Landscape Restoration in Action: 12,948 Bunds and 507 Acres Under Restoration

In September, restoration work took us to Loshaki, Tabarua, Loika, Nosirai, Lorubae, Noloroi, Shulmai, Maiyanat and Tiamamut sites, specifically targeting to address some of the pressures affecting the landscape, including soil erosion, water runoff, land degradation and invasive species.

The restoration activities included the construction and repair of 12,948 semi-circular bunds covering 507.3 acres, alongside grass reseeding, gully rehabilitation and invasive species removal.

Figures from the consolidated activities

In the Loshaki site, the process involved identifying suitable locations for the semi-circular bunds and marking the areas where the structures were to be dug. Community members then used the available hand tools to dig the bunds and shape them into the required semi-circular form.

The bunds were arranged across the restoration areas in a way that allows them to intercept and slow down surface runoff. During rainfall, the structures are expected to hold back water and sediment, allowing more water to infiltrate into the soil rather than being lost through runoff.

At the same time, planning and preparation for Elnino was undertaken to support the next stages of the restoration.

In Tiamamut, the existing semicircular bunds were first assessed to identify damaged, eroded, or weakened sections to inform required repairs. After repair and construction, grass seeds were reseeded inside the semicircular bunds. This was intended to utilize the water and soil retained by the bunds and support the establishment of vegetation.

Lorubae on the other hand has undergone targeted soil and water conservation interventions to address gully erosion, improve water retention, reduce runoff impacts and support landscape recovery. Two principal restoration approaches—semi-circular bunds (SCBs) and stone lining, supported by trenches—were applied. Stone lining has also been positively received as a suitable technique for gully healing at the site, with observed impacts related to water retention and sediment capture.

In Nooloroi, an important component of the rehabilitation process was strengthening the relationship between established and newly established grass banks. The community recognized that grass banks can provide an important source of pasture and grass seed, support vegetation recovery and act as demonstration sites for improved rangeland management. Particular attention was given to the newly established women's grass bank which was recognized as an important demonstration and learning site.

In Mayianat conservancy where the removal of invasive species has been intensified, the conservancy management will implement a combination of both mechanized and manual species removal approaches, to speed up the clearance process, and develop a phased Opuntia management plan covering priority areas across the conservancy.

In the coming days, the focus will be on the protection of reseeded and cleared areas from uncontrolled grazing for at least one to two growing seasons, as well as follow-up clearing to prevent invasive species from returning. Similarly, approaches that have worked at Tabarua and Loika sites will be scaled to other degraded areas.