GlobalGiving Climate Action Fund

Dear Climate Action Fund member, 

In the face of the global climate crisis, the five members of GlobalGiving’s Climate Action Fund are supporting rural and Indigenous communities as they lead the way to a greener future. Here are five inspirational stories of how your generosity is making a difference! 

Instituto de la Naturaleza y la Sociedad de Oaxaca, A.C. | Mexico

Years ago, lifelong farmer and Zapotec Indigenous man Don Pedro found himself unable to afford the synthetic fertilizers he needed to continue growing crops in Mexico’s Oaxaca watershed. Although he never finished elementary school, a lack of formal education didn’t stop Don Pedro from filling every important position in his town, from topil (community policeman) in his youth to president municipal (mayor) of Huayapam—and it certainly didn’t stop him from farming. 

Don Pedro turned to Instituto de la Naturaleza y la Sociedad de Oaxaca, A.C., which offers workshops on soil conservation and organic farming, to learn new techniques. He took these learnings far beyond the classroom, becoming a leader and mentor for other environmentalists—and one of the biggest organic tomato producers in the Central Valleys of Oaxaca. 

Don Pedro just celebrated his 85th birthday with his huge and loving family, and yes, he is still growing tomatoes. 

Instituto Chaikuni | Peru

In the Peruvian Amazon, many farmers use slash-and-burn practices, an unsustainable way to quickly clear the forest to cultivate food. Leaders like Gimena, an Achuar Indigenous woman and a tourism student, are looking for a better way—and Instituto Chaikuni is ready to help them find it. 

By providing education and other resources in rural Amazonian communities, Instituto Chaikuni is helping build environmentally friendly food systems called chacras integrales. These sustainable food systems, based on Indigenous knowledge and community wisdom, offer vital nutrition and medicines year round. 

"What I like the most about chacras integrales is that they will be a great option to live in harmony with nature and the environment,” Gimena shared. “They also allow eating healthier, revaluing the biodiversity of the Loreto region, and having economic solvency.”

Reef Check Malaysia | Malaysia

Faizal was born and raised in Mantanani Island, Sabah, Malaysia—an island that is known for its clear blue waters and biodiverse marine life. To protect his home’s natural treasure from the impacts of climate change, and local threats like pollution and unsustainable tourism practices, Faizal joined Reef Check Malaysia.

"The island we live on is our treasure, so we need to ensure its cleanliness and safety—not only for us, but also for the environment,” he said.

Today, Faizal is helping run a waste management and recycling program, overseeing operations of a local community garden, and assisting in reef monitoring activities.

With dedication and hard work, Faizal has mobilized more people from the Mantanani community to protect the island's marine resources—and tackle the global crisis at the same time.

Sadhana Forest | Kenya

For Naisherua, sustainable food means more than economic stability or a climate solution: it means freedom. 

After her mother died, Naisherua faced mistreatment and neglect from her stepmother. Eventually, she had to drop out of school to support her new siblings. A few years later, Naisherua fled from her alcoholic husband, becoming the sole provider for her own growing family. Thankfully, she had an ally in her corner: Sadhana Forest, which works to combat climate change and build financial security in Samburu, Kenya by helping community members plant fruit-producing trees. 

By working with Sadhana Forest, Naisherua has been able to plant a small food forest that provides reliable, nutritious food for her children. She’s also learned to use power tools and tackle home improvement projects, building self-confidence along the way.

Today, Naisherua is providing for herself, supporting her younger siblings, and is able to send her children to school. She shared that her dream is to one day have her own home—and that Sadhana Forest has made her feel, for the first time, that her dream is possible. 

EcoLogic | Central America

Don Juan lives and farms in northern Guatemala, where he raises cardamom, mahogany, and other crops. 

For years, he and his neighbors have used slash-and-burn agricultural methods—that is, until EcoLogic introduced agroforestry. Agroforestry, or planting food-producing trees, helps make farming less damaging to the soil and ecosystem—and easier for the farmers. 

Today, Don Juan can tell that agroforestry is making a difference. 

“Thanks to the techniques for reforestation, I am seeing the results, and this is working well,” he said. “I am seeing healthy cardamom plants and mahogany trees.”

Thank you for your continued commitment to protecting our planet!

With gratitude, 

Nic + the GlobalGiving Team

Across the globe, the local leaders in our Climate Action Fund are working to protect the communities, families, and ecosystems most impacted by the climate crisis. From reducing pollution in the ocean to cultivating sustainable agriculture, take a look at what three of our members accomplished over the holiday season: 

Sadhana Forest | Kenya

This fall, Sadhana Forest had one truly huge update: a herd of elephants made their home in the Sadhana Forest cultivation area! Although the team is thrilled to welcome their new neighbors, which Project Development Officer Mary McCarthy describes as “respectably hulking, but lovable,” their migration was likely caused by devastating droughts in East Africa, a firsthand effect of the climate crisis. 

“These jeopardizing effects of climate change make our work far more challenging and prove how critical it is that we carry on towards the goal of long-term food security for Samburu,” McCarthy says. 

Reef Check Malaysia | Malaysia 

In 2021, Reef Check Malaysia’s community-run Mantanani Plastic Recycling Center took off. Over the course of the year, community members collected more than 6.5 tons of recyclable materials at the center—keeping these harmful plastics out of the breathtaking coral reefs. 

In addition to making it easier for families living in rural areas to recycle, the Mantanani Center gives local residents the opportunity to build their own conservation knowledge and actively participate in efforts to protect their home. 

Ecologic Development Fund | Mexico

This fall, Ecologic Development Fund helped 10 new families in Oaxaca, Mexico, build home gardens that will provide a vital, sustainable food source. The communities decided to establish their home gardens together in two common areas, making them not only a source of nutritious food like pumpkin, cucumber, herbs, and peppers, but also a space for cooperation and community building. 

Doña Elvira, one of the participants in the Home Gardens Program, shared: “The benefit we get from the home gardens is that we are able to keep whatever we plant. It is important to know when different plants are going to sprout, and what to do to make them work. We have to take care of the garden so that it produces what we sow.”

As local leaders like Mary and Doña continue to face the growing challenges of the climate crisis, your support is more vital than ever. Thank you for helping protect our home! 

Wishing you a happy New Year, 

Nic + the GlobalGiving Team