During the 2022–2025 programme period, Siemenpuu supported altogether 66 projects carried out by CSOs and environmental defenders in the Global South. 61 completed projects are included in this results page. Below the results summary table, you will find information on the evaluation of the Kenya cooperation, as well as summaries of all projects completed between 2022 and 2025, grouped by funding category.
The intended impact of the 2022–2025 program was to improve equal opportunities for the people reached in the program’s target areas to develop sustainable living conditions and means of livelihood, as well as to participate in decision-making that affects the state of their environment.
The program’s results contribute to the realization of this development. While the results reinforce one another, the most significant ones are the empowered and strengthened local communities and civic movements across the program’s four environmental themes. As Finnish actors, it is also our responsibility to work toward strengthening Finland’s global accountability. For the necessary changes to eliminate inequality and promote sustainable development to take place, Finland, too, must change.
The intended outputs that contribute to the project funding’s outcomes are generated through the activities of projects planned and implemented by civil society organizations in the South and funded by Siemenpuu.
Both the outcomes and the outputs belong to the project implementers: Siemenpuu contributes to their realization by providing financial support to the projects and by promoting networking as well as mutual learning and information exchange.
Result summary 2022-2025
| Desired changes | Indicators and target level | Result 2022-2025 |
| Communities’ climate resilience has strengthened and they – have benefited from new land/forest/seed use or management rights – have received new clean energy services and reduced the use of fossil fuels and firewood – have benefited from new sustainable use plans and biocultural community protocols – have benefited from new know-how in agroecological farming and natural product processing, as well as new production tools | Number of people, whose sustainable livelihoods and ways of living have been strengthened (incl. women, persons with disability, indigenous peoples) Target: 125,000 people (of which 60% women) | Altogether 263,906 persons – women at least 52 % of them – persons with disabilities at least 11 % of them – indigenous peoples at least 21 % of them |
| Duty bearers act for the realization of environmental justice, and communities’ environmental justice initiatives have progressed | Number of implemented policy initiatives Target: 3 | 2 successful community policy inititiatives |
| New forested areas have been included in community-based sustainable use and protection | Hectares of forest land, for which a collective rights permit or protection status has been given Target: 1,250 ha | 22,758 hectares |
| Civic movements and their cooperation and networking have strengthened locally and globally to promote environmental justice | – Number of CSOs participating in the project implementation (Target: 120) – Number of supported environmental human rights defenders (Target: 120) – % of partners have cooperation across regions or sectors (Target: 50%) – % of projects having disabled people as participants and beneficiaries (Target: 100%) – % of partner organisations have women in leadership position (Target: 100%) | – 624 CSOs participated in project implementation – 240 supported environmental human rights defenders – 66 % of partners reported about increased cooperation – 56 % of projects included disabled actors and beneficiaries – 95 % of partner organisations had women in leadership positions |
| Finns have acted more to promote global justice | – Number of new donors to Siemenpuu’s work – % of Siemenpuu followers, readers and event participants, who benefit from information and have changed their behaviour | – 256 new donors – Around 95 % of those who gave feedback benefited from the information from Siemenpuu. No enough data from questionnaires |
Independent evaluation of Siemenpuu Foundation’s programme 2022-2025 in Kenya shows that the programme has contributed to tangible and sustainable results. The evaluation findings confirm that the Kenya Programme was relevant in its targeting of marginalised indigenous groups, its responsiveness to the needs and priorities of Indigenous Peoples, and its focus on addressing the implementation gaps of the existing legal and policy frameworks.
Project summaries
Biocultural Rights theme
Energy Justice theme
Feminist Agroecology theme
Community Forests theme
Biocultural Rights theme
| Organisation Å (Myanmar): Preserving ethnic customary land and natural resources management to ensure economic, social and culture rights. Project duration 25 months, Siemenpuu support € 45,000 | The goal of the project was to gather information about the legal status of Myanmar’s indigenous communities and the structures of natural resource management and the pressures on them. Both the Covid pandemic and the 2021 military coup made it difficult to implement the project, but the project implementers were able to collect a lot of material and prepare two background analyzes related to the land and natural resource management rights of indigenous peoples. These were delivered to the UN special rapporteur who investigated the human rights situation in Myanmar and the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Partner organisation carried out broad-based cooperation among ethnic groups to support federalist and democratic development after military rule. There were more than 800 people who directly benefited from the project. |
| Organisation Ä (Myanmar): Our future is in the hands of our community. Project duration 19 months, Siemenpuu support € 14,227 | The project provided training to local youth for community forest and rights-related data collection and mapping among indigenous peoples in a district of Shan State. The video production Our resource, our identity and our future was made based on the training. Movement restrictions related to the corona pandemic and the military coup in February 2021 prevented the larger data collection and documentation planned in the communities. The produced video material will be presented and utilized in the villages to support the work done for biocultural rights. |
| Ribdung-Jaleswori Education Foundation (REF)(Nepal): Enhancing knowledge and leadership capacity of youths for appropriate recognition of bio-cultural rights in federal Nepal. Project duration 27 months, Siemenpuu support € 28,000 | Youth and young adults aged 13-35 were trained in the documentation, analysis and information sharing of biocultural conservation practices, and they were involved in the political discussion about conservation through civil society networks. The project focused on four communities participating in ICCA activities (Rai, Bote, Tsumba and Chepang as ethnic groups) in different parts of Nepal. Five ICCA youth groups were established during the project, and young people and youth leaders prepared policy initiatives on biocultural rights and protection at the municipal level. There were about 1,500 direct beneficiaries, of whom about two-thirds were young people and about 40% were women and girls. With the increased knowledge and leadership of young people, the aim is for effective and sustainable biocultural conservation practices and constructive public-administrative debate in federal Nepal. |
| Society for Alternative Learning and Transformation (SALT)(Kenya): Strengthening biocultural rights and cooperation among Tharaka communities in Kenya. Project duration 19 months, Siemenpuu support € 48,500 | According to the mapping done in the project, there are more than 40 sacred natural sites of the Tharaka indigenous community (e.g. forests, waterfalls, wetlands) in their areas. The Tharakas documented their traditional management bylaws and mechanisms and did lobbying work with the authorities to get these regulations incorporated into official legislation. Sacred natural sites were protected in an area of 21 hectares, and through the exchange of crop seeds and related experiences between the communities, the nutrition of more than 1,000 people was diversified. In the project’s 18 community dialogues (with 2000 participants, about 1200 of them women) cultural identity, governance structures, spirituality and locally based lifestyle were strengthened. Also other meetings on the exchange of experiences and learning were organised and the establishment of an organic herb garden was supported. The project also piloted the use of arts (e.g. poetry, music, dance and handicrafts) as part of cross-generational learning and revitalizing the rights of nature. |
| Indigenous Information Network (IIN)(Kenya): Strengthening natural resource governance in hunter-gatherer communities. Project duration 13 months, Siemenpuu support € 23,000 | In the project, a biocultural community protocol (BCP) for Waatas was drawn up by gathering information from Waata community leaders and other representatives in Marsabit, Isiolo and Tana River districts. The protocol creates a strong foundation for the Waatas’ own awareness, sharing of experiences and joint action to defend their cultural heritage, environment and rights. The BCP is a living document, which will be updated as the feedback from the communities and the changing social, environmental and cultural situation so require. The project also supported the conditions of the Marsabit Botanical Garden to share information and experiences on the cultivation of medicinal herbs and other useful plants important to Waatas. There are about 2,000 direct beneficiaries of the project, but the entire Waata community of about 20,000 people will indirectly benefit from it. |
| Organisation X (Myanmar): Xx Landscape Area: An Indigenous-led approach to manage and conserve forests, lands and natural resources. Project duration 6 months, Siemenpuu support € 29,500 | In the villages of the Karen indigenous people along a river in the Tanintaryi region, a survey of community traditional lands and community forests is carried out, which creates a basis for the maintenance of Karen traditions, the defense of rights, and the sustainable management and protection of natural resources. The outer borders of the landscape area have been mapped and now the individual communities are formalising their own management systems and mapping the border lines between the communities. This project strengthened the land and natural resource management systems in two villages in the area by conducting a participatory mapping of the areas and providing training on GPS mapping, as well as strengthening the land use governance. Communities can apply for registration from the Karen National Union based on their territorial boundaries and documented bylaws. The villages have a total of 874 inhabitants, of which 445 are women. The total area of the villages is 14,419 hectares. |
| Global Forest Coalition (GFC)(international): Destructive Industries, Biodiversity Offsets and their impacts on Forest-dependent Communities. Project duration 7 months, Siemenpuu support € 9,500 | The project, carried out in cooperation between the Global Forest Coalition (GFC) and the CBD Alliance, focused on influencing decision-makers at two global events: the fifth UN Environment General Assembly (UNEA) in Nairobi in February 2022 and the UN Biodiversity Convention negotiations on the biodiversity framework in Geneva in March 2022. GFC published a study on biodiversity compensations titled “Net Gain” is a lose-lose for rights, gender justice and social equity in biodiversity policy (in English and Spanish), which highlights the harmful effects of biodiversity compensations on the rights and livelihoods of women, indigenous peoples and local communities. As alternatives for compensation projects, the report presents direct support of community-based conservation projects and strong, legally binding international corporate responsibility regulations. The report was distributed through cooperation networks in the framework of key international meetings, mainly electronically with the support of active social media campaigning. The project has contributed to the fact that “net” approaches and nature-based solutions are viewed increasingly critically in relevant international forums. |
| Yiaku Laikipia Trust (YLT)(Kenya): Strengthening the role and capacity of the hunter-gatherer indigenous people in safeguarding their natural resources. Project duration 24 months, Siemenpuu support € 70,000 | The project developed terms for the use of natural resources based on the Yiakus’ biocultural community protocol, as well as the principles of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) and model agreements regarding the use of resources in the Mukogodo Forest. For the Lmartin people, the community developed its own biocultural community protocol. The project also restored forest areas that had been depleted of biodiversity. Women were trained to increase the value-added level of products and access markets. A total of approximately 16,000 members of the Yiaku and Lmartin hunter-gatherer communities benefited from the project. |
| Endorois Indigenous Women Empowerment Network (EIWEN)(Kenya): Building Resilience of Endorois Women on Local Governance and Land Ownership Rights. Project duration 13 months, Siemenpuu support € 30,000 | The project promoted the realization of the Endorois indigenous people’s communal land rights and, in particular, the participation of women and people with disabilities in decision-making regarding land and natural resource management. Endorois women drafted their own biocultural community protocol, which examined, among other things, the impacts of climate change on the lives of the Endorois community and assessed the prerequisites for climate resilience and adaptation. More than 1,600 people participated in the project’s activities, and residents of 15 communities also benefited indirectly from the project. The director of EIWEN visited Finland in May 2024. |
| The Society for Alternative Learning and Transformation (SALT)(Kenya): Strengthening community and ecosystem resilience by asserting biocultural rights of Indigenous and local communities in Tharaka. Project duration 26 months, Siemenpuu support € 70,000 | Efforts were made to strengthen the sustainable way of life and biocultural identity of the Tharaka indigenous people by documenting traditional knowledge and rights and incorporating them into the legal framework. Sacred sites were protected across an area of 42 hectares, and forests were restored with 8,000 tree seedlings. Intergenerational environmental education was promoted in schools, and a sense of community was strengthened through annual biocultural festivals. The project benefited more than 3,700 people, both directly and indirectly. |
| Indigenous Information Network (IIN)(Kenya): Tourism and Biocultural Community Rights. Project duration 20 months, Siemenpuu support € 76,407 | The project reinforced the importance and continuity of traditional knowledge in the Maasai communities near the Masai Mara Nature Reserve and strengthened the communities’ capacity to manage the community-based conservation areas they established in a sustainable manner. In particular, the project empowered women to make their voices heard more clearly. In addition, the project analyzed the harmful social and cultural impacts associated with ecotourism and sought solutions to these issues. More than 1,600 people participated in the project’s activities, and there were approximately 4,200 indirect beneficiaries. |
| Organisation X (Myanmar): Xx Landscape Area, Phase 2: An Indigenous-led approach to conserve forests and natural resources in Xx River Valley, Burma. Project duration 12 months, Siemenpuu support € 44,500 | As a result of the project, residents of the two villages strengthened the protection of their land rights and the foundation of their livelihoods based on those rights, as well as their ability to respond to the challenges posed by climate change. Through the mapping activities, the conditions for the sustainable use, conservation, and restoration of natural resources were strengthened. The project benefited 2,073 residents of the two villages (986 of whom were women). |
| Organisation Y (Myanmar): Empowering Indigenous biocultural rights and Strengthening Resilience of Indigenous Communities in Myanmar. Project duration 16 months, Siemenpuu support € 43,000 | Indigenous communities living in central Myanmar developed biocultural community protocols that strengthened their capacity to manage natural resources effectively and sustainably. At the same time, the communities’ cultural foundations, social cohesion, and self-directed development were also strengthened. In addition, the project directly supported 40 environmental human rights defenders by providing them with training in safe online communication, information management, and physical safety. The project had over 3,400 direct beneficiaries, of whom nearly 1,500 were women and just over 700 were young people. |
| Sengwer Indigenous Peoples Programme (SIPP)(Kenya): Implementation of Sengwer Bio-Cultural Community Protocol to restore degraded Embobut and Kapolet Forests and Promote Securing of Sengwer Indigenous Peoples Land Rights. Project duration 28 months, Siemenpuu support € 36,057 | As a result of the project, the Sengwer communities’ awareness of their role in forest conservation and restoration was strengthened. The project also strengthened constructive cooperation with Kenya’s forestry authorities and local government. Four successful nurseries were established as part of the project, producing a total of 61,000 tree seedlings. At the conclusion of the project, the Kenyan forestry authorities and county representatives donated a 3-acre (1.2 ha) plot of land in the Embobut Forest area to the Sengwer communities for seedling propagation and planting. A total of 680 people participated in the project’s activities, and the living conditions and livelihoods of 6,250 people improved as a result of the project. |
| Friends of Lake Turkana (FoLT)(Kenya): Strengthening Indigenous Voices through Biocultural Protocols in Loiyangalani District, Lake Turkana Area. Project duration 26 months, Siemenpuu support € 79,000 | The project’s key output is a biocultural community protocol for the Turkana, Rendille, and Samburu communities in Loiyangala. The project strengthened the legal framework for safeguarding the rights of local indigenous communities, and the communities defended their rights in connection with land acquisitions for the Kenya Electricity Generating Company’s wind farm. A total of approximately 2,200 people participated in the project’s activities, and the project community comprises a total of nearly 36,000 people. |
| Natural Justice (NJ)(Kenya): Promoting Bio-Cultural Rights for the Indigenous, Minority, and Hunter-Gatherer Aweer Community in Boni, Lamu County. Project duration 30 months, Siemenpuu support € 80,301 | The project supported the Aweer indigenous people — who live as hunter-gatherers — in drafting a biocultural community protocol and in submitting a petition to the Kenyan Parliament to designate the Boni-Lung Forest as a community forest and recognize it as a community conservation area. Approximately 20,100 Aweer benefited from the project. During the project, Natural Justice also developed a national biocultural advocacy plan. |
| Lokichar Action Network (LAN)(Kenya): Document community customary rules to set evidence, strengthen protocols and tools for protection of community land, natural resources & traditional knowledge in Turkana. Project duration 20 months, Siemenpuu support € 34,000 | The project supported the registration of Lokapel’s communal land in the southern part of the Turkana County. Following a field survey conducted by the authorities, the size of the communal land was confirmed at 13,634 hectares. This puts the Lokapel community in a better position to decide the fate of its territory as oil companies vie for land. The project directly reached 4,238 beneficiaries (1,895 women and 37 people with disabilities), and all of Lokapeli’s approximately 12,000 residents benefited from it. |
| Lamu Women Alliance (LAWA)(Kenya): Community Land Protection Program in Lamu County. Project duration 20 months, Siemenpuu support € 35,500 | The project developed a supplement to the previous biocultural community protocol focusing on women’s rights: it documented activities based on women’s cultural rights and the natural resources of Lamu, and identified potential threats. A total of 688 people participated in the project’s activities, including 522 women and 22 people with disabilities. There were nearly 3,000 indirect beneficiaries, and Radio Lamu’s broadcasts reached approximately 20,000 people. |
| Ogiek Peoples’ Development Program (OPDP)(Kenya): Strengthening and realization of indigenous peoples’ biocultural rights with community protocols in Kenya. Project duration 24 months, Siemenpuu support € 77,000 | The project’s key outputs were three biocultural community protocols (a new one for the Elmolo community and updated codes for the Endorois and Sengwer communities). These codes helped strengthen the communities’ land rights and the protection of biodiversity, while also increasing key stakeholders’ understanding of the communities’ legal rights and cultural characteristics. In addition, the project enhanced forest conservation and restoration and supported the work of 12 community forest rangers. A total of 1,019 people (434 women and 21 people with disabilities) participated in the project’s activities, and the project indirectly reached more than 50,000 people. |
| Endorois Indigenous Women Empowerment Network (EIWEN)(Kenya): Empowering Indigenous Communities through Sustainable Bee-keeping Practices in Kenya. Project duration 11 months, Siemenpuu support € 48,393 | A joint project involving five organizations supported beekeeping in five indigenous communities through training, the exchange of experiences, and advocacy. As a result of the project: i) Cooperation among Kenya’s indigenous communities and their network for sharing information were strengthened; ii) Innovations and practices in beekeeping improved; iii) Awareness increased through the transmission of traditional knowledge and professional skills; and iv) Beneficiaries began to form informal marketing and support networks. A total of 410 people (164 women, 60 youth, and 33 people with disabilities) participated in the activities; the project improved the livelihoods of 2,000 people and indirectly benefited approximately 10,000 people. A report on indigenous beekeeping practises (pdf) was produced. Siemenpuu highlighted beekeeping in Kenya in the Finnish publication and campaign titled Mehiläispesän henki (The Spirit of the Beehive). |
Energy Justice theme
| Human Rights and Environment Development Center (HuRENDEC)(Nepal): Construction of a carbon-neutral power plant to diversify education and income sources in Nepal’s Kalikot district. Project duration 25 months, Siemenpuu support € 41,000 | The goals and results of the project plan were not realized, because the planned 20 kW solar power plant and electricity grid were not built in Suvakalika rural municipality. Instead, the Siemenpuu support served as partial financing for the World Bank’s project financing granted by Nepal’s renewable energy agency AEPC for a 100 kW solar power plant and small grid. In addition, the project increased awareness of renewable energy both in the target communities and more broadly in Kalikoti district, e.g. through local radio. In the larger project, there are 365 direct beneficiary households and about 2,000 people in them; local small businesses and administrative and school buildings also receive electricity. Indirectly, the project will support the development of livelihoods in the entire area and reduce the fuelwood use and thus deforestation. Siemenpuu received co-funding for this project from EKOenergy’s Climate Fund. |
| Organisation Z (Myanmar): National energy advocacy as well as community-based research and cooperation between Irrawaddy Basin and watersheds areas of Shan State. Project duration 24 months, Siemenpuu’s support € 40,000 | The corona pandemic and especially the military coup that took place in February 2021 made project activities difficult, and Organisation Å had to abandon the planned cooperation between the upper and lower reaches of the rivers and the public energy influence work. Instead, trainings on the sustainable use of natural resources were organized in an area of indigenous communities, and three community-owned micro hydropower plants were fundamentally improved. In addition, the project coordinator participated in writing a publication on area’s energy self-sufficiency. The project reached a total of about 4,000 direct beneficiaries (about half women), whose awareness of energy and natural resource rights improved, who participated in forest protection and reforestation, or who benefited from clean renewable energy. The project involved cooperation with almost 100 community organizations, organizations or networks. |
| Center for Rural Technology, Nepal (CRT/N)(Nepal): Solar electrification of a remote village and promoting energy planning based on reliable data collection in Nepal. Project duration 20 months, Siemenpuu support € 68,658 | The project built a 10-kilowatt solar-powered mini-grid in the mountainous Saure Bhangtar 3 village in Khanikhola rural municipality. The electricity grid provides clean electrical energy to the village’s 96 households (595 people), improving the residents’ social and economic status. In addition, 24 houses in the surrounding area will benefit from the village’s electrified grain mill. The local community was supported in small entrepreneurship, such as raising poultry. The advocacy part strengthened awareness of renewable energy among two community-based organizations, 10 non-governmental organizations, local government representatives and energy companies. The competence of the local administration in making energy plans and policies appropriate to the conditions was strengthened; during the project, a municipal energy planning tool (Municipal Energy Planning Tool) was introduced and a five-year energy plan for Khanikhola was drawn up. Watch the video of the project with English subtitles. Siemenpuu received co-funding for this project from EKOenergy’s Climate Fund. |
| Association Malienne pour l’Appui et la Promotion des Initiatives Locales (AMAPIL)(Mali): Improving the living conditions of women and their families through modern and clean energy services in two villages of Nossombougou. Project duration 8 months, Siemenpuu support € 30,000 | Submersible pumps using solar electricity were installed in wells, irrigation systems were built, and equipment maintenance personnel were trained in the women’s horticulture areas of the villages of Ouarala and Siemon in Nossombougou rural municipality. The designers and beneficiaries of the project were women who use horticulture and their families: the project improved the living conditions of a total of 435 people (221 of whom were women and 7 with disabilities). The project made farming work easier and increased the productivity of farms. The project also increased village communities’ information about climate change and sustainable forms of energy: the radio programs reached over 20,000 listeners. Siemenpuu received co-funding for this project from EKOenergy’s Climate Fund. |
| Association de Soutien aux Initiatives Communautaires (ASIC)(Mali): Solar electrification of a women’s multi-purpose center in Kolokani. Project duration 8 months, Siemenpuu support € 43,000 | In the project, the buildings of the women’s multi-purpose center in the city of Kolokani were electrified with 5 kW solar panels, a large solar dryer for drying agricultural products was installed in the center, a solar-powered pump was installed in the well in the center’s horticulture area, and an irrigation system was built. The beneficiaries were all 17 women’s groups using the center and their 340 members. In particular, the project benefited 55 women participating in sewing education and activities, 60 women engaged in further processing of agricultural products, and 50 women engaged in horticulture. The center was also supported in the development of administration and organization. In addition, events on climate change and the corona pandemic were organized during the project for the women of the center and representatives of the municipality. Siemenpuu received co-funding for this project from EKOenergy’s Climate Fund. |
| Namsaling Community Development Center (NCDC)(Nepal): Small scale renewable (micro-hydro) electricity project in Nepal’s Taplejung district. Project duration 6 months, Siemenpuu’s support € 46,000 | In the project, a 15 kW micro-hydro power plant was built on the banks of the Ghatte Khola river in the 5th village of Mikwahola rural municipality. The power plant electrified 75 households, where 412 people belonging to the Sherpa and Limbu ethnic minorities live, as well as two schools and a health center. Electrification replaced the use of kerosene for lighting and the use of firewood, especially for boiling water. The project also adds new forms of livelihood: villagers were trained in micro-entrepreneurship and six new companies were founded. The power plant is owned and operated by an electrification committee formed by the villagers (with at least 50% women), and people chosen by the villagers were trained to use and maintain the system. Siemenpuu received co-funding for this project from EKOenergy’s Climate Fund. |
| People, Energy and Environment Development Association (PEEDA)(Nepal): Improving access to energy through installation of 5 kW solar-wind hybrid system and proper energy planning in Lo Manthang, Mustang, Nepal. Project duration 12 months, Siemenpuu support € 38,931 | The project built a 5 kW solar-wind hybrid power plant and a small electricity grid in the remote village of Kimling in the rural municipality of Lo Manthang. 41 households and 205 residents benefit from electricity, as well as community, school and administrative buildings. Electrification improves Kimling’s living conditions, enables micro-entrepreneurship and reduces the use of firewood in the dry mountain highlands. The one-kilowatt wind turbine was assembled on-site from parts sourced elsewhere, increasing local learning and ownership. The electrification project was supervised by the village’s youth club, 36% of whose members are women, and the system’s operation and management. The project also included the preparation of the municipality’s renewable energy plan: the project implementer facilitated the creation of the plan, trained officials and involved the municipality’s residents and companies in the preparation of the plan. As a result, both a report on the municipality’s energy situation and a plan for the development of the municipality’s energy supply until 2026 were completed. A 10-person energy development committee was established in the municipality. All 2,634 residents of the municipality will benefit from the energy plan. Siemenpuu received co-funding for this project from EKOenergy’s Climate Fund. |
| Association Sahel Espoir (ASE)(Mali): Appui des populations à l’Accès aux Services de l’Energie Moderne en milieu rural. Project duration 26 months, Siemenpuu support € 37,294 | The project improved access to electricity in the Farakala municipality of the Sikasso region: In the village of M’Pédougou, electricity was provided to the school, the women’s cooperative’s literacy center, the health center, and the teachers’ dormitory; and in the village of Kadiadougou, electricity was provided to the school. A solar-powered freezer and refrigerator were purchased for the women’s cooperative. The women’s skills in operating and maintaining the equipment were strengthened. In addition, 27 events were organized in the villages on the importance of clean energy, climate change, biodiversity, desertification, and the role of women in sustainable development. Sustainable livelihoods were strengthened for over 1,400 people (825 women, 680 men, and 5 people with disabilities). The total capacity of the solar power systems is 12.3 kW. Siemenpuu received co-funding for this project from EKOenergy’s Climate Fund. |
| ONG JIGIYA (JIGIYA)(Mali): Projet d’orientation des femmes et des jeunes dans les énergies renouvelables dans la commune de Bougouni. Project duration 12 months, Siemenpuu support € 44,439 | The project increased the residents of Bougouni’s knowledge of renewable energy and the opportunities for its sustainable use, including as a means of improving their livelihoods. The project succeeded in reducing the use of firewood, charcoal, and fossil fuels through the use of wood-saving stove models and solar power. Based on suggestions from residents (especially people with disabilities), three production and marketing groups were formed: one for marketing solar power systems and two for building wood-saving stoves. The project helped improve the sustainable living conditions of 294 households (1,470 people). Nearly 2,400 people participated in the project’s activities. Siemenpuu received co-funding for this project from EKOenergy’s Climate Fund. |
| Association Malienne pour le Développement, la Protection de l’Environnement et la Lutte Contre la Désertification (AMADE PELCODE)(Mali): Projet de Renforcement des Moyens d’Existence des groupements de femmes et des communautés vulnérables, en vue d’accroitre leur résilience face aux impacts des changements climatiques dans la commune rurale de Dio-Gare. Project duration 12 months, Siemenpuu support € 49,949 | The project strengthened the livelihoods and climate resilience of women’s groups and vulnerable communities, particularly in the villages of Komi-Komi and Dio-Gare. The project promoted the use of solar power in horticulture as well as in the storage, processing, and sale of produce, and strengthened women’s groups’ capacity to develop the processing and marketing of garden produce and other foraged products. Sustainable livelihoods were strengthened for approximately 1,000 people (200 households). The installed solar power system has a capacity of 5 kW. Siemenpuu received co-funding for this project from EKOenergy’s Climate Fund. |
| Järjestö Z (Myanmar): Energy Justice in Myanmar: People Powered Decentralised Energy Solutions in Zz Land. Project duration 25 months, Siemenpuu support € 33,000 | The project supported community-based natural resource and energy planning, as well as cooperation among communities. The project included the construction or renovation of seven micro-hydroelectric power plants to bring electricity to villages, the installation of a solar-powered water pump, and the electrification of one village school. A total of 50 kW of new generation capacity was built. In addition, the project involved river restoration, forest conservation, and reforestation. The project improved the living conditions of more than 1,500 people, and approximately 500 people—including 300 women—participated in training sessions. |
| Association de Soutien aux Initiatives Communautaires (ASIC) /Consortium Espoir (Mali): Plaidoyer pour l’adoption des facilités d’accès des communautés vulnérables aux énergies renouvelables dans la Région de Koulikoro. Project duration 24 months, Siemenpuu support € 98,736 | In the 19 municipalities of the Banamba and Kolokan districts, the use of solar energy was promoted to strengthen the livelihoods of the community and, in particular, its most vulnerable groups. As part of this project, the skills of local electricians were enhanced to increase the availability of maintenance and repair services. The project produced a report on the current status of municipal development plans and the opportunities they present for promoting a sustainable energy transition. There were 11,106 beneficiaries, including 7,244 women, 3,862 men, and 264 people with disabilities. |
| Réseau Genre et Energie au Mali (ENERGIA-Mali): Projet autonomisation èconomique durable des femmes à partir des ènergies renouvelables – Village de Kéla – Cercle de Kangaba. Project duration 31 months, Siemenpuu support € 49,528 | The project increased access to electricity through solar power and more energy-efficient stoves. A solar dryer has enabled women to process produce from their gardens and foraged foods. The project also supported the development of democratic governance in the municipality and women’s participation in decision-making processes. Solar energy capacity increased by 13 kW. The project benefited 2,049 people, including 1,620 women and 29 people with disabilities. Indirectly, the project benefited the entire municipality of Minidian. Siemenpuu received co-funding for this project from EKOenergy’s Climate Fund. |
| ONG Carrefour Développement (CAR.D)(Mali): Promotion des énergies renouvelables dans les Cercles de Banamba et Kolokani. Project duration 13 months, Siemenpuu support € 79,000 | The project promoted the availability of sustainable renewable energy and maintenance services for solar power systems in rural villages in the region. It also promoted a participatory sustainable energy transition by supporting the development and implementation of municipal development plans. As part of the project, two health clinics were equipped with solar power systems. Solar energy capacity increased by 9.5 kW. The project directly benefited 2,997 people, of whom 2,857 were women and 190 were people with disabilities. The health clinics serve a population of 16,000. Siemenpuu received co-funding for this project from EKOenergy’s Climate Fund. |
| Fédération Nationale des Producteurs de l’Agriculture Biologique et Equitable (FENABE)(Mali): Projet d’Appui aux Communautés Rurales pour le Développement Economique et Social à travers les Energies Renouvelables dans la Région de Bougouni. Project duration 13 months, Siemenpuu support € 69,711 | The project used solar power (water pumps, lighting, etc.) to improve sustainable food production, livelihood opportunities, children’s learning environments, and safety in the villages of the Bougoun and Yanfolila districts. Vegetable farmers were trained in agricultural development, and a total of 3,000 trees were planted in the villages. Solar energy capacity increased by 8.75 kW. Sustainable livelihoods were strengthened for at least 5,000 people. Siemenpuu received co-funding for this project from EKOenergy’s Climate Fund. |
| OEuvre Malienne pour le developpement des zones arides (OMADEZA)(Mali): Plaidoyer pour la Promotion et l’accès aux Energies Nouvelles pour améliorer les conditions de vie des femmes et des enfants en milieu rural. Project duration 13 months, Siemenpuu support € 70,000 | The project supported children’s educational opportunities, strengthened women’s livelihoods, and improved health clinic services through solar power solutions. Solar power capacity increased by 11.9 kW. There were 200 direct beneficiaries of the project, 140 of whom were women. In addition, the project benefited students and teachers at five schools equipped with solar power, clients and staff at two health clinics, and women’s associations in the villages. The five villages have a combined population of approximately 4,600. Siemenpuu received co-funding for this project from EKOenergy’s Climate Fund. |
| Terre Douce D’Afrique (TDA)(Mali): Engagement et participation citoyenne des femmes et des jeunes pour un meilleur accès aux énergies durable dans les communes de Pimperna, Gongasso et Fama dans la cercle de Sikasso. Project duration 24 months, Siemenpuu support € 66,030 | The project specifically improved women’s rights and access to energy by promoting solutions that utilize clean and renewable energy, as well as by strengthening civic participation and community ownership in municipal energy planning. Women’s cooperatives were able to increase their income. Approximately 6,100 tree saplings were planted across an area of 7.5 hectares, and solar power capacity increased by 5.5 kW. There were approximately 3,500 direct beneficiaries (570 women from farming cooperatives, 2,824 students at four schools, 217 clients at a maternity clinic, and 10 trained solar power system maintenance technicians. Siemenpuu received co-funding for this project from EKOenergy’s Climate Fund. |
| Organisation non gouvernementale JIGIYA (ONG JIGIYA)(Mali): Adaptation des populations rurales aux énergies renouvelables. Project duration 12 months, Siemenpuu support € 53,746 | As part of the project, street lighting was installed in ten villages, and 15 women’s production cooperatives were provided with more advanced stoves for their use. In addition, 1,150 households began using a more advanced, wood-saving stove model. The small-scale business operations of the production groups became established, and their members’ livelihoods improved. Solar power capacity increased by 120 kW. According to a conservative estimate, there were 10,000 beneficiaries, including 5,000 women, 3,000 young people, and 100 people with disabilities. |
| Association Malienne pour le Développement, la Protection de l’Environnement et la Lutte Contre la Désertification (AMADE PELCODE)(Mali): Utilisation de l’énergie solaire photovoltaïque pour promouvoir l’éclairage public en milieu rural et consolider les acquis du projet de renforcement des moyens d’existence des groupements des femmes et des communautés vulnérables dans la commune rurale de Dio Gare. Project duration 12 months, Siemenpuu support € 50,000 | The installation of lighting in public areas in seven villages improved the safety and opportunities of a total of approximately 20,000 residents (particularly women’s livelihoods and community participation, as well as the evening studies of 500 schoolchildren). The development of garden plots by women’s groups directly benefited the groups’ 250 members. The skills and entrepreneurial opportunities of the village technicians (30 people) were strengthened. The living conditions of 299 people improved, 274 of whom were women. Solar energy capacity increased by 39.3 kW. Siemenpuu received co-funding for this project from EKOenergy’s Climate Fund. |
| Organisation Z (Myanmar): Energy Justice and Decentralized Energy Solutions in Zz Area. Project duration 15 months, Siemenpuu support € 49,976 | Access to clean electricity and water improved with the construction of two solar-powered water pumps and three micro-hydroelectric power plants. In addition, forest restoration was carried out by planting saplings across an area of approximately 40 hectares. Due to the major earthquake in March 2025, part of the project budget was used to supply solar-powered streetlights and to rebuild the communities’ water supply systems. Renewable energy capacity increased by 75.9 kW. Total beneficiaries: 8,450, of whom 4,600 were women, 3,850 were men, and 100 were people with disabilities. |
| Organisation X (Myanmar): Promoting Sustainable Renewable Energy in Xx area. Project duration 12 months, Siemenpuu support € 55,000 | The project involved the construction of a small-scale solar power grid in two villages with a total of 104 households. Renewable energy committees were established in the villages, and a group of villagers was trained to maintain and service the systems. The project also developed a renewable energy roadmap for a wider region. Solar energy capacity increased by 33.9 kW. The project had 917 direct beneficiaries (including 446 adult women), among them 212 schoolchildren. |
| Organisation Y (Myanmar): Empowering Indigenous Self-Determination and Resilience through Renewable Energy in Myanmar. Project duration 11 months, Siemenpuu support € 59,070 | The project promoted the self-determination and resilience of Myanmar’s indigenous communities by improving access to clean energy. Two 6-kW solar-powered microgrids were installed in two refugee camps. In addition, a total of 360 30-watt solar-powered lamp-charger-battery units were delivered to other communities. Solar energy capacity increased by 22.8 kW. The project improved the living conditions of a total of 3,301 people (1,690 women and 47 people with disabilities). |
Feminist Agroecology theme
| South Asian Dialogues on Ecological Democracy (SADED-Nepal)(Nepal): Support for Sustainable Livelihood of Marginalised Farmers in Rural Nepal. Project duration 36 months, Siemenpuu support € 60,000 | In the project, the necessity and possibilities of the diversity in agriculture, nutrition and livelihoods were highlighted, especially among female farmers and young people, in order to reduce rural emigration. In the project, a cooperative of 63 women farmers and a model garden were established in Mandandeupur, and seedlings of useful plants were distributed in the project communities. A total of 29 local-level groups participated in the project. The experiences of the community dialogues were shared in publications, the writing of which especially involved young people. Through the World Social Forum process, socio-political ties were created from the local level all the way to international networks. There were a total of 2090 direct beneficiaries of the project, of which 682 were women and 487 were young people. |
| Foundation for Community Initiatives (FCI)(Liberia): Advancing Rural Women Rights in Agriculture. Project duration 18 months, Siemenpuu support € 40,500 | In the project, women in four villages of Grand Gedeh province were trained in climate change, adaptation and food production. Two model plots were implemented as a pilot with women in the most vulnerable position, whose food production model aims to improve livelihoods and protect the region’s natural resources. Community dialogues focused on land rights were also implemented in the villages to guarantee women’s land rights. In addition, communication and training material in plain language related to women’s land rights and the land law approved in 2018 was produced and distributed. 244 people participated in the activities as direct beneficiaries, of which 235 were women, but the project benefited entire village communities. As a result of the project, the beneficiary women have started to demand their land rights with community decision-makers and discuss them on local radio and in markets. The longer-term goal is the realization of women’s land rights and the achievement of food sovereignty by implementing self-sufficient food production according to model plots. |
| Himalayan Grassroots Women’s Natural Resource Management Association (HIMAWANTI)(Nepal): Women leadership in food sovereignty and environmental democracy in Rautahat District, Nepal. Project duration 14 months, Siemenpuu support € 30,000 | In the project, marginalised casteless (dalit) and landless women’s groups in the Rautahat district of southern Nepal were given training and operational support in relation to crop cultivation, mushroom cultivation and livestock husbandry – both from the perspectives of food sovereignty and income generation and entrepreneurship. In the future, women will be able to engage in versatile food production on leased land, small unused communal land areas and yard areas. The project also prepared guidelines for local administration that take into account the needs and concerns of landless and marginalized women. There were a total of 2,271 participants in the project’s activities, of which a total of 1,845 were women. Thanks to the project: • 255 members of the groups (approx. 70% of all members) have started practicing organic and diverse farming (mainly horticulture) on the available land. In addition, they grow mushrooms and domestic animals for food and sale. • Group leaders no longer hesitate to deal with local authorities and raise their needs and demands in order to assert their rights. • Registering groups and opening bank accounts has made it possible to receive technical and financial support from the authorities and other reference groups. • The cooperation of the groups and their saving activities have bound households to cooperate more strongly with each other and brought financial security even in exceptional situations such as a pandemic. |
| Acción por la Biodiversidad (AcBio)(Latin America and Mozambique): Women as defenders of the commons and dignified life in the Global South. Project duration 6 months, Siemenpuu’s support € 26,000 | The project produced a printed theme issue of Biodiversidad magazine based on 11 interviews in Spanish, podcasts and online articles about women as defenders of the commons and a dignified life in the Global South. Three interviews were also published in Portuguese. The interviewees are individual female defenders or female collectives from 9 Latin American countries and Mozambique. With the help of the project, the aim was to make visible the experiences, challenges and solution proposals of women defending the commons, and to put them more widely on social agendas. It was intended to promote food sovereignty and combat the criminalization of women. The beneficiaries of the project were the recipients of the information it produced (small farmers, indigenous peoples, civil societies, researchers, teachers, students, journalists and authorities): by the end of the project, 27,023 people had read the project’s materials on the website and 313,389 people had been reached on social media. |
| União Provincial de Camponeses de Nampula (UPC-NPL)(Mozambique): Emponderamento das Comunidades e OBC´s na gestão dos recursos naturais, resiliência climática e sua participação activa em programas de Desenvolvimento Local Sustentável. Project duration 11 months, Siemenpuu support € 50,751 | As a result of the project, local communities’ awareness of their rights to land and natural resources in Nampula was strengthened, the capacity of local communities and associations to make decisions regarding natural resource management improved, the communities’ understanding of the importance of the Mecuburi Protected Area deepened, and the state of the environment improved through forest restoration and the adoption of agroecological farming practices. The development plans for seven villages strengthened sustainable livelihoods for the villages’ residents, totaling 15,174 people. A total of 31 hectares were brought under agroecological farming practices. |
| União Provincial dos Camponeses da Zambézia (UPC-Z)(Mozambique): Empoderamento para um desenvolvimento sócio económico comunitário resiliente as mudanças climáticas. Project duration 11 months, Siemenpuu support € 32,290 | The project promoted a livelihood-generating and gender-sensitive model of family-based agroforestry, restored the most vulnerable and degraded ecosystems (mangroves, forests), developed gender-sensitive climate adaptation and natural resource management plans at the community level, and mitigated the impacts of climate change by adopting cultural and behavioral practices that respect and protect nature. The direct beneficiaries of the project were 966 people (including 653 women and 96 people with disabilities) who participated in training sessions and meetings in four local communities in Zambézia. The development plans for the four villages strengthened the sustainable livelihoods of a total of 34,438 people. |
| União Provincial de Camponeses de Niassa (UPCN)(Mozambique): Fortalecendo o maneio florestal comunitário e implementação da agroecologia para sustentabilidade agrícola no noroeste de Moçambique. Project duration 22 months, Siemenpuu support € 52,000 | The project provided guidance to smallholder farmers’ associations in Niassa on agroecological farming methods, trained local natural resource management committees on legislation and supported their organization, established forest plots in local communities, provided guidance on building wood-saving stoves, and organized district-level natural resource management forums. Members of the natural resource management committees from six local communities who participated in the training sessions and meetings, as well as members of smallholder farmers’ associations from four local communities (216 people, including 101 women, 34 people with disabilities, and 73 young people) who participated in the training sessions and meetings, as well as their family members (a total of 1,060 people), saw their sustainable livelihoods strengthened. |
| Associação Acção Académica para o Desenvolvimento das Comunidades Rurais (ADECRU)(Mozambique): Mulheres guardiãs da terra, sementes e da humanidade. Project duration 20 months, Siemenpuu support € 104,540 | As a result of the project, i) women in smallholder farming groups and their families adopted agricultural practices that place less strain on the environment, (ii) the biodiversity of the farms was improved through crop diversity and the use of heirloom seeds, and (iii) families produced complementary foods for their diets through animal husbandry and agroecological farming methods. A total of 8 hectares of farmland was converted to agroecological production. The project beneficiaries were 90 members of women’s farmer groups and their families (a total of 450 people) in three local communities in Sofala. |
| Livaningo – Associação para a Preservação e Defesa do Meio Ambiente (Mozambique): Cultiva mulher! Project duration 28 months, Siemenpuu support € 129,492 | The immediate results of the project were: (i) women smallholder farmers in Gaza, Chibuto District, increased their production and productivity by adopting sustainable agroecological production methods; (ii) women smallholder farmers influenced agricultural policy, such as the land reform process; and (iii) the capacity of rural women to organize was strengthened through the institutional strengthening of FOMMUR. Two hectares of communal farmland were converted to agroecological farming. There were 3,042 direct beneficiaries, including 1,775 women, 77 young people, and 13 people with disabilities. |
| Justiça Ambiental (JA)(Mozambique): Agro-Ecologia como uma solução para a Crise Climática. Project duration 33 months, Siemenpuu support € 180,000 | As the immediate outcomes of the project: i) a greater number of smallholder farmers are applying agroecological principles and are convinced of their benefits, ii) basic knowledge of climate-resilient construction techniques has improved, iii) local communities are more aware of their rights and are better organized and stronger in their struggles against the appropriation of their land and natural resources, iv) the food produced is more diverse and nutritious, and is being utilized more effectively, and vi) beneficiary communities have a better understanding of the connections between climate, the environment, and human rights. Two demonstration plots were converted to agroecological farming, and solar energy capacity increased by 6.4 kW. A total of 2,590 people benefited from the project. |
| União Provincial dos Camponeses da Zambézia (UPC-Z)(Mozambique): Resiliência Climática Comunitária através da preservação e conservação da biodiversidade. Project duration 10 months, Siemenpuu support € 40,556 | The project strengthened the capacity of three provincial smallholder farmer associations to support their member organizations in climate-resilient, biodiversity-promoting, and diversified food production. It established agroecological agroforestry and vegetable farms, provided guidance on small-scale livestock management and beekeeping, urged authorities to enforce legislation on natural resources, and facilitated the exchange of best practices and innovations. A total of 2,115 people benefited from the program (participants and their families). |
Community Forests theme
| Jaringan Kerja Penyelamat Hutan Riau (Jikalahari)(Indonesia): Integrated protection of forests in Kampar Peninsula and Kerumutan through law enforcement, advocacy and community-based management. Project duration 39 months, Siemenpuu support € 175,000 | The project promoted the implementation of forest and land use laws in Riau province by collecting and publishing evidence on peat and forest fire cases, illegal logging and land use violations, monitoring court cases, campaigning and training legal observers. In addition, the project campaigned for community-based forest management at the village, provincial and national levels, strengthened capacities for community-based forest protection and sustainable use at the village level and made permit applications, diversified sustainable livelihood opportunities for peatlands, strengthened the position of women in community-based forest management and restored peatlands. The outputs of the project were the reports on forest and land use violations by pulp and palm oil companies and their communication, 14 monitored corruption trials and summaries of legal processes, 11 new trial monitoring team members trained, a comprehensive protection model for Kerumutan, trainings on community-based forest management and livelihood development (395 participants), one restored forest land, 2 granted community forest permits for a total of 9,330 hectares, a group of women entrepreneurs, and 5 dammed peatland drainage canals. The project directly benefited 395 villagers who participated in the trainings and indirectly the 23,000 inhabitants of 11 villages in the Kampar and Kerumutan region. |
| Conselho Nacional das Populações Extrativistas (CNS)(Brazil): CNS’s advocacy work to defend and create co-management areas in the Brazilian Amazon. Project duration 31 months, Siemenpuu support € 62,988 | The project strengthened the capacity of traditional gatherers in the Brazilian Amazon to defend the existing gatherer reserves against threats posed by the country’s government’s hostile policy towards protected areas. The project especially strengthened the internal organization of the gatherer population and influence work at different levels. In 2019, regional meetings of the gatherer movement were organized in all nine states of the Amazônia Legal region, after which the CNS general meeting was held and the rule reform was approved. As a culmination of national-level advocacy work, representatives of the CNS General Assembly participated in the hearing of the Brazilian Parliament’s Environmental Committee. 730 members of the gatherer communities participated in the project’s activities, but indirectly the project benefited about 1.5 million residents of the jointly administered areas. |
| Sustainable Development Institute (SDI)(Liberia): Empowering an enabling Management of Barconnie-Harmonville Community Forest Governance and Structure. Project duration 15 months, Siemenpuu support € 62,247 | The challenges of the Barconnie-Harmonville community forest area have been the unsustainable harvesting of small forest products, as well as illegal loggers and charcoal burners that accelerate deforestation. The project strengthened the conservation of the 123-hectare Barconnie-Harmonville Community Forest by supporting conservation practices and developing alternative livelihoods for the local community, such as sustainable fishing. The workshops strengthened women’s role and participation in forest protection, increased awareness of forest protection, and drafted community forest protection rules. A total of 292 (144 women, 148 men) direct beneficiaries participated in the project meetings and trainings. Indirect beneficiaries are the 16,500 inhabitants of the area and the 3,256 inhabitants of the Tarsue community in Sinoe County, who received further support for monitoring their forests. |
| Social Entrepreneurs for Sustainable Development (SESDev)(Liberia): Strengthening sustainability practices in the management of community forests in Liberia. Project duration 16 months, Siemenpuu support € 79,000 | In the project, the management practices of two community forest areas were assessed in relation to the required standards, the areas’ natural resources were mapped and forest management plans were drawn up based on them, sustainable income generation options were identified, and community forest management bodies were trained. The outputs of the project for the two forest communities were the report reports on natural resources and their management, community forest management plans, lists of identified income generation opportunities and trainings on good forest management. As a result of the project, the local communities were expected to improve the sustainability of their forest management so that the forests are protected more effectively, the management of natural resources is of a higher quality and the communities get a better livelihood at the same time. More than 150 people (60 of whom were women) participated in the activities as direct beneficiaries. Indirect beneficiaries include all the residents of the Salayea community (20 villages) in Lofa County and the residents of the Gba community (12 villages) in Nimba County, a total of 65,000 people. The communities manage a total of 19,209 hectares of forest. |
| Justiça Ambiental (JA)(Mozambique): Defending the rights of communities, our natural forests and our shared prosperity. Project duration 10 months, Siemenpuu support € 38,139 | Mabu is home to the largest (7880 ha) remaining mid-altitude rainforest in Southern Africa. The residents’ livelihood depends on the forest and 8 local associations have applied for an official community-based conservation management permit for the area. Muzo, on the other hand, is Mozambique’s first community-based forest management permit area, covering 33,000 hectares. The project organized exchanges of experiences on community-based forest management and the defense of rights in the squeeze of monoculture plantation projects, provided training on legislation, biodiversity and microfinance, and supported project communities in forest management permit matters and legal violations. Thanks to the project, the awareness and expertise of 210 members of local communities (84 women and 126 men) in issues of community-based forest management increased. Indirect beneficiaries were the 135,880 residents of Mount Mabu and Muzo forest-dependent local communities. |
| Jaringan Kerja Penyelamat Hutan Riau (Jikalahari)(Indonesia): Strengthening sustainable livelihoods based on community forests and documenting the results of CSOs’ work. Project duration 31 months, Siemenpuu support € 75,000 | The project produced a case study report on the results of the Siemenpuu Indonesia grants 2002-2021, trained 18 facilitators to support local communities with community forestry licences, produced a survey of commercially viable crops and livelihoods suitable for peat and mineral lands, and monitored one forestry corruption trial in Riau. Sharing the results of Siemenpuu support is expected to encourage civil society to protect forests, peatlands, coasts and the sea. In turn, strengthening the livelihoods of forest communities will contribute to community well-being and enable sustainable forest management. |
| Sustainable Development Institute (SDI)(Liberia): Working together to strengthen community forestry in Liberia. Project duration 32 months, Siemenpuu support € 264,128 | The project improved good governance, the effectiveness of decision-making, and members’ awareness of their rights in four community forest areas. At the same time, illegal activities by logging companies were addressed—for example, through radio programs—which led authorities to revoke the companies’ operating licenses, conduct inspections and make arrests, and pay land rents to communities located near the logging sites. Project activities were carried out across a total area of 98,392 hectares, and a total of 19,877 people in community forests benefited from the project. |
| Social Entrepreneurs for Sustainable Development (SESDev)(Liberia): Strengthening sustainability practices in the management of community forests in Liberia – Phase 2. Project duration 38 months, Siemenpuu support € 344,300 € | Through the project, forest communities i) strengthened their management practices in mapping, monitoring, and assessing their forest resources, (ii) improved the management of forest resources by establishing management committees and strengthening their capacity, and (iii) adopted sustainable livelihoods, such as agroforestry and agricultural entrepreneurship by women’s groups. The beneficiaries were the 65,164 residents (including 37,248 women) of the Gba and Salaye community forest areas. The project is featured an article published in an Liberian newspaper. Video about the project is available on Siemenpuu’s YouTube channel. |