Scaling Rangeland Restoration In Drylands Through Synergies In The Biodiversity-Water-Climate Nexus
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU)
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Abstract: This paper introduces "Restore4More," a science-based initiative tackling degradation in East African drylands. It addresses the biodiversity-water-climate nexus using five interlinked work packages focused on Earth observation, restoration science, and stakeholder engagement. Activities include participatory platforms like Livestock Cafés, citizen science, and long-term monitoring sites in Turkana and West Pokot counties. The project emphasizes restoring ecosystem services, reducing climate risks, and embedding resilience within agro-pastoralist livelihoods. It also explores landscape typologies, climatic vulnerabilities, and knowledge co-production between researchers and local communities. This research is particularly relevant for improving adaptation strategies, conservation policy, and land restoration programs under Kenya's County Climate Change Funds and National Adaptation Plan.