The Desa’a Forest is one of the oldest remaining dry afromontane forests in Ethiopia, and the largest in Tigray and Afar. Directly threatened by desertification, 74% of the Desa’a forest has already disappeared and the remaining 26% are already severely degraded; it is a priority area for conservation by the Ethiopian government. Over 26,000 people that live here below the poverty line; growing crops and farm livestock, they rely completely on the forest for water, energy and to feed their cattle. Agricultural land is scarce with low soil fertility; landlessness particularly affects the youth and the most vulnerable households in the community. The immediate consequence of degradation is erosion of topsoil and the significant reduction of agricultural yields for the smallholders. This is leading to a vicious circle between increasing poverty and forest resources depletion. Even more alarming is the possible long-term impact on local cloud formation and rainfall, causing more frequent droughts and food insecurity. WeForest is working with the local Tigray government to restore thousands of hectares each year. The small area of intact forest is protected and now a precious seed bank for the restoration of surrounding area; local nurseries grow and supply seedlings, communities are engaged in planting, maintenance and assist in building soil and water conservation structures. In return for their participation they receive equipment, training and support to develop new forest-friendly livelihoods such as beekeeping, poultry and small ruminants that will both protect the forest and support the resilience of local communities.