November 28, 2025

The powerful connection between economic empowerment and environmental conservation

Photo: Jane Goodall Institute Tanzania

Meet Faraja. She and her husband are the parents of two children. Where they live, opportunities for women to participate in income-generating activities are limited – but Faraja is ambitious, and she was interested in getting involved in this kind of work.

Through community-led efforts, and with support from our Conservation and Sustainable Management of Coastal and Marine Ecosystems project, Faraja received practical training on savings, entrepreneurship, and alternative livelihoods – and learned how she could access credit, manage her finances, and build her own business.

With her first loans, she started trading hot peppers. And over time, she has been able to expand her business and increase her household income and financial independence.

She was also introduced to environmentally-friendly alternatives to traditional charcoal through the project. Faraja learned to produce charcoal from wood waste, which helps prevent trees from being cut down and contributes to the conservation of forests.

Faraja, along with other community members, began producing charcoal from wood waste – and the production has been very successful, showing how eco-friendly solutions can also generate income.

“I never imagined myself producing charcoal, let alone in a way that helps the environment. When people bought my charcoal and encouraged me, I felt proud and motivated,” she said.

Faraja currently manages both her hot pepper business and her alternative charcoal production – contributing significantly to her family’s income, and demonstrating that women-led enterprises can generate economic benefits and promote environmental conservation.

“My dream is to grow more, to secure my children’s future, and to help other women see that they too can succeed if they are given an opportunity,” said Faraja.

Her journey highlights the powerful connection between economic empowerment and environmental conservation – and the importance of supporting sustainable livelihoods and advancing community-led conservation.

To learn more about this work and the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada’s ongoing support, go to JaneGoodall.ca/COSME.

Note: The Conservation and Sustainable Management of Coastal and Marine Ecosystems project is delivered in collaboration with Jane Goodall Institute Tanzania, Plan International Canada, and Casacadia Seaweed. Global Affairs Canada has provided financial support.