TUZVO/ Technical University in Zvolen, Slovakia
is renowned for its world forestry department, offering comprehensive programs at all academic levels. The department’s faculty members conduct cutting-edge research in sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation, and forest economics. Students benefit from hands-on training and practical experiences, including field trips and internships. TUZVO collaborates with various partners to advance forestry science and practice nationally and internationally.
EDUFORMA, Italy
is an Educational Center accredited in Veneto Region for Lifelong Learning training interventions (VET), as well as for Guidance Services and Labor. Founded in 2003, was born as a company that has for object the drafting, marketing, organization and delivery of training interventions, information and professional guidance.
MVNGO/ Mine Vaganti NGO,Italy
Mine Vaganti NGO (MVNGO) is a social enterprise founded in 2009 in Sardinia, now operating globally with headquarters in Sassari, Alghero, Berlin, and multiple hubs. MVNGO promotes social and green entrepreneurship, social inclusion through sport, formal and non-formal education, and intercultural dialogue. The organization offers Vocational Education and Training (VET) programs with a strong focus on work-based learning experiences, addressing critical contemporary issues such as climate change and exploring solutions that improve students’ access to the labor market. Additionally, MVNGO promotes innovative digital and game-based technologies within the cultural and tourism sectors.
EKS/ European Knowledge Spot, Greece
a Civil Society organization committed in making information and knowledge accessible to all and creating positive impact on education, social inclusion and environmental protection to build an era of peace and sustainable development for the young generations. EKS personnel and professionals have a strong history in quality assurance processes, project administration, design, and implementation. Additionally, they possess extensive qualitative and quantitative research experience, focusing primarily on prevention, planning, evaluation, and sensitization actions.
OAU/ Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria
Agricultural Entrepreneurship Development Centre, Institute of Agricultural Research and Training. To combat deforestation caused by charcoal production in Nigeria’s southern Guinea savanna, the Institute conducted intervention programs across Oyo, Kwara, and Ekiti states, focusing on sustainable watershed management. Supported by Danish Trust and the World Bank, similar initiatives were carried out in Burkina Faso and Cote d’Ivoire. In Anambra State, the Institute trained stakeholders on wood utilization, afforestation, and land use management, planting 2000 trees and training 200 stakeholders across seven Local Government Areas. The Institute has witnessed a significant decline in forest cover, especially in southwest Nigeria, due to poor land use planning by property developers. It continues to advocate for robust land use policies in its area of influence.
UYSTO/ Uganda Youth Skills Training Organization, Uganda
UYSTO is founded on vocational education and training, alongside entrepreneurship and career education, for socioeconomic advancement. Additionally, it intervenes in various thematic areas such as support for vulnerable youth, environmental conservation, and health awareness. Their activities are guided by the goals of equipping youth with technical skills and contributing to environmental conservation, while also providing startup support to vulnerable individuals. These principles guide their efforts to accelerate Uganda’s economic development through education and innovative ventures, aiming to improve the lives of young people and women. At the heart of our interventions lies a partnership approach for sustainable development, focusing on advocating for improved vocational training infrastructure, facilitating access to training, and fostering international collaborations for socio-economic empowerment in Uganda.
ACTT/ African Center For Technical Training
in Ghana, provides top-tier vocational and technical education. Their curriculum covers various fields such as engineering, construction, automotive technology, and IT, with a focus on practical training. ACTT offers career guidance, job placement, and entrepreneurship training, fostering a skilled workforce. Through industry partnerships, it ensures students access to cutting-edge technology and practices, contributing to Ghana’s economic development.
PTU/Puntland Technical University, Somalia
actively addresses deforestation through local, regional, national, and international initiatives. Locally, PTU collaborates with environmental organizations, hosting workshops at vocational institutions to promote sustainable practices. Regionally, the university participates in conferences and partners with regional institutions to tackle deforestation. Nationally, PTU advocates for sustainable forest management policies and contributes to national strategies. Internationally, PTU collaborates with NGOs on global projects addressing deforestation.
HIES/ Higher Institute of Environment Science, Cameroon
is an educational institution actively involved in forestry and environmental science. They offer academic programs, conduct research, and collaborate with various stakeholders to address deforestation, forest management, and biodiversity conservation. Its founder, formerly the Regional Director of the World Agroforestry Center (ICRAF) for West and Central Africa, spearheaded the development of agroforestry technologies across 22 countries in the Congo Basin over a span of 24 years. Under ICRAF’s guidance, the institute facilitated the adoption of tree domestication techniques, including grafting and rooting, for cultivating high-value indigenous trees and medicinal plants. This initiative empowered over 100,000 farmers to actively engage in restoration efforts. Additionally, ICRAF successfully established Rural Resource Centers in several African countries with funding from IFAD, the Belgium Government, and USAID, expanding its reach into East Africa and Indonesia. These efforts have led to the efficient capture of desired plant traits, resulting in shortened fruiting periods and incentivizing tree planting activities among tropical forest farmers.
