The project is the collaboration between 7 partner universities including University of Helsinki (Finland), Albert-Ludwigs- Universität Freiburg (Germany),  Patuakhali Science and Technology University and Rangamati Science and Technology University (Bangladesh),  Hue University, Tay Nguyen University, Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry (Vietnam).

The project’s general objective is to strengthen the capacity of partner HEIs in Bangladesh and Vietnam to contribute to well-functioning, relevant and accessible Forest Landscape Restoration education to meet the needs of graduates and employers, and for the broader benefit of the environment and society. Another overarching objective is the inclusion of practical elements and components (e.g., research, fieldwork, and case studies) in the courses and curricula, since practical experiences are key to ensure a successful, sustainable learning process. For those case studies (and also regarding their importance for the challenge of forest restoration), the inclusion of partners from industry and the private sector is especially important, given their significance for the economy (investments and innovation) as well as their importance as generators of jobs. Case studies and research as integral parts of the curriculum shall be designed as important steps towards the establishment of strategic partnerships between the Partner HEIs, and the public and the private sector. Improved alignment of the education sector with the private sector also aims to improve job opportunities for graduates, especially for women and marginalized people.

With the approach, the project aims to empower an ever-increasing number of students with a broad range and depth of restoration-related knowledge and skills to make a positive contribution to the needs of society. Thus, domestic capacity to incorporate FLR into sustainable management of natural resources will be improved, both for the benefit of the local people and the environment, while at the same time enabling Bangladesh and Vietnam to effectively respond and contribute to the relevant international processes and 21^st century global challenges.