Casa Socio Environmental Fund launches publication “Guardians of the Forests – Financing for Climate Resilience” at COP27

Casa Fund launches Guardians of the Forests – Financing for Climate Resilience at the event “#PhilanthropyForClimate: A Global Philanthropy Movement in Response to the Climate Crisis” during COP 27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. The event discussed lessons and opportunities for more robust action by philanthropic entities in supporting forest communities in critical biomes for climate balance.

The publication brings reflections and lessons learned by Casa Socio Environmental Fund in direct support to local and traditional organizations and how this support is connected to important strategies for preserving standing forests and maintaining the climate.

“We developed a methodology contrary to the logic of conventional philanthropy, we mapped what people needed and created a structure that was capable of responding quickly, efficiently, flexible, caring, and trusting, because this is what people who haven´t had access to the tools need so they can strengthen their institutions, that’s what they need to get started” says Maria Amália Souza, founder and director of strategic development at Casa Fund.

Amália says that the publication is a translation of Casa Fund’s work throughout almost two decades of work raising funds and ensuring that the funds reach the hands of those who really need them to carry out serious work in their territories. People who truly safeguard their lands and forests. “With more communities benefiting from volumes of resources that they are able to absorb from the beginning until the moment they continue onwards. That is the objective, not to create dependency, but to create the musculature of democracy”.

The experiences reflected in the publication have already been shared with socio-environmental activists so that new Funds can be consolidated in Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador and Mozambique. These, together with other older Funds, give rise to Alianza Socioambiental Fondos del Sur. With a robust structure, Alianza aims to channel considerable volumes of resources and make them reach the people who are protecting their territories.

The publication Guardians of the Forests – Financing for Climate Resilience can be accessed in English and Portuguese.