Faith institutions bring unique assets to ecosystem restoration, controlling 8% of global habitable land according to the World Resources Institute and possessing extensive educational networks. Their distinctive strengths include framing restoration as spiritual-environmental transformation, maintaining multi-generational commitments, and mobilizing communities through religious infrastructure like sacred lands and pilgrimage routes.

WWF’s Beliefs & Values Programme are the lead knowledge partners for this advanced masterclass that will equip faith leaders and faith-based organizations with practical knowledge, skills, and resources to implement effective land restoration initiatives on faith-owned lands. The aim is to scale land restoration by faith actors by leveraging their distinctive capabilities and extensive networks.

The 3-day course in London will cover:

• Technical Capacity Building: Practical land restoration methods—such as assisted natural regeneration, agroforestry, sustainable agriculture, soil and water conservation, and reforestation with native species—which can offer impactful, scalable, and context-appropriate solutions for faith-based institutions with access to community networks and land
• Resource Mobilization and Partnerships: Strategies for accessing funding and building partnerships specifically designed for land restoration initiatives by faith actors
• Community Mobilization: Methods for engaging congregations and communities in sustainable ecosystem care through faith networks
• Monitoring & Impact Assessment: Tailored approaches for tracking restoration progress that combine ecological and spiritual metrics
• Leadership Development: Building capacity of faith leaders to advocate for and implement land restoration at scale

Participants will develop tailored land restoration plans for their faith-owned lands and join a global network of faith practitioners for ongoing support and knowledge exchange. The masterclass aims to unlock the transformative potential of religious institutions in achieving global restoration goals.

Ready to Apply?

Complete this application form to be considered for this unique opportunity to strengthen your faith community’s contribution to global restoration efforts. Space is limited, and early applications are encouraged.

Read more about the masterclass

APPLICATION DEADLINE

The deadline for submissions is 18 July 2025.

Banner image by UNCCD/G20 Global Land Initiative