Dephence Mdamu’s work at the Kasigau Corridor REDD+ Project spans data management, wildlife tracking, and changing local attitudes about conservation. Learn how her role is helping both the environment and her community thrive.
In the heart of Koh Kong province, Mr. Tith Ly and his Chorng Indigenous community are safeguarding their ecosystem and revitalizing livelihoods. By partnering with the Southern Cardamom REDD+ Project, they are turning their deep connection to nature into a sustainable path forward, ensuring a thriving future for both their people and the forest.
“Through this ecotourism initiative, we are able to conserve the forest, protect our ancestral land, and preserve our tradition. And at the same time, wildlife’s habitat and their sources of food will be safeguarded.”
In the village of Ikita by Lake Mai-Ndombe, Boongo Phillip, a 60-year-old primary school teacher, exemplifies resilience and aspiration. Overcoming discrimination and financial hardships, he returned to school at 55 through a Mai-Ndombe REDD+ project bursary, graduating high school at 56. Now teaching at a school built by the project, Boongo inspires his community with his dedication to education and his hope for a brighter future for the next generation.
“In Cambodia, where rising temperatures have caused many of our water sources – such as rivers, ponds, and small brick wells – to dry up, the REDD+ Project’s provision of water couldn’t have come at a better time.”
“If we plant these trees in our fields, the future generation will learn certain things through these trees that we want to preserve. If we destroy them, the next generation will have no knowledge about the trees we want to preserve.”
The Kasigau Corridor REDD+ Project uses football to unite and educate the community about environmental conservation. Matches between staff and locals raise awareness about wildlife protection, address environmental issues, and promote sustainable agriculture. These events foster collaboration and highlight community-led projects funded through carbon credit revenue, making sustainability a shared goal.
“Since the first solar-powered water well, child deaths have dropped significantly, and there are no more waterborne epidemics.”
The Ushanga Kenya project empowers over 3,200 Maasai women through beadwork. This initiative fosters economic growth and sustainable livelihoods by enhancing skills and marketing Ushanga jewelry. With resource centers across the ranches, collaboration between Chyulu Hills REDD+ Project and Ushanga Kenya aims to bring these creations to national and international markets, directly benefiting the female artisans.
Empowering Bunong heritage, the Krama Weaving Group, part of the Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary REDD+ project, modernizes traditional weaving, enhancing efficiency and cultural preservation. With a focus on community collaboration, it introduces innovative techniques to scale production, currently engaging 34 women from Pu Rang and Pu Tang villages.
