From September 1-3, the “Restoring the Land, Protecting the Climate” workshop, organised by the World Council of Churches (WCC), convened in Limuru, Kenya, bringing together faith leaders, climate advocates, and agricultural and forestry experts.

The event explored how churches can spearhead sustainable land restoration and climate resilience efforts.

Athena Peralta, director of the WCC Commission on Climate Justice and Sustainable Development, highlighted the church’s essential role as environmental custodians. “Churches are uniquely positioned to bring hope and transformation. By integrating care for the land and all creation into our faith and actions, we can respond to the climate crisis in ways that promote the livelihoods of the socio-economically vulnerable and uphold the dignity of life,” Peralta stated.

Workshop participants shared knowledge on land use, climate mitigation, and adaptation strategies. A key achievement of the gathering was the creation of a network of churches dedicated to promoting climateresilient farming and sustainable land use and restoration practices.

Rev Jotham Odari of Kenya underscored the influence of churches in shaping climate action policies: “Churches play a vital role in advocacy, pushing for policy changes in agricultural practices and ensuring climate-resilient approaches are embraced by both communities and policymakers.”

One highlight of the workshop was a visit to a Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) site in Nakuru, where participants witnessed the transformative potential of faith-based land restoration. Sally, a local farmer, shared how adopting FMNR techniques allowed her to sustain her family and provide education for her son, who lives with a disability. Her farm, now thriving with indigenous trees, vegetables, and livestock, exemplifies how simple, sustainable practices can create lasting change.

The workshop also showcased global faith-based initiatives, such as the Ethiopian Orthodox Church’s conservation efforts across 35,000 monasteries and the Anglican Communion Forest’s global reforestation projects. (WCC)