a flagship initiative of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
The selected projects, drawn from 22 countries, were chosen for their innovation, impact, and sustainability. More than 650 organisations from over 100 countries applied, with winners emerging after a rigorous three-stage review process by UNCCD staff with expertise in land management and restoration.
Each awardee will receive between USD 5,000 and USD 15,000 to support local efforts that boost economies, improve food and water security, and enhance ecosystem resilience. The announcement was livestreamed during a special event celebrating the grant recipients.
The Small Grants Programme is a crucial tool in advancing the G20 GLI’s mission to reduce degraded land by 50 percent by 2040. Speaking at the award ceremony, Dr. Muralee Thummarukudy, Director of the G20 Global Land Initiative, noted that while these are small projects, their collective impact is significant. He emphasized the importance of supporting thousands of small actors in land restoration efforts worldwide.
Special consideration was given to organisations accredited to UNCCD and those empowering Indigenous Peoples, youth, women, and the elderly. Launched in 2024, the programme supports nonprofit, community-level organisations working to restore degraded lands. According to a statement, the grants will contribute to measurable progress across key restoration goals including soil fertility improvement, forest regeneration, sustainable agriculture, agroecology, and ecosystem-based adaptation.
The projects not only aim to restore degraded lands but also to improve livelihoods, build climate resilience, and foster eco-entrepreneurship. Dr. Thummarukudy highlighted that the grants are more than just financial support—they help create networks and visibility for grassroots actors whose knowledge and experiences can benefit others.
Three of the highest-scoring projects were showcased at the UNCCD Conference of the Parties in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in December 2024 to demonstrate their scalability and potential for replication. Winners will also be featured at future high-level events. The G20 GLI is exploring future collaboration opportunities for applicants not selected in this round, affirming its commitment to ongoing and inclusive engagement.
Dr. Thummarukudy described the programme as just the beginning, with the next round of applications expected to open in 2025, featuring increased funding and broader support for grassroots initiatives. He encouraged community organisations involved in land restoration to apply, stressing that both large and small contributions are essential.
Innovative community-led initiatives selected in 2024 include the Legacy of War Foundation in Rwanda, which will restore six hectares of degraded land while empowering 90 women as organic cooperative farm owners. In India, the Up2Green Foundation is restoring mangroves and riverbanks in Tamil Nadu by reforesting 60 hectares and planting 15,000 fruit trees to enhance biodiversity and flood resilience. In Nepal, the Sustainability and Environmental Studies Endeavor is working to restore ecological balance along the mythological Nagaraj Trail through nature-based solutions focused on wetlands, forests, and degraded farmland.
The G20 Global Land Initiative, launched in 2020 under the Saudi G20 Presidency and hosted by the UNCCD, aims to reduce global land degradation by 50 percent by 2040. By empowering civil society, engaging the private sector, and building capacity, the Initiative is scaling up restoration efforts and promoting a restoration-driven economy. The Small Grants Programme is a key element of this strategy, empowering grassroots actors to promote sustainable land management across the globe.
