Our Work & Impact – HERI Kenya

PROJECTS

1. Diani Sustainability Collective

The UN defines Sustainability as the state of meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

As a whole, sustainability must be seen as a way of life that embodies holistic and intergenerational well-being. Thus, any organization that holds goals within the vast array of priorities in the 17 UN SDGs is a crucial organization working towards a common goal: Sustainability.

Grassroots actors, Mostly Youth/Women groups, and Community Health Promoters, are actively leading efforts to promote Health and Environmental Sustainability in our Communities. However, Access to Resources, Training, and Support needed to conduct their work remains a Challenge.

Why This Matters – Grassroots actors play an essential role in sustainable development but without the necessary Resources, Tools, Skills, and a Strategic Collective approach the impact of our disintegrated efforts and interventions remains unsustainable and our efforts to create Change and Sustainable Impact are Strangled.

Diani Sustainability Collective – is initiated by HERI-Kenya as a strategic network of grassroots actors and stakeholders from all sectors i.e. hospitality, business, civil society, scientists & community groups collaborating under a joint framework and strategy to optimize collective efforts and impact to address local sustainability challenges and enhance Diani’s sustainability credentials and eco-tourism sector.

Focus Areas; Waste Management and Circular Economies of Waste, Eco-Tourism Portfolio & Promotion, Community & Public Education & Ecosystem Restoration i.e. Tree Planting, Clean-ups, Habitat Protection.

The HERI-Hub is a community resource center offering grassroot actors and communities capacity building training, tools, and resources, including research reports, case studies, practical guides, best practices, and actionable solutions to address health, environmental & sustainability challenges.

Community Education & Awareness Forums – Every First Saturday of the month HERI in partnership with Diani Beach Youth Cleaning and Gombato Youth For Change to conduct Awareness Forums in Diani, each month the forums are held at a different location. The Diani Sustainability Initiative Campaign will raise funds to engage more community actors and reach more community members.

Environmental Action Saturdays – Every Second Saturday of the month HERI in partnership with the Ukunda VTC Eco Club and Diani Clean Up Initiative to conduct Street & Beach Clean-ups in Diani, each month the activities are held at a different location. The Diani Sustainability Initiative Campaign will raise funds to engage more community teams for clean-ups and trees

2. Black Soldier-Fly Farm for Organic Waste

HERI-Kenya’s Black Soldier Fly Farms initiative harnesses the natural capabilities of black soldier fly larvae to convert organic waste into valuable resources. By establishing sustainable insect farms, HERI-Kenya aims to address organic waste management challenges while simultaneously producing high-quality protein and nutrient-rich by-products. This innovative approach not only reduces the environmental impact of organic waste but also offers potential solutions for food security, animal feed production, and sustainable agriculture.

3. HERI Internship Project

The HERI Internship Program offers opportunities for students and young professionals to gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and skill development in the areas of health and environmental research. Through structured internship placements, participants have the chance to work on current projects, contribute to ongoing research initiatives, and engage with experts in their respective fields. The program aims to nurture talent, build capacity, and empower the next generation of leaders in health and environmental sciences

4. HERI Global Ambassadors & Sustainability Champions

The HERI Global Ambassadors and Sustainability Champions Project connects individuals from diverse sectors to actively support health and environmental sustainability efforts in Kenya. Through this initiative, participants use their networks, influence, and expertise to promote HERI-Kenya’s mission without disrupting their daily routines.

By engaging in advocacy, resource mobilization, and collaboration, ambassadors champion HERI’s strategic goals, contributing to impactful projects such as eco-restoration, community health promotion, and policy advocacy.

Ambassadors and Sustainability Champions gain professional recognition, expand their networks, and have access to HERI’s resources while directly contributing to improving health, environmental sustainability, and community development in Kenya.