Well Grounded was set up by two people, Cath Long and Iola Leal. Between them, Cath and Iola have more than 30 years of experience in working with local organisations and communities on natural resources and rights, particularly in Africa. Their country experience includes: Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Liberia, Mozambique, Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe in Africa; and Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, Guatemala, Peru and Venezuela in Latin America. They have worked in the NGO sector, in research and with governments on programme development and delivery and on policy, campaign and advocacy work. They have a strong network of contacts and a track record of successful campaign and programme work.
Pressure on natural resources
Natural resources are central to the lives and livelihoods of the poorest and most marginalised people. However, all too often these resources aren’t managed in a way that benefits the communities who depend on them or that ensures that they’ll be available to future generations. The situation is becoming more urgent as the international appetite for natural resources, including minerals, timber and land for crops such as palm oil, becomes ever greater. Communities and natural habitats are under pressure.
Working with civil society organisations
Well Grounded works with African civil society organisations (who can be any group, formal or informal, that brings people together for a purpose. They can include, among others, non-government organisations, community-based organisations, networks, platforms, coalitions and social movements), because they have a key role to play as a complement and a counterweight to government and the private sector. Well Grounded works with these organisations so that they are able to realise their objectives and vision and make a positive change to community rights and natural resource management in their home countries and in the wider world.
Testimonials