SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

AIC is actively committed to sustainable development. Many AIC volunteers across the world are involved in projects to protect the environment. Training material on sustainable development was published in 2018, 2022 and 2024, and the topic was covered at our international assemblies in 2017 and 2023, with the aim of sharing experiences and best practices. Taking care of our common home and promoting integral ecology has become an ongoing priority within our international network.

AIC’s projects address various aspects of sustainable development, including community vegetable gardens, tree planting, sustainable agriculture, recycling, use of solar energy, sustainable food parcels, and management of water resources and green spaces.

Examples of AIC Sustainable Development Projects:

• Argentina: Sustainable self-built water heaters
• Belgium: Sustainable food distribution
• Brazil: ‘Imagine’ – Sustainable development workshops
• Brazil: Community vegetable garden
• Cameroon: Community orchard
• Colombia: Manufacturing eco-friendly bricks
• Ecuador: Urban vegetable gardens
• France: Shared vegetable garden
• Italy: Sustainable firewood and green space management
• Laos: Construction of a reservoir
• Madagascar: Growing rice and fruit trees
• Nigeria: Improving cassava yields
• Peru: Organic vegetable gardens
• Philippines: Planting trees to prevent soil erosion
• Philippines: Making solar lamps
• UK: Living simply
• USA: Sustainable food distribution
• Vietnam: Sorting waste

Dominique Prize

Since 2018, AIC has recognised and celebrated the environmental actions of some of our volunteers through our biennial Dominique Prize for Sustainable Development, a prize that aims to encourage actions that promote sustainable development within the AIC network. The fourth edition of the Dominique Prize was launched in 2024.

Find out more about the projects that won the Dominique Prize in 2022, 2020 and 2018.

International Tree Planting Campaign 

In September 2024, AIC launched an international tree planting campaign. Each of its 56 member associations was invited to plant a tree, adapted to the local climate. The goal: to help protect the planet and improve the quality of life of present and future generations.

Tree planting offers many environmental benefits, including climate regulation, improved air quality, preservation of biodiversity, soil protection and prevention of erosion. It also has social benefits, as it can improve mental and physical health and help promote community spirit and environmental awareness.

During the first year of the campaign, 20 AIC groups in 15 countries swung into action and set up tree planting projects, sometimes in partnership with other organisations or local authorities. Learn more about the planting projects in our article.

Season of Creation 

AIC participates in the Season of Creation from 1^st September-4^th October each year. It is a time to celebrate our common home and commit to taking actions to protect it, in union with other Christian organisations, to inspire hope for a better and fairer future.

Learn more about the Season of Creation

Take Action

You too can take action to protect the environment! Anything you can do, no matter how small, can make a difference!

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