Africa ProgramsConservation and Sustainable Management of Coastal and Marine Ecosystems (COSME) In the coastal regions of Kenya and Tanzania, climate change has intensified issues like erratic rainfall, floods, droughts, and soil erosion. The COSME project addresses these crises by supporting climate-resilient, equitable economies within communities relying on coastal and marine ecosystems, especially women. By implementing nature-based solutions, the project will maintain the health of coastal regions, support more sustainable livelihoods, and prepare for climate change challenges. All with a focus on gender equity and youth empowerment. Over 49,000 people will participate in COSME, including 26,000 women and girls.Our Roots & Shoots program will engage primary school students in Tanzania to help them understand climate change, learn how to care for our planet, and grasp why adopting environmentally friendly practices can benefit the broader community.Local communities, with a focus on women, will be trained in gender-responsive forest management.Thousands of youth, particularly girls, will establish Roots & Shoots clubs that are trained in climate change, nature-based solutions, and conservation.Local authorities will be sensitized on gender-focused conservation.Members of youth-led organizations will be trained on leadership, gender and climate, and evidence-based advocacy.The COSME project is led in partnership with JGI Tanzania, Plan International Canada, Cascadia Seaweed, and is funded in collaboration with Global Affairs Canada. We, at the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada, are proud to be a part of this exciting new initiative. Sustainable Solutions Climate change affects women the most, creating environmental inequity. It exacerbates vulnerabilities and further limits women’s access to rights and resources, impacting their ability to support their families. COSME aims to bring women to the table as climate action leaders ensuring a fairer society. Nature-based solutions are like tools in our toolkit. They’re super important because as they help communities stay strong in the face of climate challenges. The COSME project aims to empower natural solutions supporting methods that create a strong shield of protection.Youth are vital to the sustainability of the planet’s future. Educating the next generation about climate change and climate adaptation practices helps to empower them with knowledge. The COSME project through Roots & Shoots engagement aims to teach that everyday actions add up to big solutions. Women play a major role in family resource management. Their participation ensures resources are used sustainably, benefiting all. The COSME project believe that everyone, regardless of gender or age should have equal opportunities and respect. That way, everyone’s ideas and skills can help make our environment better.COSME Project PartnershipsThe COSME project is lead in partnership with JGI Tanzania, Plan International Canada, Cascadia Seaweed and funded in partnership with Global Affairs Canada – the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada is proud to be a part of this exciting new initiative. Explore Related Resources IssueLearn About Climate ChangeStudies show we have less than a decade to prevent temperatures from rising more than 1.5 degrees. Anything more would be catastrophic. As a global community, we are not on track to hit that target. Learn More Hope & InspirationBuilding Community ResilienceEvery year, Senegal’s Kedougou region is more and more threatened by climate change. As natural disasters like erratic rainfall, floods, prolonged droughts, and soil erosion become more frequent the “hunger” season grows longer. But the local community is finding hope through transformative sustainable solutions. Learn More ResourcesDownload Our Climate Change Curriculum GuideBring deeper climate change knowledge into your classroom, family home, or just to be more informed next time it comes up in conversation. The guide has been developed with experts from across the JGI Canada network. Read What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make. – Dr. Jane GoodallSupport projects like this that aim to build resilience in the face of climate change. Donate TodayThe COSME project is lead in partnership with JGI Tanzania, Plan International Canada (@plancanada), Cascadia Seaweed (@cascadiaseaweed) and funded in partnership with Global Affairs Canada (@CanadaDev).
