November 15, 2023 — The Landscape Partnership Asia (LPA) Technical Partners Roundtable Dialogue (RTD) has emerged as a pivotal moment in the journey towards restoring drylands and drought-prone areas. Held as a parallel event during the Forest and Landscape Restoration (FLR) Investment Forum on November 15, 2023, this dialogue marked an unprecedented gathering of minds and institutions dedicated to restoring drylands, supporting national and international goals on sustainable development. Supported by the LPA management team comprising Asian Forest Cooperation Organization (AFoCO), Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF), International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and Global Evergreening Alliance (GEA), alongside esteemed technical partners such as Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), Non-Timber Forest Products – Exchange Programme (NTFP-EP), International Institute of Rural Reconstruction (IIRR), and other passionate representatives keen on contributing to the LPA’s vision, the roundtable boasted a carefully crafted agenda.
Progress of LPA / Introduction of LPA management team & technical partners
Led by Dr. Satrio Adi Wicaksono, Programme Officer at IUCN, the RTD commenced with a brief introduction of the participants, and objectives of the dialogue. Mr. Sunpil Jin, Vice Executive Director of AFoCO, delivered the opening remarks, sketching a visionary canvas that outlined the dialogue’s objectives and expectations. Dr. Kikang Bae, Strategic Planning Team Leader at AFoCO, then presented on LPA’s progress, milestones achieved and ongoing endeavors propelling the LPA’s mission forward. Subsequently, representatives from each management team provided a brief overview of their organization.
The stage then saw a convergence of insights as representatives from SEI, NTFP-EP, IIRR, and other participants shared glimpses of their FLR work and activities. Each presentation illuminated a unique facet of dryland restoration, underscoring the diversity of approaches and the richness of collaborative potential within the Landscape Partnership Asia (LPA).
Discussion on area of collaboration and partnerships, way forward
Delia Catacutan, Principal Scientist from CIFOR-ICRA, led the discussion on ways to collaborate and forge partnerships.. Themes of mutual cooperation, shared resources, and leveraging collective strengths resonated throughout the room, emphasizing the dedication to harnessing synergies for impactful action.
As the dialogue peaked, Brenna Moore, Senior Advisor for Grants & Partnerships from GEA stepped into the spotlight for the summary and expressions of gratitude. Her reflections captured the heart of our shared conversation, highlighting the invaluable contributions and the collaborative spirit that filled the event.
The Roundtable Dialogue (RTD) sparked a collaborative journey, fostering vital conversations and connections that set the stage for future partnerships. These discussions laid the groundwork for innovative strategies, emphasizing shared responsibilities in the pursuit of dryland restoration. As the inaugural dialogue draws to a close, it leaves behind a platform for joint action and transformation in restoring drylands and drought-prone areas. The future holds promise, with vibrant landscapes nurtured by collaborative efforts. These efforts originated from spirited discussions and commitments made during this dialogue, paving the way for collective action towards landscape sustainability.
Contributed by Hyungmin Kim, Assistant Program Officer, Strategic Planning Team
