Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI)

Gender equality and social inclusion are essential to achieving long-lasting ecosystem restoration. The GEF Ecosystem Restoration Integrated Program (ERIP) ensures that restoration strategies include the voices, rights, and leadership of women, youth, Indigenous Peoples, and local communities across its 20 participating countries. By involving everyone, ERIP builds stronger, fairer, and more sustainable solutions for nature. 

Photo credit: © FLAVIO FORNER

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Why GESI Matters

Gender equality and social inclusion are key to solving global environmental challenges. Research shows that when women and marginalized groups are involved in managing natural resources, projects are more effective and sustainable. In ecosystem restoration, their knowledge and leadership help tackle climate change, protect biodiversity, and support community development. The GEF Ecosystem Restoration Integrated Program (ERIP) brings this to life by ensuring that women, youth, Indigenous Peoples, and local communities lead and benefit from restoration efforts —creating fairer, stronger, and longer-lasting results for people and the planet. 

Photo credit: © Jessica Scranton

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ERIP’s Role & Strategy

The ERIP supports countries and partners in advancing gender equality and social inclusion through a collaborative, action-driven approach. ERIP helps build capacity by fostering a global community of practice where restoration practitioners share experiences, challenges, and solutions. This network strengthens local leadership and ensures restoration efforts reflect diverse voices and needs. 

To drive impact, ERIP offers global networking opportunities, resource platforms, and practical tools to help integrate GESI into restoration planning and implementation. It also provides tangible, real-world examples of GESI in action—showcasing how inclusive approaches lead to better outcomes. 

Photo credit: © Thomas Muller

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Our Vision for Success

- Inclusive leadership and decision-making in ecosystem restoration 

- Equitable restoration benefits and enhanced community resilience 

- Stronger, more sustainable restoration  

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Looking Ahead

Gender equality & social inclusion is central to ERIP’s vision of building a global movement for ecosystem restoration. As a coordinated effort to scale up restoration, ERIP recognizes that lasting impact depends on including everyone – especially women, youth, Indigenous Peoples, and local communities. ERIP’s strong GESI approach is a driver of innovation, resilience, and long-term impact.   

ERIP works with and through a wide range of partners to ensure restoration is inclusive, effective, and scalable. By drawing on diverse knowledge and leadership, restoration becomes more resilient and rooted in local realities. GESI also helps build stronger community ownership, helping efforts last and grow. Through practical tools, peer learning, and global platforms, the ERIP helps countries and partners to embed GESI into restoration efforts – laying the groundwork for ecosystems and communities to recover, adapt, and flourish in a changing climate.

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