Restoring landscapes is about more than just rejuvenating the earth — it is about nurturing biodiversity, providing food security, and uplifting communities. But these efforts can take many years to bear fruit and don’t promise quick profits, which can deter investors. That’s where governments come in. Unlike private investors, they can invest the time and resources needed to bring these projects to life.

However, even governments face their own set of challenges when it comes to creating effective restoration policies. Some struggle to develop a clear vision, while others wrestle with poor coordination among their institutions. Sometimes, even the best policies fail to make a real impact because they aren’t effectively communicated to local communities or don’t translate into action on the ground. Limited funding and incentives that unintentionally encourage deforestation can also slow progress.

Enter the Landscape Policy Accelerator, a program designed to overcome these obstacles. By partnering with governments, it provides valuable policy expertise and data-driven insights, helping to shape effective restoration strategies. The Accelerator also creates a space for government leaders to learn from one another, sharing ideas and experiences. Through this support, the program empowers governments to transform challenges into opportunities that lead to landscape restoration.

Core Offers

  1. Addressing Complexity in Landscape Restoration: Landscape restoration is nuanced, requiring a deep understanding of the biophysical conditions and coordination across multiple sectors. The Accelerator works with governments, research institutions, key stakeholders, and local communities to create tailored, data-driven plans that address the unique conditions of each landscape.
  2. Overcoming Market Failures: Restoration is costly and offers limited financial benefits for landholders, discouraging private investors from getting involved. The Landscape Policy Accelerator partners with governments to create effective policies that incentivize restoration, catalyzing finance and encouraging broader participation in restoration efforts.
  3. Expertise and Support: The Accelerator brings together leading ecologists, economists, and financial experts to share their knowledge and mentor government leaders. Participants also gain access to data, analyses, and knowledge networks, enhancing their ability to develop and implement cost-effective policies.
2017 landscape restoration course students are given a history lesson on the restoration process taking place in Cantonal Hojancha.
2017 landscape restoration course students are given a history lesson on the restoration process taking place in Cantonal Hojancha. Photo by Aaron Minnick

Global Impact

Since its inception in 2020, the Landscape Policy Accelerator has made significant strides in Latin America, supporting Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Mexico. Building on these successes, the program expanded to Africa and Indonesia in 2023, adapting to the unique needs of different regions, countries, and landscapes while maintaining a consistent overall design. By fostering collaboration and innovation, the Landscape Policy Accelerator aims to create a sustainable future through effective restoration policies.

The Landscape Policy Accelerator is supported by Cargill and the World Bank Food Systems, Land Use and Restoration (FOLUR) Impact Program. The HSBC Climate Solutions Partnership finances work in Mexico, El Salvador, and Indonesia through its NBS Policy Accelerator.