Khartoum Eco Neighborhoods Project

The Eco Neighborhoods Project was implemented in Khartoum State during the period 2010–2012 in response to the growing environmental challenges associated with rapid urban expansion and the decline of green spaces in the capital. The Sudanese Environment Conservation Society (SECS) led the project with financial support from the European Commission and in collaboration with key institutional partners, including Local Authorities in the four targeted localities of Al Gaili, Haj Yousif, Karari and Umbada, as well as the National Forest Corporation and the State’s Higher Council for Environment and Social Welfare Department. The project targeted a broad constituency of beneficiaries, including basic school teachers and students, local community members, environmental activists, volunteers, experts and 50 low-income families. Through a combination of environmental awareness campaigns, establishment of State and Local Environmental Forums, capacity development for Local Advocacy Groups (LAGs), environmental rehabilitation activities in basic schools, and facilitation of microfinance access to vulnerable households, the project contributed to strengthened community engagement in environmental protection, improved environmental conditions in schools and surrounding neighborhoods, and increased responsiveness of local authorities to environmental concerns. The intervention fostered positive attitudes towards environmental stewardship, encouraged community participation in tree planting and hygiene campaigns, and enhanced coordination mechanisms for influencing environment-related policies at local and state levels.