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.
Democratic Republic of the Congo: “A Girl and a Tree”
In the town of Bas-Congo in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, youth are passionate about mitigating the devastating effects of deforestation, pollution, and climate change on their community. Green Youth is a group that strives to educate and encourage dialogue about biodiversity and sustainable development. With a $4,000 grant, the group will provide seedlings and watering cans for reforestation, as well as spaces for education—specifically of young women—in a project titled “A Girl and a Tree.”
Hungary: The Environmental Impacts of Trade Agreements
Despite public scrutiny of corporate involvement, weakened food quality standards, and endangered workers’ rights, the Hungarian government is working on to ratify the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, an agreement between Canada and the European Union that will eliminate 98% of existing tariffs. To raise opposition among those who will be most affected, Bors Foundation will use $5,000 to create forums, handbooks, and videos. Over 4,000 rural people will be educated on controversial trade agreements and ten trade agreement-free regions will be promoted.
Paraguay: Protecting Rural Communities
Indigenous communities in Paraguay have been suffering from the consequences of excessive pesticide use, which causes deforestation and soil degradation. The damage results in the loss of livelihoods for many small-scale farmers. With $5,000, the Ñopytyvo Cultural and Environmental Artistic Association will educate indigenous peoples about the impacts through theatrical performances that encourage exchanges between members of local communities, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions.
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. To read more about grants we’ve awarded and the groups and individuals who have received them, click here.
Photo: Arcadius / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0