Acting for an integral ecology: from small gestures to major transformations

Acting for an integral ecology: from small gestures to major transformations

What is integral ecology?

Integral ecology, at the heart of Fondacio's vision, is based on a simple but powerful conviction: everything is connected. It is not limited to the protection of nature, but also encompasses social justice, human development, solidarity, and respect for human dignity. This comprehensive approach, inspired by Pope Francis' encyclical Laudato Si', is more necessary than ever in the face of climate, economic, and social emergencies.

It calls for a change of perspective and practice, where the environment, human relationships and life choices are no longer treated separately, but in interdependence.

Why is it essential today?

At a time when natural disasters, pandemics, and precariousness are increasing, integral ecology appears as a systemic response. It links the ecological crisis to the social crisis. For Fondacio, there can be no preservation of the planet without taking into account the suffering of the most vulnerable.

In 2024, 36,000 people benefited from Fondacio's programs around integral ecology and social justice.

Concrete examples of ecological actions carried out by Fondacio

Integral Ecology Centers: Laboratories of Transformation

1. L'Esvière (France)

• Shared housing, permaculture, spiritual renewal.
• 5,430 direct beneficiaries in 2024.
• 164 events, 1870 people trained in ecological transition.

2. The Hermitage (Versailles)

• Emergency shelter, ecological garden, social support.
• More than 70 volunteers and 1000 asylum seekers domiciled.

3. Cape Heights (Colombia)

• Urban Center for Integral Ecology.
• Environmental education, urban agriculture, food self-sufficiency.
• 700 children supported, 660 direct beneficiaries.

4. The Almond Trees (Chili)

• Green library, inclusion of people with disabilities.
• 80 disabled people supported, 700 children made aware.

5. Sichem (Togo)

• Agroecology, reforestation, educational support.
• 8000 beneficiaries, 7020 children supported through ecological educational projects.

The APEVIA project in Togo: ecology, education and citizenship

The APEVIA association, Fondacio's local partner in Togo, is carrying out exemplary field action:

• Environmental clubs in schools: monthly awareness raising for 100 children, reading of ecological newspapers, collective reforestation.
• Reforestation actions: several hundred trees planted each year in Lomé, Hlankopé and Sakassou.
• Sustainable agricultural projects: cultivation of moringa, artemisia, composting, and training on medicinal plants.
• Popular education on waste sorting, water management, and the use of solar energy.

In 2024, APEVIA reached 200 direct beneficiaries and several hundred indirectly through its awareness campaigns.

Concrete action against plastics: the example of Fondacio Colombia

In Bogotá, Fondacio Colombia is developing an innovative program combining education, ecological awareness and the recovery of plastic waste. Three main activities demonstrate this:

1. School support and plastic bottle collection

Every week, 10 children from the local community participate in an educational workshop on the impact of plastic waste. They are raised awareness of the pollution of streams and public spaces, while giving them an active role:

Children bring the bottles they have collected to their schools, neighborhoods, and homes themselves. This creates a genuine sorting reflex from a very young age.

2. Agroecological education in greenhouses

In the community greenhouse, children, young people and adults participate in planting workshops using... plastic bottles as seedling pots! These sessions are also an opportunity to raise awareness about sustainable food, organic waste management and food self-sufficiency.

3. Manufacture of ecological soaps

Plastic bottles find a new life in a soap-making workshop: large bottles serve as containers for recycled oil, and small ones become bottles of handmade liquid soap. This project shows that every waste product can become a resource with creativity and education.

This program is a fine example of an educational circular economy, where each activity aims to transform the perception of waste, while creating social bonds.

How can everyone get involved in a concrete way?

1. Simple actions for a greener lifestyle

• Limit waste: buy in bulk, compost, refuse single-use plastics.
• Eco-consume: favor local, organic and seasonal products.
• Reduce your digital footprint: reduce your emails, use eco-friendly search engines.
• Travel differently: use a bicycle, public transport, or carpool.

2. Get involved in local or international projects

• Become a volunteer or ecological ambassador in your neighborhood.
• Support Fondacio’s actions.
• Participate in training courses in integral ecology offered at Fondacio Training Institutes such as.

3. Train in integral ecology

Fondacio offers complete courses:

• Diploma courses at IFF Africa and IFF Europe, integrating ecology, sustainable entrepreneurship and leadership.
• Sessions at Esvière and Ermitage, focusing on permaculture, inclusion, and sustainable community living.

"Through environmental clubs, children discover the beauty of nature and learn to respect it. Some have even convinced their parents to plant trees!"

This type of initiative proves that ecological transmission can transform entire families.

A systemic transformation for a sustainable world

Fondacio's commitment to integral ecology is based on an integrated and evolving model, where ecological, educational and social actions complement each other. The results are tangible: professional integration, social inclusion, reforestation, and the return to autonomy for thousands of women and young people.

Together, we can move from small gestures to big transformations.

A shared mission for the planet and humanity

MIVO: taking care of people to take care of the Earth

At the heart of integral ecology, there is the human being. Because we cannot protect the Earth without taking care of those who inhabit it. This is the challenge taken up every day by the MIVO center, supported by Fondacio in Benin. In a caring and inclusive environment, MIVO helps children, young people and women in vulnerable situations regain confidence, dignity and autonomy.
This involves:

• educational and psychosocial support,
• artistic and creative workshops to encourage self-expression,
• training in project management and simple ecological practices,
• spaces for meeting, listening and solidarity.

At MIVO, by allowing everyone to flourish and feel useful, the center nourishes this deep conviction that the Earth regenerates itself when human beings rise up together.

Acting for an integral ecology means giving new life to our planet while rebuilding more just and united human relationships.