About Us

Who We Are

Background

The African Conservation and Development Foundation (ACDEF) is an international non-profit organization founded in 2008 and headquartered in Cambridge, United Kingdom. It is the result of years of collective and individual reflection and consultation by a group of experienced African and international professionals who believe in the power of collective action to achieve regional and global goals in the field of sustainable development.

Mission

An Africa where people live in harmony with nature and benefit equitably from natural resources, within a framework of inclusive and sustainable development.

Vision

To promote biodiversity conservation and the sustainable management of natural resources in Africa, while improving the living conditions of local communities through innovative approaches that integrate ecosystem protection, climate resilience, sustainable socio-economic development, and community health.

OUR VALUES

Our Values

At ACDEF, our work is guided by a set of core values that define who we are and how we operate. These values shape our commitment to sustainable development, environmental conservation, and community empowerment. They inform our decisions, strengthen our partnerships, and ensure that our actions create lasting and meaningful impact for present and future generations.

Integrity

Transparency and accountability in all our actions

Participation

Active involvement of local communities and Indigenous Peoples

Innovation

Creative and science-based approaches to address challenges

Solidarity

Inclusive partnerships and regional cooperation

Equity and Inclusion

Special attention to women, youth, and vulnerable groups

Areas of Intervention

Biodiversity conservation and participatory management of protected areas

Sustainable livelihoods and green community-based enterprises

Nature-based solutions to address climate change

Environmental education, awareness-raising, and advocacy

Community health and the environment

Applied research and technological innovation

Regional cooperation and strategic partnerships

ACDEF’s Positioning

The ACDEF Foundation positions itself as a pan-African catalytic actor, connecting local communities, policymakers, and technical and financial partners. It actively contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), and the Paris Agreement on climate change.