As citizens of the Global South living on the frontlines of some of the planet's most sensitive ecosystems, we see the environmental crisis from a unique perspective. We are certain that governments and corporations alone cannot stop climate change or restore biodiversity. The only true solution lies in all of us working together, united as one global family.

​​​

For this reason, our model responds to a basic question:

​​​

How can we combat climate change, soil degradation, and biodiversity loss from a grassroots, human-centered approach?

​​

Our answer has been the Restorer to Co-Restorer relationship, a partnership where indigenous families, as Restorers, lead ecosystem restoration using their ancestral knowledge and regenerative practices while Co-Restorers from around the world provide the financial resources and support needed to sustain these efforts. This relationship creates a global community united in restoring both ecosystems and human dignity.

​​

Building a Sustainable Future: A 10-Year Plan

​

At Humans for Abundance, our approach is grounded in a 10-year vision that unfolds in carefully designed phases, empowering indigenous and rural communities. Each phase builds upon the previous one, focusing on forest conservation, biodiversity restoration, and sustainable climate change solutions, while addressing socio-economic challenges.

​​

Phase 1: Establishing the Foundations (Years 1 to 2)

​The journey begins by identifying communities ready to transition from destructive practices like monoculture and deforestation to regenerative systems. We form strong partnerships with indigenous and rural communities that are rooted in trust and mutual respect, and we provide economic incentives that allow families to become Ecosystem Restorers.

​

During this phase, we ask "What does it mean to restore ecosystems?"

​

Our activities include:

• Conduct participatory assessments to identify community needs, local biodiversity priorities, and cultural knowledge.

• Build capacity through training programs that blend ancestral knowledge with modern sustainability practices.

• Launch pilot projects focused on small-scale reforestation, regenerative agriculture, and seed banking to demonstrate tangible results and refine methodologies.

​​

Phase 2: Walking the Path (Years 3 to 4)
With the groundwork in place, we work on re-storying identities and healing from a destructive past.

​

In this phase, we ask "What does it mean to re-story identities?"

​

Some activities are:

• Foster a powerful exchange of knowledge and experience by integrating our international education program, Rehearsing Change, which helps uncover and heal historical wounds caused by racism, oppression, and biodiversity loss

• Enhance the connection between Restorers (community members) and Co-Restorers (global supporters) through technology and storytelling, ensuring sustained financial and moral support.

​​

Phase 3: Scaling Impact (Years 5 to 6)

With forests regenerating, we expand our efforts to achieve broader ecological and social impact.

​

This phase raises the question, "How do we link restoration and re-story-ation?" 

​

Activities include:

• Scale up reforestation efforts and transitioning larger areas from monoculture and deforestation to biodiverse food forests.

• Expand educational programs by introducing the Forest School, which equips youth with the skills and knowledge to protect their environment and cultural heritage

​​​

Phase 4: Becoming Community Educators (Years 7 to 8)

As communities take ownership of their restoration projects, we re-imagine our future by training local restorers to be the next generation of educators. They are the ones who train the next community of Restorers. They are the ones who dream about a new world for the next generation. 

​

The overarching question is "What does it mean to re-world our world?

​

Key actions in this phase include:

• Transition leadership of restoration initiatives fully to local community members, supported by ongoing mentorship and resources.

• Develop knowledge, skills and practice in teaching other communities how to transition to a more sustainable livelihood. 

​​​

Phase 5: Community-Led Sustainability (Years 9 to 10)

Having learned through teaching others, communities solidify plans for long-term sustainability and resilience. They realize that the past and the future are interconnected by the seeds we plant together.

​

The question that guides us is "How can we continuously embody being seeds of change?"

​

This phase includes:

• Strengthening local economies by strengthening sustainable livelihoods through diversified regenerative practices, such as agroforestry and eco-tourism.

• Measuring and sharing impact, demonstrating how restored ecosystems, thriving biodiversity, and cultural revitalization contribute to a healthier planet.

​

The End Goal: Thriving Ecosystems and Empowered Communities

By the end of the 10-year cycle, communities will have the tools, knowledge, and networks to sustain their restoration efforts independently. Restored ecosystems will provide critical environmental services, while cultural resilience will ensure the survival of indigenous identities and knowledge-systems. This phased approach creates a replicable model that can be adapted and expanded to other communities, amplifying its global impact.

​​​