Canopy

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One of the world’s great forests needs great leaders to protect it →

The Canopy Leadership Program focuses on strengthening leaders of community forestry organizations in the Congo Basin, equipping them with the skills and support network to manage natural resources, influence governance, and lead collaborative initiatives.

The Program supports 20 senior leaders from 10 African civil society organizations from Cameroon, DRC, Gabon, and the Republic of Congo. Co-designed by Well Grounded and Maliasili, it is the first leadership program of its kind.

By integrating African leadership philosophies, including the Ubuntu model, Canopy fosters a new conservation leadership approach built on mutual support, collective leadership, and interdependence. It is the first program of its kind dedicated to forestry conservation in the region, shaping a stronger, more connected generation of leaders who can drive long-term impact.

In partnership with

Strong Leaders. Effective Organisations. Transformative Impact.

237

African conservation leaders

79

Organisations

17

African
countries

Why the Congo Basin? →

The Congo Basin rainforest is the largest carbon sink in the world, making it one of the most crucial ecosystems for global climate stability. It provides food security, cultural identity, and livelihoods for millions of people, including indigenous and local communities who rely on the forest for survival. This landscape is also home to endangered species, making its conservation essential for biodiversity. However, deforestation, land-use pressures, and governance challenges threaten these forests, requiring strong leadership to drive sustainable solutions at scale. The Canopy Leadership Programme supports leaders at the forefront of conservation efforts, ensuring they have the skills, networks, and confidence to navigate complex environmental and political landscapes and secure a sustainable future for the Congo Basin.

Why CSOs? →

African civil society organizations (CSOs) play a crucial role in securing land rights, supporting local communities, and advocating for stronger conservation policies. Despite their importance, many CSOs face limited funding, leadership gaps, and systemic barriers, making it difficult to expand their impact. The Canopy Leadership Programme fills this gap by providing leadership training tailored to the specific challenges of forest governance, ensuring that CSO leaders have the tools to scale conservation solutions while strengthening community resilience. By investing in local conservation leaders, Canopy helps build a network of organizations that can drive lasting change through collective action, advocacy, and sustainable resource management.

Why Leadership? →

Leadership in the Congo Basin is shaped by historical power dynamics, competition for resources, and hierarchical structures that often hinder trust, collaboration and decision-making. The Canopy Leadership Programme challenges traditional leadership models by fostering adaptive leadership, shared decision-making, and a culture of trust and inclusivity. Short-term funding cycles and external donor dependencies further complicate the landscape, requiring leaders who can navigate these challenges strategically and build sustainable solutions.

The program is rooted in the Ubuntu philosophy—a belief in interconnectedness, mutual responsibility, and collective success. Ubuntu-based leadership emphasizes collaboration over competition, encouraging leaders to work together to find solutions that benefit both people and nature. Through Canopy, participants develop self-awareness, strengthen their leadership approach, and build lasting partnerships, ensuring that conservation efforts are not only impactful but also deeply rooted in local knowledge and African leadership traditions.

The Future of Leadership in the Congo Basin →

The Canopy Leadership Program is transforming conservation leadership by building a network of skilled, resilient, well-connected leaders who can drive long-term change. By embracing Ubuntu principles, strengthening organizational governance, and fostering cross-sector collaboration, the goal is to ensure Africa’s forests are protected by the very people who depend on them the most.

Our leadership programs →

Our leadership programs equip conservation leaders with the skills, knowledge and networks to strengthen their organizations and scale their impact. Each program is tailored to address specific regional, sectoral, and leadership needs, supporting conservation leaders at different career stages. Through a blend of peer learning, coaching, and immersive training, participants develop essential leadership capabilities while building lifelong connections with fellow leaders.

African Conservation Leadership Network (ACLN)

Learn More

African Marine Conservation Leadership Program (AMCLP)

Learn More

Lead Up

Learn More

Madagascar Environmental Leadership Program (MELP)

Learn More

Leaders Lab KAZA

Coming Soon
Maliasili exists to help talented local conservation organizations overcome their challenges and constraints so that they can become more effective agents of change in their landscapes, communities, and nations.

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