Bwindi Forest is an oasis in a densely populated area. It’s a refuge for endangered gorillas and a biodiversity hotspot. But deforestation, agricultural encroachment and invasive species have shrunk and damaged it. And for the indigenous Batwa community, the destruction is devastating. Kicked out of the forest and now living in the degraded surrounding land, the Batwa live in poverty– deprived of their ancestral home, crucial trees, essential herbal remedies and invaluable traditional knowledge.

Working with the Batwa community, we'll collect native and endangered seeds from the main forest to plant and grow pockets of new forest that restore the degraded surrounding land. By growing native species, the Batwa community will once again have access to the crucial trees they depend on. Plus they’ll create a resilient source of income by selling some of these valuable plants. Together we'll nurture a resilient ecosystem that supports wildlife, people and planet to thrive.