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Empowering Africa's Restoration Leaders
NATURAL STATE is establishing the African Centre for Nature Restoration & Resilience (ACNRR) in Kenya- a Global Centre of Excellence designed to strengthen local leadership, unlock access to finance and markets, and support large-scale, locally led restoration across Africa.
At Natural State, our mission is to catalyze large-scale restoration by equipping a new generation of African leaders with the tools, skills, and technology needed to restore land and seascapes- now and for the future. We believe that real, lasting change comes from investing in local talent and supporting Indigenous Peoples and local communities to lead restoration on their own terms.
LOCAL TALENT AS THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND AFRICA'S RESTORATION EFFORTS
In sub-Saharan Africa, Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities already manage around 70% of the land. They are the custodians of vast ecosystems- holding deep, place-based knowledge of what is changing, what is at risk, and what it takes to restore landscapes and livelihoods. Yet too often, they are pushed to the margins of leadership, financing, and decision-making.
As climate and socio-economic pressures accelerate, restoration must scale- urgently, equitably, and sustainably. That means investing in people: practical training, access to the right tools and technologies, and real pathways to finance and markets. When women, youth, and local custodians have what they need to lead, restoration becomes not just possible, but lasting.
The African Centre for Nature Restoration & Resilience
The ACNRR, based in Laikipia, Kenya, is Natural State’s flagship training and innovation hub. It’s designed to anchor our broader mission to provide:
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KNOWLEDGE. Practical, affordable short courses (online and on-site in Laikipia, Kenya) that build real-world skills in restoration, leadership, organisational development, and market access.
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SKILLS. Best practices, toolkits, and learning resources that help practitioners apply what works and adapt to emerging threats- paired with an on-site hub that centres Indigenous and local knowledge and supports shared learning.
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NETWORKS. A vibrant community of restoration professionals across Africa, facilitated by our partner WildHub, built for lifelong peer support, knowledge sharing, and collaboration.
Graduates Will Gain
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Leadership and governance skills to build strong organizations
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Practical expertise in restoring land and coastal areas
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Tools to design and implement investable restoration projects
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Knowledge to monitor, evaluate, and scale impact
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Access to markets and finance for long-term success
Why It Matters
Nature restoration won’t scale without skilled, empowered local leaders. By investing in people through ACNRR, Natural State is building the foundation for Africa’s nature-positive economy- creating jobs, attracting investment, and delivering measurable benefits for people, nature, and climate.
Want to learn more about upcoming courses, scholarship opportunities, and how you can be part of Africa’s restoration future?
EDUCATION PARTNERS
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