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Double your impact with the Big Give Green Match Fund

Good news! This year, you can help support the protection of threatened African forests through A Rocha’s locally led conservation initiatives. Together with you, we can help protect 260,000 ha of forest across Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa. This also means 5,000 people from local communities will be supported through sustainable livelihoods, and over 150 threatened species and their habitats will be protected!

All this is possible thanks to A Rocha International’s participation in the Big Give Green Match Fund 2024, taking place from noon (BST) 18-25 April. During the campaign week, your donations made via the Big Give website will be doubled*. Watch our video to find out how your support can make a difference to the people and wildlife that call these forests ‘home’.

One donation, twice the impact. 

* Please note only donations made through our campaign page on the Big Give website between 18-25 April are eligible to be doubled (while match funds last). The donate button will appear on the campaign page when the Green Match Fund launches. 

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Farming for people and planet in India

Switching to organic farming can feel risky for independent farmers in India. Lower yields than normal can be expected for the first two to three years, but ultimately, adopting sustainable practices cultivates healthier soil, cleaner ecosystems and more nutrient-dense harvests: a win-win for people and planet! 

A Rocha India is equipping farmers in the Bannerghatta-Hosur region to make a bold transition to organic farming. Beginning with a thorough survey of farming communities in the region, they take care to understand the needs of the community. They then offer educational workshops and share information about government aid, which can ease the transition. A Rocha aims to impart sound ecological knowledge to these farmers about their environment, as well as learn from the wealth of their indigenous, traditional knowledge and help propagate it on a community level.  

The project has seen some ups and downs since it began in 2022: one year, a delayed onset of monsoons meant that the area was still receiving heavy rainfall during harvest season, which is typically dry. The next year, there were poor weather conditions at the planting stage. Farmers are highly vulnerable to a changing climate and unpredictable weather, which can ruin some or all of a harvest. To mitigate these risks, A Rocha distributes climate and pest-resistant seeds and provides organic manure to get farmers started.  

It takes time for the full ecological and health benefits of organic farming to be realized, which is why A Rocha is building long-term relationships with select farms. We are also creating a sustainable demand and supply chain for the crop. This has been a great opportunity for A Rocha to involve volunteers and other stakeholders from the neighbouring metropolitan city of Bangalore. It has encouraged them to learn more about this environmentally sustainable way of farming and spread the message! 

Organic farming isn’t just about human health: it’s a conservation practice, as well. Commercial farming, predominately a monoculture practice, wreaks havoc on our soil and habitats, eliminating the biodiversity that local species need to thrive. By going organic, we are not only protecting our soil and water; we are also creating spaces where native plants and animals can flourish. This is especially important in the partner farms around Bannerghatta National Park and the North Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary. Organic farming means sustainable livelihoods for the people, as well as healthy habitats for elephants, hares, deer and leopards who live there, too.  

Globally, these projects contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals for Zero Hunger and Life on Land. Learn more about the Global Goals at sdgs.un.org/goals

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Beyond honey: beekeeping’s impact on biodiversity and livelihoods

It is estimated that about one-third of the food we eat relies on bee pollination. As bees visit flowers in search of nectar and pollen, they transfer pollen between plants, enabling plants to reproduce and produce fruits and seeds. This vital ecological service not only supports biodiversity but also sustains food production for humans and wildlife.  

Beekeeping — the maintenance of bee colonies, commonly in man-made beehives — offers significant benefits, including promoting pollinator health and biodiversity while supporting sustainable livelihoods. A Rocha organizations around the world have undertaken beekeeping projects aimed at promoting sustainable practices, supporting communities and conserving natural habitats. 

A Rocha Kenya recently implemented a sustainable beekeeping project within the Dakatcha Nature Reserve and with its neighbouring communities. The project focused on introducing beekeeping practices to local farmers while conducting environmental education on pollinators in Dakatcha schools. Students from 10 schools participated in environmental education sessions, cultivating pollinator-friendly gardens to support bee populations. Additionally, 15 farmers received training in beekeeping techniques and were provided with beehives, contributing to both conservation and economic empowerment in the region.  

A Rocha South Africa commenced a beekeeping project emphasizing community livelihoods and conservation. By training and supporting community beekeepers, the project aims to create sustainable incomes while fostering environmental stewardship. This approach not only benefits bee populations and pollination but also strengthens relationships between communities and nature reserves, promoting conservation in environmentally sensitive areas. 

Additionally, In Ghana, beekeeping empowers communities economically and promotes pollination. In Switzerland, beekeeping contributes to dry meadow conservation, safeguarding biodiversity. A Rocha UK educates through pollinator-focused programmes at the Wolf Fields urban community reserve, while A Rocha Czech provides essential habitat for bees with ‘insect hotels’ (right) and A Rocha Lebanon are building rammed-earth hives and recycling beeswax.  

These beekeeping projects highlight the vital role of bees in biodiversity conservation globally. It’s not just about honey; it’s about preserving ecosystems, fostering sustainable livelihoods and ensuring a sweet future for both nature and communities.