Each year Global Greengrants Fund makes over 800 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. Here are three exciting projects we’ve supported this month.
Peru: Indigenous Women Lead a Fight against Overexploitation
In the Peruvian Amazon, an indigenous community known as the Kusu Kubaim is striving to protect its forest from overexploitation and the impact of extractive industries. A local community organization, called The Group of Ceramist Awajun Mothers of the Kusu Kubaim Community, will use $5,000 to create spaces for collective discussion – with the goal of implementing sustainable alternatives to extractive industries. As a result of their efforts, 23 families in the community will participate in reforestation efforts which will benefit the broader community.
Vanuatu: Educating to Preserve Coral Ecosystems
When Tropical Cyclone Cook hit Vanuatu in April of 2017, the devastating storm caused extensive damage to food and cash crops, as well as local livelihoods, in the South Malekula community. Using $15,000, local volunteer group Island Reach will educate locals about the benefits of marine protected areas and natural resource management – specifically the vital role coral ecosystems play in protecting communities against natural disasters. Through networking, knowledge sharing, and encouraging women’s participation, Island Reach hopes to protect and restore their local coral reef over time.
Yemen: A Solar Movement
In Yemen, local ecosystems are currently under threat due to a reliance on oil for electricity production. While locals have discovered alternative methods of electricity generation such as solar, a lack of government support has prevented these methods from implementation on a broad scale. Using $5,000, the Studies and Economic Media Center will use media as a platform for change, ultimately launching a policy proposal for solar energy. By communicating the importance of environmental protection in Yemen, as well as providing actionable solutions to do so, the Studies and Economic Media Center hopes to gain public and government support for community-led sustainability practices.
We believe solutions to environmental harm and social injustice come from people whose lives are most impacted. Every day, our global network of people on the frontlines and donors comes together to support communities to protect their ways of life and our planet. Because when local people have a say in the health of their food, water, and resources, they are forces for change. Want to be a part of this change? Make a gift today and support community-led environmental justice worldwide.
Photo: Elizabeth Weber