Seed Projects Awardees 2024
GDF’s 2024 Seed Project funding has been awarded to seven GEN members leading impactful conservation initiatives in Ecuador, Nigeria, Nepal, Chile, Bolivia, Cameroon, São Tomé and Príncipe, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Their projects focus on conservation, wildlife, livelihoods, biodiversity, plant restoration, knowledge sharing, cultural preservation, and agroforestry.
Weaving Steps Towards Coexistence
By Andrea Fuentes – Vida Silvestre NGO (Bolivia)
In Corral Pampa, Quechua women are blending tradition and conservation through handmade textiles while fostering dialogue about the Andean bear. Since 2021, this initiative has empowered women, bridging culture and nature. With new funding, Andrea’s team is expanding to two more communities, creating sustainable livelihoods and strengthening coexistence between people and wildlife. The project promotes economic empowerment through market research and cultural exhibitions, sharing the importance of the Andean bear’s protection.
Restoring Threatened Medicinal Plants & Uplifting Livelihoods
By Arjun Bhusal – Green Governance Nepal (Nepal)
This project is revitalising the Jaljala region by restoring five threatened medicinal plants, including the endangered East Himalayan Yew. By documenting traditional knowledge, establishing seedling nurseries, and training communities in sustainable harvesting, This initiative bridges generations and fosters economic resilience. Partnering with Community Forest User Groups (CFUGs), the project ensures long-term ecological and socio-economic benefits, safeguarding both biodiversity and cultural heritage.
Protecting the Maullín River Through Science & Collective Action
By Cristobal Ibieta – Fundación Crea Igualdad (Chile)
Facing threats like pollution and biodiversity loss, this project formalises a civil group to protect the Maullín River. Through citizen science, public awareness campaigns, and environmental education, the initiative gathers scientific evidence to advocate for conservation policies. Community-driven efforts will strengthen environmental stewardship, expand volunteer engagement, and educate youth, ensuring the river’s biocultural preservation for future generations.
Bridging the Gulf of Guinea: Cross-Country Learning for Marine Conservation
By Asiem Sanyal (Fundação Príncipe) & Rachel Ashegbofe Ikemeh (SW/Niger Delta Forest Project) (São Tomé and Príncipe/Nigeria)
Through a knowledge exchange between São Tomé and Nigeria, this project advances marine conservation by sharing expertise on Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Nigerian conservationists will gain insights into participatory zonation, sustainable fisheries, and community-led conservation. The initiative lays the foundation for Nigeria’s first MPA, strengthening coastal livelihoods and biodiversity protection in the Gulf of Guinea.
Communal Beekeeping for Sustainable Land Management
By Guillermo Villalobos – Centro del Pueblo Alangasí Community (Ecuador)
Addressing environmental degradation in the Ilaló volcano region, this project establishes a communal apiary to promote agroecological beekeeping. By training women and youth, restoring native plants, and producing honey for local markets, the initiative revitalises traditional ecological knowledge, enhances food security, and strengthens community resilience against socio-economic and environmental challenges.
Saving the Aquatic Giants: Conservation of Hippopotamuses in the Ruzizi Plain
By Gervais Muderhwa – MKAAJI MPYA asbl (Democratic Republic of Congo)
Gervais and his team are working to protect hippos in South Kivu Province by engaging local communities in habitat restoration and conservation education. By creating Rural Conservation Clubs, promoting alternative livelihoods, and implementing reforestation efforts, this initiative fosters peaceful coexistence between people and wildlife while safeguarding vital ecosystems.
Fruit Trees for Livelihoods and Ecosystem Resilience
By Kum Christian Tegha – Sustainable Environment Ecotourism and Agricultural Development Organisation (SEEADO) (Cameroon)
This project is transforming local livelihoods while combating deforestation through regenerative agroforestry. By planting 5,000 indigenous fruit trees, training farmers in sustainable practices, and integrating agroforestry into cocoa farming, the initiative boosts soil fertility, increases productivity, and enhances economic resilience. By blending conservation with community empowerment, this initiative strengthens both livelihoods and forest sustainability.
