LEAF Ecosystem Restoration Education in Action
Students with their vegetable growing kits in Cyprus (2026)
Our LEAF National Operators in Cyprus, Argentina, Armenia, and Malaysia are bringing Ecosystem Restoration Education (ERE) to life in inspiring and creative ways. From planting native trees and developing agroforestry systems to growing sustainable vegetables, creating environmental sign language, integrating indigenous knowledge, and “adopting” neighbourhood spaces, these projects show that restoration can take many forms.
Part of a global effort led by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), alongside UNESCO and NAAEE, this work supports the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, Education Challenge 6.1, which aims to embed restoration into education systems worldwide by 2030.
Here is an overview of each project:
Teacher Meeting in Argentina to present the Pacha Kuti Project
Argentina – Pacha Kuti
The Pacha Kuti project empowers students and teachers to lead restoration actions such as reforestation and wetland clean-ups. By documenting their impact through youth journalism and integrating indigenous knowledge, schools become active agents of change.
Armenia– Sign4Earth
In Armenia, the project focuses on accessibility by developing environmental sign language for children with hearing disabilities. Combined with hands-on activities like tree planting and ecosystem exploration, students engage with local challenges while building awareness, inclusion, and a stronger connection to nature.
Students practice new environmental signs as part of the Sign4Earth Project
Students practice new environmental signs as part of the Sign4Earth Project
Teachers receive their Forest investigation kits in Cyprus
Cyprus – Join the Forest Bureau of Investigation
In Cyprus, teachers and students become “forest investigators”, exploring ecosystems with field kits and school activities. They also adopt and restore green neighbourhood spaces and grow their own vegetables, connecting ecosystem restoration and sustainability
Malaysia – Roots of Regeneration
In Malaysia, schools are transforming degraded spaces into agroforestry gardens that mimic natural ecosystems. Through planting, monitoring, and storytelling, students turn their schools into living laboratories for ecosystem restoration.
Each project is a perfect example on how we can combine hands-on action with local community impact, helping to nurture healthier ecosystems while building stronger and more resilient communities. Stay tuned for more updates as project activities continue to grow and evolve throughout the year!