Emily Davila

If you drink a glass of water in Mexico City, you should know that its journey probably began in the watershed of the Amanalco Valle Bravo Basin. Sixty percent of the land that supports this water supply is owned by communities and cooperatives of family farmers. Sustainable land management is critical to protect this vital water supply.

In India, millions of the poorest and vulnerable people make their living on common land. But nearly one-third of land in India is degraded and common lands face many pressures including: loss of ground cover, falling water tables and declining soil fertility.

Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration has made a tremendous impact across swaths of West and East Africa where trees had been cleared for agriculture. Now through proper pruning and protection, these trees could grow back, and in turn support entire ecosystem and increase food production.