Population, Health, & Environment

Communities across the globe depend directly on our planet’s natural resources for food and livelihoods. 767 million people live on less than $2 a day. 1 in 10 are malnourished. And 225 million women don’t have the power to prevent unintended pregnancy.

We believe it’s all connected: The success of the poorest populations hinges on thriving natural ecosystems. Women and youth are especially vulnerable, yet they remain the most marginalized. Climate change will only exacerbate these disparities. Everyone should have the right and ability to decide whether and when to have children. And the knowledge and tools to sustain their natural environment and generate economic opportunity. See how we’re making sure they do.

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214 million women want to prevent pregnancy but aren’t using an effective method of contraception

GUTTMACHER

70% of the world’s fish population is fully used, overused, or in crisis

WORLD WILDLIFE FUND

Lake Victoria fisheries support 3 million + livelihoods and bring in $500 million in annual revenues

WORLD BANK

Every year, about 4.3 million deaths are linked to exposure to indoor smoke from cooking fuels

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION

What We Do

Ensure those who depend directly on natural resources for survival have access to the information and services they need to maintain their sexual and reproductive health and the health of the ecosystem around them

Support teams of local fishers and farmers, creating roles for women and youth, so they can protect fisheries and forests and ensure economic opportunity for generations to come

Make sure women and girls have control over whether and when to have children so they can choose to pursue employment and leadership roles in their communities

Empower entire households to educate others who can benefit from the skills and knowledge they’ve gained

Cultivate champions and leaders in local, regional, and national governments to broaden the reach of similar programs across East Africa and beyond

Discover Our Projects

A Re Itireleng

For communities in and around Groot Marico, in the North West Province of South Africa, their environment is everything—and they know they must act to preserve it. “A Re Itireleng” –meaning...

Endangered Ecosystems of Northern Tanzania

Our vision: An ecologically and economically thriving landscape that supports both people and wildlife, resilient to future stress from climate change and human population growth. See how we’re...

Health of People and Environment in the Lake Victoria Basin

Something remarkable is happening. Around Africa’s largest lake, maternal health is improving. Community members are becoming increasingly resilient, gaining the tools they need to sustainably...

Tuungane “Let’s Unite”

In remote parts of Tanzania, people face two crises—how to improve their health and protect the environment they depend on for survival. See how we help them address both,...