Each year Global Greengrants Fund makes over 700 grants to environmental activists around the world, helping to support grassroots initiatives to protect the planet and the rights of the people who call these natural places home. We wish we could share every single story with you. Here are three exciting projects we’ve supported recently.
Ghana: Youth-Led Initiative to Halt a Coal Power Plant
In its quest to meet increasing electricity demands, the Ghanaian government recently published a notice of intent to establish a coal-fired power plant in a region rich in biodiversity and home to many rare species and birds. The coal plant will damage air quality, produce acid rain, destroy wildlife habitat, and pollute local drinking water. Ghana-Reducing our Carbon (G-ROC), a youth organization, is using a $6,300 grant to expose the plant’s negative environmental impact, scrutinize every step of the permitting process, and make sure the plant adheres to environmental and social due diligence.
Kazakhstan: Achieving a Toxin-Free Future
In an effort to achieve a future free of toxic chemicals and pesticides for people in Kazakhstan, Greenwomen Public Association, an organization that provides support for women environmental journalists, is using a grant to raise awareness of highly hazardous pesticides. Their campaign will help officials and the public better understand the health risks of chemicals in food. Greenwomen will also produce a leaflet highlighting endocrine disrupting chemicals, which are linked to cancer, birth defects, and other developmental disorders.
Malaysia: Designating a State Park
The Segari Melintang Forest Reserve is a coastal forest in western Malaysia. It is home to critically endangered Malayan sun bears, Sunda pangolins, White-rumped Sharmas, one of the last remaining turtle nesting areas in the state, and a thriving fishing industry. The area is at risk from industrial sites nearby and likely could lose its protected status without warning. Persatuan Aktivis Sahabat Alam will use $5,000 grant to establish a campaign to designate the reserve as a state park. The group plans to host a public forum to present its case and gain support from fishing communities, NGOs, academics, and community leaders. It will also hold meetings with state and federal authorities to present a memorandum for the State Park.
We believe that solutions for lasting change come from people who face challenges to their environments and rights every day. So we support community-based projects that make our world safer, healthier, and more just. To read more about grants we’ve awarded and the groups and individuals who have received them, click here.