Since our inception in 1993, EcoLogic has taken a people-centered approach to the conservation of tropical and semi-tropical habitats. Often international organizations impose habitat protection on local communities without considering the needs of the people living in and around these unique and threatened natural resources. In contrast, EcoLogic recognizes that local people offer the best hope of protecting these habitats and require support to establish sustainable livelihoods.

Furthermore, because resources such as water, wood, oil, rubber, and medicinal plants are valuable to people all around the world, outside interests often try to seize control without the consent or participation of local communities. Too frequently, local people have not been included in decisions regarding their land and do not benefit from the use of these resources.

EcoLogic is committed to changing this dynamic. By providing tools and training that nurture environmental stewardship and community organization, we strengthen local leadership to ensure that development takes place in a manner that is socially and environmentally compatible - and incorporates the needs and desires of the community.

EcoLogic's work:

• Builds local organizations' capacity to advocate for themselves by sharing best practices and linking them to other local and international groups

• Strengthens the resilience of communities to withstand setbacks, either natural (such as hurricanes) or political/economic (such as oil or coal extraction campaigns)

• Maximizes the contribution of knowledge and skills of women and indigenous people