Dryad Project

2012-2021

Overview

We developed a funding mechanism to support forest-dependent communities, aiming to reduce climate change risks and improve social and environmental well-being. In collaboration with the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) and local civil society, we piloted the project in Cameroon. From 2016 to 2021, we provided grants to community businesses in exchange for progress updates on their environmental and social goals.

Key results

Our efforts led to significant achievements in forest protection and community empowerment:

Forest protection

Illegal logging and encroachment were drastically reduced across 85,260 hectares, while deforestation increased elsewhere in the country.

Empowered communities

86% of participating communities saw income boosts of 25% or more, with some exceeding 50%. Women founded 32% of Dryad businesses, and 46% of the jobs created went to women.

Efficiency

Our monitoring system was 5.5 times cheaper than local alternatives and 60% more efficient than standard consultancy fees. Participation rates in new businesses rose by 200% within 18 months.

Lessons learned

Two key elements proved effective:

1. Pay-for-performance system A pay-for-performance system both protected forests and increased incomes.
2. Remote monitoring systems Remote monitoring systems offered practical solutions, even in areas with weak communication infrastructure and limited user education.