Our Stories

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Rain water harvesting improves lives of Tanzanian farmers

In recent years, residents of Tanzania's Kilimanjaro region have seen their livelihoods threatened by climate change-induced water shortages. The Kilimanjaro region has always been one of the driest in Tanzania, receiving less than 400 mm of rainfall annually. The average annual rainfall for the cou more

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Preserving culture, protecting villagers in Fiji

Lomawai village on the island of Fiji is known for its salt producing tradition. Today, though, Tai Butani is the only person left in the village who continues to produces salt from the salt ponds in the local mangroves. "I collect water from the pond in a pan, cook it for 24 hours, and once more

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Cameroon community to return home after lake explosion

Nearly 1,700 people died in 1986 when Cameroon's Lake Nyos suddenly released deadly levels of carbon dioxide into the air following a build-up of the gas in the lake. Another 10,000 people were uprooted and 3,000 heads of livestock perished. "I lost more than 21 members of my family and all our more

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In Cambodia, a monk fights for the environment

What began as a Buddhist monk’s mission to halt deforestation in his native Cambodia has resulted in the legal protection of 18,261 hectares of evergreen forest. The forested area, located in northwest Cambodia, is now aptly called The Monks’ Community Forest. In recognition of this achievement, the more

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In Brazil, UNDP steps up CFC-elimination project

Brazil, a land of great beauty and even greater potential, is an economic engine of Latin America and the fourth most populous democracy in the world. But with this great potential comes an even greater danger, as the specter of climate change looms large on the horizon. In 1993, the United Nations more

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In Senegal, access to water 'life-transforming'

12-year-old Kalla Niang is highly self-assured and energetic. She is busily preparing herself for high school, an opportunity that, until recently, would not have been available to her. Kalla lives in the village of Darou Ngaraf in northern Senegal. Like many girls in rural Senegal, Kalla and her si more

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Lao villagers work together to build hydro power plant

In a remote village in northern Lao, Keupkku settles down to watch the evening news on his new color television. On the other side of the room, two of his daughters turn on the lights to continue their studies. Just a month ago this would have been impossible. But a newly installed 7.5 kilowatt hydr more

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Water project making life easier for Ekipe villagers

Until last year, residents of Ekipe village on North Efate Island in Vanuatu had no access to running water. Villagers like as Marie, a mother of five, were forced to dig holes in the sand and wait for them to fill with fresh water. Doing so was time-consuming and rarely provided enough water for c more

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Solar power changes families’ lives in Botswana

Until recently, the Mokgatlhe family in Kgope, a remote village situated 50 kilometres west of Botswana’s capital, had been using firewood to light and heat their home.  This practice, used by 80 percent of Botswana’s rural population, has led to the destruction of countless acres of forest.&nb more