We are thrilled to share the extraordinary experience of our Founder & CSO, Viktor Sukau, and R&D Director, Anastasiia Vasilkovskaya, who recently attended the Accelerating Nature-based Solutions Conference in Zambia from March 11th to 15th, 2024. This conference, a collaboration between prominent organizations such as the Global EverGreening Alliance, the Government of Zambia, AFR100, the African Natural Capital Alliance (ANCA), FSD Africa, and the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, marked a significant milestone in the realm of land restoration.

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The conference served as a platform for NGOs, governments, the private sector, and community representatives to convene and deliberate on sustainable solutions for land restoration. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the majestic Victoria Falls, the event provided participants with invaluable insights into the GEA's Restore programs, community-led planning, and innovative carbon offsetting methodologies.

The Accelerating Nature-based Solutions Conference was intended to be an exceptional gathering, bringing together stakeholders from around the world. Its objectives were diverse and included showcasing the tangible impacts of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) through field trips to programs like the Global EverGreening Alliance's Restore Africa initiative. The conference also aimed to advance ongoing discussions and explore new opportunities for NbS land restoration and carbon programs with governments, investors, and donors.

Moreover, it aimed to deepen understanding of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement concerning large-scale land restoration programs and to gather insights from small-scale farmers and beneficiaries about the challenges and incentives related to adopting NbS practices. Additionally, the event highlighted the initiatives and approaches of key development and land restoration stakeholders, while also discussing sustainable financing and employment opportunities for youth in restoration programs.

Thematic Streams:

1. Scaling Nature-based Solutions: This stream focused on streamlining smallholder and pastoralist-led land restoration, addressing barriers, challenges, and transformative impacts. It aimed to engage millions of farmers efficiently, mitigate long-term risks, optimize monitoring and evaluation, and foster collaborative multi-sectoral design processes across diverse landscapes.
2. Policy, Advocacy, and Carbon: Centered on legislation, policy, and carbon, this stream aimed to create supportive environments for NbS and land restoration. It delved into crafting policies to encourage appropriate practices, scaling up initiatives, and facilitating investment. It also explored challenges faced by private and public sector funders, including land and tree tenure, and provided insights into the dynamics driving carbon-related legislation like Article 6.
3. Sustainable Finance and Risk: Dedicated to exploring sustainable finance, risk mitigation, insurance, and various financial instruments, this stream navigated the complexities of financial aspects associated with sustainable initiatives. It examined instruments and modalities, including blended finance, to enhance the financial sustainability of restoration and NbS initiatives.
4. Building Momentum: This theme aimed to build momentum for bold action towards impactful land restoration. Discussions focused on broadening support for initiatives like the EverGreening the Earth Campaign, securing a global pledge on carbon removals, and exploring innovative approaches to enhancing food systems resilience.

These thematic streams offered a comprehensive exploration of key topics critical to accelerating the adoption and scaling of nature-based solutions, providing attendees with opportunities to engage with experts, share insights, and drive meaningful change.

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Viktor Sukau shared his profound insights on the conference and its pivotal role in nature-based solutions. The presentations on the MNG program about sustainable agriculture and poverty alleviation were well-received, garnering positive feedback from attendees. The discussions were fruitful, paving the way for potential global projects aimed at promoting chemical-free farming practices and fostering sustainable land management initiatives worldwide. Engaging with a diverse array of stakeholders, including NGOs, political leaders, and representatives from the private sector, Viktor underscored MNG's unwavering commitment to promoting green solutions in agriculture.

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During the conference, Viktor Sukau had several strategic meetings with influential organizations such as Catholic Relief Services (CRS), the FAO, Pakistan Environment Trust, the World Bank, George Mason University, Inside Climate News, and Grameen Capital India. These discussions explored potential collaborations and projects spanning across Africa, South America, the United States, and India, demonstrating MNG's global reach and impact.

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Looking ahead, MNG is scheduled to participate in the Conservest Africa Meeting, further solidifying our commitment to promoting sustainable agricultural practices in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Additionally, plans are underway to expand our presence in these regions by establishing local offices and recruiting experienced agricultural advisors, reaffirming our dedication to driving positive change on a global scale.

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The Global Land Restoration Conference in Zambia has positioned MNG at the forefront of the agricultural revolution, offering boundless opportunities for meaningful projects that are aligned with our mission of sustainability and environmental stewardship. As we embark on this transformative journey, we remain steadfast in our commitment to nurturing the earth and fostering a greener, healthier future for generations to come.

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