Environmentally sustainable development
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.
Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Ecosystems in Kenya
In Kwale County on the Kenyan coast, 75% of the population live in poverty, and while they are reliant on the coastal environment for their income, it has been severely depleted in recent years.
Thanks to the Future Plan Fund, we’ve been working with the coastal communities to create new income generating activities which also promote conservation and biodiversity in the coastal environment, such as seaweed farming, mangrove reforestation and sustainable fishing practices.
This has already meant an increase of income for local communities, and will have a huge positive long term impact for marine and coastal ecosystems, protection from climate-related threats and promotion of carbon sinks.
We are restoring mangrove forests because they protect our coastlines and help increase our fish stock – Community mangrove group, Kenya

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.