In the forests of Mexico, communities face the twin pressures of deforestation and limited economic opportunities, especially for women. To respond, the project began supporting forest-based livelihoods and leadership programs in 2018—activities that protect ecosystems while strengthening local economies. But income generation alone wasn’t enough. Women, historically excluded from forest governance and decision-making, became central actors. They now lead community subprojects, manage forest-based enterprises, and act as local promoters guiding sustainable forest practices. Their participation is not symbolic—it shifts power, placing women at the heart of forest management and community development. This dual approach—environmental stewardship + women-led leadership—is already showing results: forest areas are managed sustainably, and women who once had limited access to income are now running enterprises and influencing local governance. Together, these changes illustrate a model for how climate action can drive both environmental and social transformation.

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