It has been confirmed that Tony Rinaudo, Chief Climate Action Advisor at the Australian international NGO World Vision, will visit Japan in October. Rinaudo is widely recognized for advocating a community-led approach to ecological restoration and for his contributions to reforesting areas around the world. During his visit, a film screening focusing on his life’s work and a symposium will be held in Nakano, Tokyo.
Who is “The Forest Maker” Tony Rinaudo?
In the 1980s, while conducting tree-planting activities in Niger, Africa, Tony Rinaudo discovered the existence of a “subterranean forest.” Based on this discovery, he established a “community-led natural regeneration approach” that emphasizes the agency of local residents and harnesses nature’s regenerative powers. Without planting a single tree, this approach has succeeded in restoring forests across 6 million hectares of land. His method enables low-cost and sustainable reforestation, and is now implemented in 26 countries.
Rinaudo’s approach has garnered worldwide recognition and was selected as a United Nations flagship initiative. On October 10, a documentary film highlighting his achievements, titled The Forest Maker, will be screened. The film portrays how his efforts in Africa spread across the globe. Following the screening, there will be a talk session featuring Tony Rinaudo himself, along with LiLiCo, a film commentator and child sponsor.
This event will be held at the Harmony Hall in Nakano-Sakaue, and although pre-registration is required, participation is free. This will be a valuable opportunity to learn how community-led ecological restoration has transformed societies through Rinaudo’s life work.
On October 11, a symposium will be held on the theme of climate change and its impact on developing countries, along with countermeasures. In addition to Tony Rinaudo’s keynote speech, representatives from JICA and companies will introduce their initiatives. A panel discussion is also planned, where participants will exchange ideas on specific methods of forest restoration and the role of international cooperation.
As global warming progresses, Rinaudo’s activities serve as an important model for building a sustainable future. His visit to Japan will provide a chance for us to reflect on what we can do for the future.
[Homepage for the October 10 event here]
[Homepage for the October 11 event here]