GWW Research and Development
CORE TEAM
Dr Nic Salazar Sutil, former Professor University of Leeds, Director GWW
Kamilu Hassan Hamza, orał historian and lawyer, Director GWW
Lee Walther, Ecologist, Director GUK
Dr Mercy Ette, Senior Lecturer in Media, Gender and Conflict, University of Newcastle, board of GUK
Wakay Fulnio, indigenous psychotherapist and community researcher
Dr Maria Rovisco, Associate Professor in Sociology, University of Leeds, board of GWW
Dr Antonio Cabanas (sociologist), Former President of Penamacor Council
Tawana Kariri Xoco, knowledge keeper and community leader, Fulkaxo people
We also work with a number of technical research consultants in the areas of carbon, green economy, environmental science and other related areas.
Why GWW?
Guardians Worldwide is a multidisciplinary organization offering research and consultancy services with local communities in Africa and the Americas. We specialize in co-creating solutions with Indigenous, Afro-descendant, and local guardian communities to address urgent ecological and social challenges.
🌳 Environmental & Forest Research
Our expertise in forest ecosystems focuses on protecting and restoring endangered biomes such as the African Montane Rainforest, Brazilian Atlantic Forest, and African Savannah. Through our Tree Rescue Hubs and Forest Twinning Initiative, we support community-led reforestation and conservation efforts across 500,000 hectares of titled native forest.Our research combines ecological monitoring, biodiversity assessments, and traditional ecological knowledge to inform sustainable forest management practices.
🌍 Social Innovation & Participatory Research
We prioritize inclusive methodologies that center the voices of Indigenous and local communities. Our participatory research approaches include community mapping, storytelling, and co-design workshops, ensuring that projects are culturally relevant and socially equitable. By integrating place-based and Indigenous methods, we foster social innovation that empowers communities to lead in environmental stewardship and climate adaptation.
🌿 Carbon Research & Climate Finance
Guardians Worldwide develops and manages carbon projects that align with high-integrity standards. Our Forest Twinning Initiative channels climate finance to protected Indigenous forests, supporting REDD+ objectives and carbon credit generation. We conduct carbon stock assessments, develop monitoring frameworks, and facilitate access to carbon markets, ensuring that communities benefit directly from their conservation efforts.
♻️ Sustainability & Systems Thinking
Our sustainability research adopts a holistic perspective, examining the interconnections between ecological, social, and economic systems. We provide consultancy on sustainable land use, circular economy practices, and resilience planning.By integrating systems thinking, we help communities and stakeholders develop strategies that promote long-term environmental and social well-being.
🔍 Our Services
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Research & Consultancy: Tailored studies and strategic advice in environmental science, social innovation, carbon finance, water management, and sustainability.
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Capacity Building: Training programs and workshops to strengthen community-led research and governance.
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Monitoring & Evaluation: Development of indicators and frameworks to assess project impacts and inform adaptive management.
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Policy Engagement: Support in policy analysis and advocacy to influence environmental and social policies at various levels.
📞 Get in Touch
Partner with us to advance research and action in environmental conservation and social innovation. Contact us at info@guardiansworldide.org to learn more about our services and collaborations.