Tony Rinaudo

Real Life With John Cowan

Meet Tony Rinaudo, also known as ‘The Forest Maker’! As World Vision’s Principal Climate Action Advisor, Tony has revolutionized reforestation with his groundbreaking approach, Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR).

In 1981, Tony and his wife Liz arrived at the edge of the Sahara, determined to plant trees. Despite numerous challenges, Tony discovered the power of FMNR—a method that regrows trees using existing root networks rather than starting from seeds. This innovative technique has restored millions of hectares of land in Niger and is now used in 25 countries across Africa and Asia.

Tony’s journey and the incredible impact of FMNR are detailed in his book, The Forest Underground: Hope for a Planet in Crisis. This inspiring story showcases how Tony’s sustainable land management system is transforming landscapes and lives, proving that hope and renewal are possible even in the most challenging environments.

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