Livelihoods: The climate and water as important resource

Global challenges such as climate change, access to water, and the protection of livelihoods are at the heart of our engagement within the Social Affairs funding area. Together with experienced partner organisations, we support projects that promote the sustainable management of water resources, strengthen climate resilience, and improve living conditions for people around the world.

To help secure livelihoods for the long term, we support initiatives that improve access to safe water, enhance food security, and contribute to better health outcomes. These challenges are closely interconnected and require integrated and sustainable solutions.

We approach water as part of a holistic water cycle – from water retention and distribution to treatment and reuse. Particular attention is given to the impacts of climate change, including increasing droughts, water scarcity, and flooding.

A key focus of our funding is the development of sustainable structures and local capacities (capacity building) to ensure lasting impact on the ground. In addition, we support innovative approaches, including digital solutions and artificial intelligence, where they can help improve water management, strengthen resilience, and generate sustainable societal impact.

Through targeted initiatives and awareness-raising activities, we also contribute to the protection and restoration of ecosystems and biodiversity, for example through reforestation and river restoration projects.