2025 marks a year of transition for 1000 Landscapes for 1 Billion People as Dr. Sara Scherr steps down as co-chair of the 1000L steering committee. As one of the driving forces behind the initiative, Scherr spent the last five years expanding the global landscape movement by championing locally led innovation and collaborative action. She also stepped down as president and CEO of EcoAgriculture Partners, one of 1000L’s co-leading organizations.
Under her leadership, the 1000L initiative grew to include over 40 partners from sectors including sustainable development, conservation, civil society, and business across six continents. Together, the team built momentum for sustainable landscapes worldwide through collaborative research on integrated landscape management (ILM) and the emerging field of landscape finance. The initiative also delivered a series of essential resources for landscape leaders, including the Practical Guide for ILM, the Landscape Finance Accelerator, and a suite of more than 30 accessible tools and resources to support landscape partnerships in advancing the movement.
“Sara has spent countless years growing and building global buy-in for landscapes, long before others prioritized them as they are today in global conservation,” said Virginia Foster, director of landscape programs at the Rainforest Alliance and 1000L steering committee member. “I am grateful to have worked with her for over six years on 1000 Landscapes for 1 Billion People and admiringly watched her grow the initiative from an idea into an inspiring reality. Sara’s excitement, faith, and belief in landscapes as an intervention will have a long-lasting positive impact on the world and future generations.”
EcoAgriculture Partners’ new interim CEO, Graham Wood, will replace Scherr as the 1000L steering committee co-chair. Wood, who has over 30 years of experience in sustainable development, nonprofit management, and alliance-building, will continue to advance the initiative’s mission in partnership with a growing cohort of partners worldwide.
Scherr will remain on the board of EcoAgriculture Partners and continue championing 1000L’s work through independent research, engagement with landscape leaders, and advocacy for sustainable landscapes.
“It is extraordinary to see how this global coalition of such diverse landscape leaders and champions has transformed over the last five years,” said Scherr. “1000L has forged a common vision, an impressive set of practical resources for action, and a coherent strategy for advancing the landscape movement. I am confident that Graham will provide strong leadership as 1000L expands the partnership, broadens its governance, and deepens its programs to mobilize collaborative action at scale.”
For more information, please visit www.landscapes.global or contact Tom Miewald, director of programs, at tmiewald@ecoagriculture.org.
