This project supported Ethiopia’s Forest Sector Transformation Unit (FSTU) to integrate social inclusion into national forest programs, including the Climate Resilient Forest Livelihoods (CRFL) and REDD+ Investment Plan (RIP). Funded by Denmark, GGGI provided technical assistance through a Social Inclusion Advisor embedded within the Environment, Forest and Climate Change Commission. The project strengthened participatory forest management, improved inclusion of women and disadvantaged groups, and enhanced institutional capacity at national and sub-national levels. By promoting equitable access to forest resources and benefits, the project contributed to sustainable livelihoods, reduced deforestation, and improved ecosystem services. 

The project aimed to ensure that Ethiopia’s forest policies and programs fully integrate social inclusion, particularly for women and disadvantaged groups. It sought to strengthen participatory forest management and equitable livelihood opportunities, enabling communities to sustainably manage forest resources while enhancing resilience, conserving ecosystems, and contributing to climate mitigation and green growth. 

Ethiopia faces significant environmental challenges, including deforestation, forest degradation, and climate change impacts such as drought and rainfall variability. These challenges disproportionately affect rural communities that depend on forests for their livelihoods. In response, the government launched initiatives such as the Climate Resilient Forest Livelihoods (CRFL) program and the REDD+ Investment Plan (RIP) to promote sustainable forest management and livelihood diversification. 

Supported by Denmark, the CRFL program emphasized improving incomes and conserving forest resources. However, addressing social inclusion gaps—particularly the participation of women and marginalized groups, remained critical for long-term success. GGGI partnered with the Environment, Forest and Climate Change Commission to provide targeted technical assistance by embedding a Social Inclusion Advisor within the Forest Sector Transformation Unit. This support strengthened institutional capacity and ensured inclusive approaches were integrated into forest management and livelihood interventions at all levels. 

The project strengthened social inclusion in Ethiopia’s forest sector by enhancing participation of women and marginalized groups in participatory forest management. It built institutional capacity, improved awareness, and addressed barriers to equitable benefit-sharing. The initiative also contributed to more inclusive planning and implementation of CRFL and REDD+ programs, supporting sustainable livelihoods, forest conservation, and climate resilience across target regions.