Friends of Lake Tanganyika (FOLT)
Founded in 2012, Friends of Lake Tanganyika (FOLT) is a community-based organization dedicated to addressing the environmental challenges facing Lake Tanganyika and its surrounding areas. FOLT focuses on sustainable solutions that benefit both people and the planet, working hand in hand with local communities to combat environmental degradation, poverty, and hunger.
Our Mission & Vission
FOLT’s mission is to end extreme poverty, hunger, and environmental degradation in the Lake Tanganyika Basin. It has been done by empowering local communities to play an active role in protecting their environment and improving their livelihoods. Their projects, such as agroforestry initiatives, help communities build sustainable futures while preserving the natural beauty and resources of the region.
The lake's vital role
Lake Tanganyika is one of the world’s natural wonders. It holds 17% of the globe’s surface freshwater and is the second-oldest and deepest lake in the world. The lake provides essential resources to over 12 million people, including fish, which accounts for 40% of the region’s protein supply. However, deforestation, overfishing, and climate change threaten the lake’s ecosystem and the livelihoods of those who depend on it.
By involving local communities in the restoration and preservation of Lake Tanganyika, a lasting change can be created. From tree planting and use of clean energy to environmental education, FOLT’s work offers hope for the future, ensuring that the lake remains a source of life for generations to come.
Sustainable Green Initiative (SGI), India
It was in 2012 that Sustainable Green Initiative (SGI) began their incredible journey in India, driven by a powerful idea: to help the people most in need, nurture the land they live on, and protect the environment that sustains them.
The Protagonists of a Journey Fighting Hunger, Poverty, and Climate Change by Planting Fruit Trees
Planting fruit trees—a simple yet transformative act that addresses all three challenges at once.
SGI realized that by planting trees on the lands of local communities, orphanages, old-age homes, and more, they could not only provide nourishment but also empower those same communities to care for their environment. The fruit trees they planted offered sustenance directly to the people who needed it most.
Fast forward to today, and SGI has planted an astonishing 45 million trees across 16 states in India. With a well-structured process of planning, planting, and nurturing, they’ve achieved an impressive 80% tree survival rate, ensuring that their efforts continue to bear fruit—literally and figuratively.
Values and Vision in Harmony
Words like collective action, expertise, dedication, and resilience define SGI’s approach. Their vision aligns perfectly with ours at Planting on Demand (PoD). Together, we believe in the power of indigenous knowledge, the involvement of local communities, and the planting of native, productive trees. These trees not only offer a continuous source of food but also serve as guardians of ecosystems, regenerating the environment across India—and, as we hope, across the globe.
Fundasaun Haburas Moris, Timor Leste
Our partnership with Fundasaun Haburas Moris (FHM) takes us to the heart of Bobonaro, a district in Timor Leste, a small but resilient Southeast Asian nation nestled between Indonesia and Australia. Timor Leste’s history is one of struggle and perseverance, and in 2004, an extraordinary journey began in this nation. Through a collaborative effort between the International Women’s Development Agency (IWDA) and FHM, a women-led movement was born—one that would empower women in rural communities to become agents of change.
What is FHM?
At the core of FHM’s mission is the belief that true empowerment comes through education, skills development, and community involvement. The women of FHM, many of whom are the heads of their households, are guided and supported to create, develop, and manage a variety of impactful projects.
After nearly a decade of dedication and international collaboration. Over the years, FHM has cultivated a strong, diverse team with expertise in fields such as law, economics, sustainable agriculture, and farmers’ cooperation. These women are now equipped with the tools to lead their communities toward a more sustainable and equitable future.
But what makes FHM truly exceptional is their vision for holistic community growth. They see beyond individual success, focusing on creating lasting, systemic change. At Planting on Demand (PoD), we recognized the profound potential in FHM’s approach, particularly when it comes to maximizing the impact of every tree planted.
The Power of a Planted Tree
With FHM’s guidance, each hectare of planted trees becomes far more than just an environmental initiative. Imagine the benefits that extend far into the future: women-led community teams cultivate trees that generate food, income, and resources, which are then wisely reinvested. These revenues are directed toward vital areas such as children’s education, community infrastructure, and further agroforestry projects. The result is a cycle of growth—where the planting of trees supports not only the environment but also the social and economic wellbeing of the community.
Furthermore, FHM’s agroforestry efforts help communities become more resilient in the face of climate change. The trees provide shade, improve soil health, and protect against erosion, while the fruits they bear serve as a continuous source of food and income for the women and their families. This model of sustainable development empowers local communities to thrive, ensuring that the benefits of their work ripple out for generations to come.