Climate-Positive Development

Climate Smart Forest Economy Program

We advance approaches that reduce environmental risk while generating opportunities for growth.

The Challenge

Forest ecosystems in the Global South face deforestation, degradation, and economic underutilization. At the same time, local housing deficits and economic needs persist, creating pressure to extract rather than conserve.

The Solution

Established in 2020, the Climate Smart Forest Economy Program (CSFEP) partners with various stakeholders in low- and middle-income countries in the Global South to develop regional forest product industries. The program employs a forest-first, collaborative approach ensuring forest product industries:

Reverse deforestation trends by providing sustainable management revenue
Build resilient, climate-smart, regenerative forest economies with accessible biobased materials
Create local small businesses and sustainable green jobs along value chains

Breakthrough initiatives include co-designing Bhutan's climate-smart forest economy, supporting timber construction startups in Kenya and Uganda, and partnering with Cassa Guatemala on bamboo housing in climate-vulnerable communities. An East Africa Coalition convenes stakeholders across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda in the biobased construction sector. Fiscally sponsored by Dalberg Catalyst; Devang Vussonji serves on CSFEP's Advisory Council.

The Impact

CSFEP is building momentum for climate-smart forest economies that prioritize both ecological integrity and community prosperity.

What We Do

Our Initiatives

AHFIA

Alliance for Health Financing in Africa (AHFIA)

Transforming Healthcare Financing for a Sustainable Future

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Elimu-Soko

Innovation reaches learners when it can work through the public system.

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SITU

An African-led platform for initiatives working on complex public and market challenges.

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All Initiatives

The intersection of
inclusion & prosperity.

Through extensive research, consultations, and collaborations, we help shape a future that is inclusive, environmentally responsible, and economically vibrant.