The Wyss Academy applies a systems-thinking approach that views livelihood activities as catalysts for change, enabling sustainable and regenerative land-use practices. Rather than seeing livelihoods as an end, we focus on empowering marginalized groups, such as youth and women, to create eco-friendly bio-enterprises that support both ecosystem restoration and economic opportunities for local communities. This holistic approach integrates product and business model innovation, market development, and demand stimulation, forging private sector partnerships to enhance local value addition and strengthen market linkages. By establishing a Non-Timber Forest Product (NTFP), or natural resource-based livelihood, network across regional stewardship hubs and leveraging the Innovation Fund and Lab, the Wyss Academy aims to expand its private sector collaborations, creating dedicated platforms to foster partnerships and provide incubators for ideation and development initiatives. 

As part of the ideation and development activities, two pilot sites are being established in Oldonyiro and Naibunga as sustainable models for rangeland health, governance, and economic resilience.  The foundation of these models lies in fostering peaceful coexistence, enhancing collaboration and decision-making among youth and women’s groups, strengthening their capacity and cohesion to support the development of innovative income-generating activities that integrate environmental restoration and community-led governance for long-term impact and scalability. 

This project seeks to pilot an integrated approach that combines rangeland restoration with sustainable and regenerative livelihood activities, aiming to reduce pressure on natural resources while enhancing ecosystem resilience and health.  Specifically, we are assisting with the creation of one women-led and one youth-led ecological start-up focusing on land restoration. Related activities include business plan development, capacity building, facilitation of market access, and implementation of small-scale solar energy usage.