"I am passionate about both nature and music making, so it made sense to combine the two to try to spread environmental messages." - Turtuga Blanku, recording artist
"I have another vision of reforesting between Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks – two isolated forest patches where endangered mountain gorillas live."
Wendee Nicole, Founder of Redemption Song Foundation, Uganda
"In the last few years, the Casa has really worked to reduce our ecological footprint or 'walk lightly on the earth,' as we say." Hayley Hathaway, director Casa de los Amigos
"I always find it surprising that even the most educated people do not know how toxic a smartphone is when it comes to recycling." Georg Hobmeier, Causa Creations
In the past six years Global Ideas has showcased hundreds of projects aimed at reversing biodiversity loss and mitigating the effects of climate change. This has connected us with thinkers and doers all over the world, but we know there are millions more of you out there working on protecting our environment. We want to find you, hear from you and profile your stories on our site. See below for details on how to reach us. We look forward to hearing from you and learning how you are #doingyourbit.
Tweet us at @dw_globalideas, upload your content using the form on this page or with a single side swipe on the DW app, find us at https://www.facebook.com/dw.globalideas or email us at doingyourbit@dw.com. We look forward to hearing from you and learning how you are #doingyourbit.
"I believe we can have a positive effect on the climate change crisis by making careful purchasing decisions." James Whitlow Delano of Everyday Climate Change
Where there's a will...
How it all began
Wendee Nicole was on assignment in Uganda when she took a photograph of a young boy with eyes that "spoke volumes". His name was Beckham and his gaze was powerful enough to draw her back to the community and immerse herself in conservation, education and social projects with the local Batwa people.
Where there's a will...
Selling up
Life in Sw Uganda stands in stark contrast to the life Wendee Nicole had led in the US. She decided to trade the former for the latter, and once back home, sold her house and moved to a spot close to the Batwa village of Kalehe, where she set up her Redemption Song Foundation NGO. She works with locals on environment and social projects.
Where there's a will...
A passion for mountain gorillas
Wendee was particularly keen to see Uganda's mountain gorillas. The critically endangered species are threatened by a loss of forest habitat, but the Batwa pygmies also suffered when the creation of a national park evicted them from their forest homeland." People and great apes", she says "are vulnerable to common diseases of poverty, such as tuberculosis and scabies mites."
Where there's a will...
Conservation dreams
The Redemption Song Foundation hopes to work on conservation initiatives such as reforestation between the Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks and wildlife farming, which could help reduce illegal poaching. They are also looking at smaller scale tree planting. Here they are carrying wood for the construction of a bridge. For each tree felled, a seedling was planted.
Where there's a will...
A lot of work to do
Besides conservation efforts, the charity sells locally made baskets at fair trade prices, thereby generating enough money for development. It also encourages children to stay in school and makes sure they eat enough protein to stay healthy. One of the things she enjoys most about her work is interacting with the local children. There is some time for fun.
"In Malawi, women traditionally prepare the food with their children playing near them in the kitchen and it is common for children to fall into the fire or for women’s long skirts to catch fire." RIPPLE Africa
