CALM 2 launched to restore landscapes, secure land rights, and boost rural incomes
Photo: World Bank / Zena Afework
NDF has committed a total of USD 9.85 million to the Second Community Action for Landscape Management Program (CALM 2) to strengthen climate resilience in Ethiopia.
Ethiopia has launched the Second Community Action for Landscape Management Program (CALM 2), a USD 1.03 billion initiative that will restore degraded land, strengthen climate resilience, secure land tenure, and expand market opportunities for rural communities across the country's highland regions. The program is supported by the World Bank Group and development partners, including NDF.
“We are pleased to contribute to this important programme in the Ethiopian highlands supporting sustainable landscape management. We particularly welcome the opportunity to join forces with the Ethiopian government in strengthening the capacity to register and market the carbon credits generated through the interventions of CALM 2, while ensuring that farmers on the ground receive a fair share of the benefits,” says Morten Holm van Donk, Program Manager at NDF.
Scaling proven solutions for climate resilience
CALM 2, which builds on the achievements of the first Climate Action through Landscape Management (CALM) program, places a stronger emphasis on markets and private investment to ensure that environmental gains translate into lasting economic opportunities.
By September 2025, CALM had brought more than 2.56 million hectares under sustainable landscape management, issued over 8.8 million land certificates, created more than 1.1 million jobs, and benefited over 11.5 million people.
Over the next five years, CALM 2 will operate in 556 woredas across 11 regions. By 2031, the program aims to bring 4.5 million hectares under sustainable land management, register 2,000 watersheds with community cooperatives and approved management plans, and create 865,000 additional and improved jobs, with women and youth among the primary beneficiaries.
Mr. Michael Tesfaye Gudeta, National Coordinator of the CALM Program, underscored the importance of partnership and collective action in achieving lasting landscape restoration outcomes:
“CALM showed that lasting results are achieved when communities, government, and development partners work together. CALM 2 will build on that success to expand restoration, strengthen livelihoods, and deliver sustainable benefits for future generations,” he said.
Mr. Michael Tesfaye Gudeta, National Coordinator of the CALM Program. Photo: World Bank
Nordic climate leadership through collective action
The Nordic countries have made strong commitments to international climate action. As their joint climate and development finance institution, NDF helps translate this shared ambition into practical solutions by mobilising climate financing as a co-financier; underpinned by strong commitments to biodiversity and sustainable development. With a shared emphasis on multilateralism, innovation, and valuesdriven approaches, the Nordics play an active role in advancing solutions that address the climate and nature crises together.
CALM 2 demonstrates this approach in practice. By working alongside the Government of Ethiopia, the World Bank, the Climate Investment Funds (CIF), the Scaling Climate Action by Lowering Emissions (SCALE) Fund, and the Enhancing Access to Benefits while Lowering Emissions (ENABLE) Program, we support a large-scale programme designed to strengthen climate resilience and create inclusive economic opportunities in Sub-Saharan Africa.
“NDF sees the CALM 2 interventions as an opportunity to foster collective action among the Nordic countries and strengthen their collaboration with Ethiopian government counterparts on climate and environmental issues,” Morten Holm van Donk adds.
The launch of CALM 2 took place in Addis Ababa on October 19, 2026. Photo: World Bank