It is an understatement to say that 2020 has been a uniquely challenging year. While increasing availability of Covid-19 vaccines provide some promise that the now year-long pandemic may finally be coming to an end, it is clear that this disaster will have far-reaching impacts on our economies, cultures, and the natural world we share. And it is heartening to see increasing numbers of world leaders pledging that our response to this crisis must also address the underlying causes of the pandemic, including the need to restore, “build back better,” and protect the natural systems that sustain all life.

That is why initiatives like The Restoration Initiative (TRI) are so important, and why we are happy to present this second annual, TRI 2020 Year in Review. Inside you will find stories and experiences from the past year of people working on the front lines of restoration – partners in this path-breaking Global Environment Facility (GEF) programme supporting ten Asian and African countries in achieving shared restoration goals.