Goodchoices Foundation is a social enterprise–driven foundation with a unique approach to supporting both communities and the environment: it creates social and climate impact through sustainable development models that are economically viable, investable, and replicable across different regions.
The initiative began after observing large areas of land degraded by unsustainable practices such as monoculture, illegal logging, and slash-and-burn agriculture. Behind this environmental damage lay a deeper issue – local communities were driven by economic necessity and the lack of stable livelihood options.
The insight was clear: lasting climate and social solutions can only succeed when they also generate economic opportunities. When communities can feed their families while coexisting with nature, they will be empowered to protect and sustain it.
To address this, Goodchoices Foundation applies a sustainable livelihood model where communities are supported to cultivate fast-growing timber, cash crops, and non-timber forest products using environmentally responsible farming methods. These products are then connected to buyers, creating a steady source of income while restoring degraded land.
This innovative approach has been recognised as a nature-based solution with strong potential to scale. It not only supports carbon reduction efforts but also strengthens ecosystems, uplifts vulnerable communities, and ensures long-term resilience.
Unlike conventional environmental projects that may rely heavily on external funding, the model is revenue-generating, making it attractive to donors, partners, and investors who want to see lasting social and climate impact.
The approach also emphasises deep community engagement. Dedicated teams work closely with households to build trust, answer questions, and ensure that families understand how the model benefits them. By integrating trees into crop farming systems (intercropping), communities can earn income from food and cash crops while waiting for timber to mature. This ensures both short-term sustenance and long-term economic returns.
Through partnerships with local stakeholders and international supporters, Goodchoices Foundation aims to expand this model further, transforming degraded areas into thriving landscapes and resilient communities. The ultimate vision is clear: to turn social giving into sustainable solutions that break the cycle of poverty while restoring the environment for generations to come.
