Our History And Principles
Our Principles
The Green Connection believes that empowering people to participate in decision making about their environment is the only way that truly sustainable development can take place. Our environmental resources are limited and not ours to squander but to protect for future generations. We believe that economic growth and development, improvement of socio-economic status and conservation of natural resources can only take place within a commonly understood framework of sustainable development. Our organisation aims to provide practical support to both the government and non-government and civil society sectors, which are an integral part of sustainable development.
Sustainable Development
The Green Connection has worked with diverse funders and partners, as well as national and local government on various initiatives to foster understanding and awareness about the different aspects of sustainable development.
Our History
The Green Connection was established in 2000. In 2021 the civil society organisation was restructured to be a NPC with a board of directors and it retains it’s section 18A tax benefit status. It consists of a dynamic and multidisciplinary group of individuals and organisations with aim to contribute to sustainable development goals.
Research
Undertaking research at grass roots level to critique energy and climate change project implementation.
Technical Reviews
Undertaking technical reviews to strengthen advocacy campaigns for
renewable energy.
Educational Material
Producing educational material to advance understanding of energy and climate change issues.
Engagement
Engaging with government and civil society around key energy and climate change policy issues.
Participation
Participating in collaborative networks at country, and international level.
Annual Reports
For further reading and information, click below for a list of our annual reports.
About Us
The Green Connection was established in 2000. In 2021 the civil society organisation was restructured to be a NPC with a board of directors and it retains it’s section 18A tax benefit status.
Some of the specific areas we work in are:
Sustainable
Development
Climate Change &
Renewable Energy
Educational Resources & Translation
Community
Development
Empowerment in
Environmental Sustainability
Empowering Effective Environmental Impact Assessments
The Green Connection was established in South Africa in 2000. In 2021 the civil society organisation was restructured to be a NPC with a board of directors and it retains it’s section 18A tax benefit status. The organisation is comprised of 66% women and 83% Previously Disadvantaged Individuals (PDI), and prides itself on its relevance to the democratic South Africa. The organisation’s Public Benefit Organisation (PBO) status was approved in 2011. We are a group of dynamic professionals drawn from diverse fields who offer their insights and perspectives into the achievement of Sustainable Development. The Green Connection believes in team work, and has a wide range of experienced associates who can be drawn into specific projects as appropriate.
Our specific areas of environmental expertise include:
Climate Change & Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency- Governance research and advocacy
- Development of Educational Resources & Translation
- Empowerment and Training of youth for Socio-ecological development
- Policy and Legislature Review
Who We Work With:
The Green Connection works with many partners and associates, including the following:
The Green Connection is a South African partner of the global Electricity Governance Initiative hosted by the World Resource Institute (WRI).
The Green Connection is a member of the Energy Governance – South Africa network of South African civil society organizations hosted by the Project90by2030
The Green Connection works with the Southern African Faith Communities Environment Institute (SAFCEI) through their energy and climate change programme, focusing rural energy solutions, climate change awareness and national advocacy.The Green Connection is also part of several civil society advocacy campaigns including the Right to Know campaign about transparency and access to information. Additionally, formed part of One Million Climate Jobs campaign, which was hosted by the Alternative Information Development Centre (AIDC).
The Green Connection is part of the civil society The Access Initiative (TAI) which is part of the International Open Government Partnership (OGP).
We appreciate the support of; 350.org, Africa Climate Foundation, Global Strategic Communications Network, Heinrich Broll Foundation, IGSD, Masifundise, Media Labs, Micklefield School, Oak Foundation, Oceans 5, Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute, WildTrust, Masifundise, Coastal Links, Eastern Cape Environmental Network, groundWork, South Durban Community Environmental Alliance, Natural Justice, Stop Fossil Fuel, Climate Justice Coalition, Centre for Environmental Rights, One Ocean Hub, University of Cape Town (UCT), Nelson Mandela University – Gqeberha and George, Rhodes University – Grahamstown, Open Secrets, OpenUp, Right2Know, Equal Education, WWF South Africa, OUTA, Amadiba Crisis Committee, BLOOM, Brazilian activists opposing Karpowership, Climate Justice Coalition, Climate Justice Network (US-Global South collaborations), Corruption Watch, Don’t Gas Africa forum, Electricity Governance Initiative, hosted by the World Resources Institute, Empatheatre, Environmental Traits in Port Nolloth, Extinction Rebellion, Greenpeace, Kobusch, Oceans Not Oil, One Million Climate Jobs, hosted by the Alternative Information Development Centre (AIDC), Public Interest Law Firms, Reclaim Finance, SboNdaba Dance, South African Youth Climate Change Coalition (SAYCCC), Steenberg Cove Small Scale Fishing, Support Centre for Land Change (SCLC), The Access Initiative (TAI) of the international Open Government Partnership (OGP), Tsitsikamma Fishermen Institute, Urgewald in Germany, WoMin African Alliance
We'd love to hear from you!
To get involved with the efforts to promote ecojustice, find us on social media or send us an email to: info@thegreenconnection.org.za.
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Recently Graduated Green Connectors, Equipped For The Polls and Ready To Weigh-In on COP26
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Tosaco EIA Met with Pushback from Civil Society, to Protect the Ocean and Small-Scale Fisher Livelihoods
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Bending Over Backwards, DMRE Gives Karpowerships Another Break
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The Green Connection’s Oceans Tribunal Exposes Devastating Impact of Government’s Secret Decisions