FESD (Friends of Environment and Social Development) employs a holistic approach to address environmental and social challenges in Rwanda. Here are the key approaches that underpin FESD’s strategies and initiatives :

1. Development Program Design and Implementation

• Targeted Programs : FESD designs and implements targeted programs that address climate change mitigation and poverty alleviation in line with Rwanda’s NDCs for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing resilience to climate impacts, and promoting sustainable land use. Programs also contribute to achieving SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 1 (No Poverty), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). These efforts directly support NST1 and NST2 by fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
• Community Engagement : Programs are co-designed with local communities to ensure alignment with NST2’s emphasis on citizen participation and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), while addressing local challenges like soil degradation and food insecurity.

2. Promoting Sustainable Agricultural Practices

• Agroforestry Development : FESD encourages agroforestry in line with Rwanda’s NDC targets to increase forest cover and enhance carbon sequestration. These efforts align with SDG 15 (Life on Land) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by improving agricultural productivity and resilience. Agroforestry also supports NST1 and NST2’s goals for environmental protection and economic transformation.
• Training and Education : FESD provides training on sustainable farming techniques, contributing to NDCs by promoting low-emission agricultural practices. This also aligns with SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Training women and youth supports NST2’s objectives of social inclusion and economic empowerment.

3. Natural Resource Conservation

• Resource Management Programs : FESD’s programs support sustainable resource management to address NDC commitments related to water conservation, forest management, and biodiversity preservation. These initiatives contribute to SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 15 (Life on Land) while supporting NST2’s focus on improving natural ecosystems.
• Waste Management Initiatives : By developing waste management initiatives, FESD helps address Rwanda’s NDC goals of reducing pollution and managing urban waste. These efforts align with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), while contributing to NST2’s clean and sustainable urbanization.

4. Support for Vulnerable Groups

• Income Generation Schemes : FESD establishes income-generating schemes for vulnerable communities, in line with NDC commitments to ensure social and economic resilience to climate impacts. These programs also align with SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), contributing to NST1’s focus on poverty reduction and NST2’s goal of economic inclusivity.
• Access to Basic Services : FESD ensures access to essential services such as healthcare, clean water, and education, aligning with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), while addressing NST1 priorities for improved social welfare.

5. Partnerships and Collaboration

• Building Alliances : FESD strengthens partnerships with local governments, NGOs, and international organizations in line with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) and Rwanda’s NDC goals of international collaboration for climate resilience. These partnerships help FESD contribute to NST2’s focus on leveraging strategic alliances to foster socio-economic transformation.
• Youth Engagement : FESD collaborates with schools and youth mentorship programs to engage young people in environmental leadership. This aligns with SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 13 (Climate Action) while supporting NST1 goals for youth empowerment and education.

6. Awareness and Education Campaigns

• Community Education Programs : FESD organizes awareness campaigns focused on environmental protection, sustainable practices, and biodiversity conservation. These programs support NDC goals related to climate education and align with SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land), contributing to NST1 and NST2’s emphasis on environmental stewardship.
• Media Outreach : FESD uses media platforms to engage the public and raise awareness of Rwanda’s NDCs and the SDGs, ensuring that more people are informed about climate action and sustainable practices.

7. Monitoring and Evaluation

• Impact Assessment : FESD regularly assesses the impact of its programs to ensure they are aligned with SDGs and Rwanda’s NDC goals, particularly in reducing emissions and promoting sustainable development. These assessments ensure FESD contributes to NST2’s goal of achieving measurable outcomes in economic and environmental sustainability.
• Feedback Mechanisms : FESD implements feedback systems to collect insights from community members and refine programs, supporting NST1 and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) by promoting inclusive, participatory decision-making processes.

8. Advocacy for Policy Change

• Engagement in Policy Development : FESD actively participates in local and national policy discussions to promote environmental sustainability and social development. This aligns with Rwanda’s NDCs and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) by contributing to policy frameworks that advance climate resilience and inclusive development. These advocacy efforts support NST1 goals related to governance and environmental sustainability.
• SDG Alignment : FESD ensures all programs are aligned with the SDGs, particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 1 (No Poverty), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). This alignment ensures that FESD’s initiatives contribute to Rwanda’s NDCs and NST1/ NST2 goals for sustainable development and poverty reduction.