Environmentally sustainable development
Environmentally sustainable development
Improving lives through a greener approach
The environment and natural resources form an essential economic base in developing countries, and their use generates significant economic and social benefits for people – particularly those living in poverty, of which women make up the majority.
Children and women are often impacted the most by risks to food security caused by environmental degradation and climate change, as they work longer hours to access food, fuel and water. In this context girls may be taken out of education and forced into domestic work or agricultural labour, and are vulnerable to forced marriage, and gender-based violence.
Our green programmes aim to conserve biodiversity and contribute to economic growth and food security in an environmentally sensitive and sustainable manner. We focus on working with communities, especially young girls and women, to improve their rights and empower decision-making.
Change Champions
Sherly relied on locally grown materials to make the goods she sold at markets, but an extended dry season left her with a small harvest for the year and limited what she could produce. Sherly was about to leave her village for the city to find work as a maid, but a friend showed her a leaflet about one of our entrepreneurship training programmes, Change Champions.
Since joining Change Champions, Sherly has become a green entrepreneur, speaking at technology fairs about green technology and selling innovative green products. The training has given Sherly the ability and confidence to support herself, and the products she specialises in will benefit communities and reduce environmental degradation.
The Future Plan Fund
This is the first time a group has come to us suggesting we should work together to develop a project.
– Village Chief, Uaroana, Atauro Island, Timor - Leste
The Future Plan Fund supports three coastal livelihood projects in Timor Leste, Kenya, and Colombia.
The aim of these projects is to promote a green economy, conserve and enhance biodiversity in coastal regions, and increase the recognition and participation of women in decision-making around coastal resources.
Green skills for Ghana
This project aims to create jobs and expand economic activities in an environmentally sensitive and sustainable manner, in 60 communities of the Greater Accra and Brong-Ahafo regions. To do this, we are:
- providing 'green skills' and business-focused training for women and young people
- establishing village savings and loans associations to create access to investment
- working with business forums, local authorities and training providers to catalyse the growth of a green economy.
The Future Plan Fund
The Future Plan Fund (FPF) has been created with a landmark gift of £1million to Plan International UK by one of our long-term supporters. The aim of the fund is to develop our approach to environmental sustainability across the organisation at both a programmatic and strategic level.
Read more about becoming a partner with Plan International UK >
The Green Skills for Ghana project is funded by the European Union.
Features of sustainable development
Green economy
Blue economy
Green skills
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