Jimma, Ethiopia - March 22, 2024 - Following a productive annual review workshop held on March 19th, the Conservation and Sustainable Management of Forested Landscapes (CSMFL) project team embarked on a field visit to Gimbo Woreda in the Kaffa Zone on March 21st. The visit served to highlight inspiring initiatives supported by ECFF (Environment and Coffee Forest Forum) and iDE, which are empowering local communities with sustainable practices. <img src="https://api.ecff.org.et/images/963b99bd-5295-492e-b911-8b151ab69496.jpg"><img src="https://api.ecff.org.et/images/787fc553-2e93-4d16-98d0-9ce62737f55f.jpg">CSMFL Project Holds Annual Review Workshop in Jimma&nbsp;Witnessing Success on the GroundThe CSMFL team visited several key sites showcasing the project's impact:<img src="https://api.ecff.org.et/images/72a774ca-0771-4b15-9e15-2fe321c8b841.jpg"> <ul><li>Existing PFM Cooperatives and New AR (Afforestation and Reforestation) Sites:&nbsp;These initiatives demonstrate support for sustainable forest management and restoration, crucial for preserving valuable landscapes.</li></ul>&nbsp;<img src="https://api.ecff.org.et/images/35ed74c0-0537-4b67-81c3-482bf1100a1a.jpg"><img src="https://api.ecff.org.et/images/1fd530ce-7e60-4932-9b92-0e281539b587.jpg"> Coffee Agroforestry and Beekeeping Beneficiaries:&nbsp;The project empowers farmers by equipping them with improved practices in coffee cultivation and beekeeping, leading to increased income and environmental benefits.&nbsp; <img src="https://api.ecff.org.et/images/24644f61-67b3-45f1-a3f1-c1d716e48ceb.jpg"> <ul><li>Socha Kebele Women &amp; Youth Nursery and Vermicomposting:&nbsp;This initiative promotes sustainable gardening and waste management, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility within the community.</li></ul> The team also visited a nursery user group site and a lead farmer's home garden in Hamani Kebele, showcasing the practical application of sustainable practices at the individual level. <img src="https://api.ecff.org.et/images/3acbb231-1371-49ab-be51-f5a74377da1e.jpg"> Collaboration for a Sustainable FutureThe CSMFL project's annual review workshop brought together key stakeholders, including GGGI Ethiopia, ECFF, iDE, regional governments, and the Swedish Embassy. The collaborative discussions focused on ensuring continued progress towards a sustainable future. Following the workshop, the field visit provided a valuable opportunity to witness the project's positive impact firsthand. <img src="https://api.ecff.org.et/images/25e3ab42-a24b-4127-9cc8-67b4f1c9f2eb.jpg"> Looking AheadBuilding upon the successes observed during the field visit, the CSMFL team, along with GGGI, ECFF, iDE, and the Swedish Embassy, will continue to collaborate on defining the next steps for the project. This collaborative approach ensures that the CSMFL project continues to empower communities and promote sustainable forest management practices.

CSMFL Project Visits Showcase Successes in Sustainable Forest Management