RUKOKI, UGANDA.
Empowering women and regenerating landscapes in the surrounding villages of the Rwenzori forest, Uganda.
PROJECT SNAPSHOT.
Initially, working with 300 women and girls, this initiative integrates a regenerative approach that is not only helping to preserve a vital ecosystem but aims to enhance climate resilience, increase soil fertility, reduce erosion and landslides, and provide food, fuel, and income for local women and families in an area marred by gender inequality and domestic violence.
Partners: Daughters for Earth and Alpha Women Empowerment Initiative (AWEI)
About: Founded in 2009 in Kasese, Uganda, Alpha Women Empowerment Initiative (AWEI) is truly a grassroots non-profit organisation. Their success stems from being part of the community they serve, bringing essential understanding and cultural sensitivity to their work. AWEI tackle gender inequality, domestic violence, and early marriage, empowering women to be more self-sufficient and protect and restore their local environment through community-led conservation.
Hear directly from Masika Elda of Alpha Women Empowerment Initiative in this short video.
MISSION & IMPACT.
Empowering Women, Restoring Landscapes.
At the heart of this project are these vital pillars:
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Gender Equity: Enhancing the self-sufficiency of women, empowering them to become leaders in the movement to restore the environment.
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Forest Restoration: Safeguarding the biodiversity and vital ecosystems that countless species rely on ensuring these natural sanctuaries thrive for future generations.
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The Power of Community: By training women in sustainable practices and agroforestry, they not only gain skills to sustain their families but also fosters a community of environmental stewards who will pass on their knowledge and passion.
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Nature Corridors: Creating these natural pathways are crucial for migrating wildlife and offer a buffer against climate change and extreme weather, protecting wildlife and the communities that call these regions home.
THE RWENZORI MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
RESTORING AN AREA OF INCREDIBLE NATURAL BEAUTY
The Rwenzori Mountains National Park is a magnificent place, full of natural beauty that takes your breath away. It is located close to the equator and boasts the highest non-volcanic mountains in the world.
The area spans from glaciers and snow-capped mountains, down through alpine zones, bamboo and grassland, rainforests and finally African savannah in the valleys. It is home to one of the sources of the River Nile, with high fast-flowing rivers, magnificent waterfalls and lush vegetation making this area incredibly important for biodiversity.
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
Forest Restoration and Establishment of Tree and Grass Nurseries
Developing nurseries to ensure a sustainable supply of trees and grasses for planting and regeneration.
METRICS
19,600
Trees and bamboo planted
300
17.6
2
Women trained in leadership
Tree nurseries established
Hectares planted
"In these areas of Uganda it is not traditional for women to own land nor to be the ones who plant trees.
Alpha Women are helping train women to protect the forests and plant trees and to teach men that women can lead this work too.
We have already planted over 11,000 trees.
These trees will reduce the risk of landslides, provide fruit for food and cash crops for our community and provide a way to ensure mothers can keep their girls at school."
Masika Margaret, Chairperson of Alpha Women Empowerment Initiative
