Awarded in 2025
Based in Pawecu Yebe Village, Gamba 1 Avenue, War Palara Chiefdom, Mahagi Territory, Ituri Province, Democratic Republic of Congo
Cwinyaay Abinenoiwu Augustin was recognised as a 2025 Kilimo Environmental Prize laureate for his sustained commitment to forest restoration, livelihood security and responsible resource management. His work illustrates how locally driven solutions can address climate challenges, improve living conditions and contribute to long term environmental sustainability in Mahagi Territory and beyond.
As a community based environmental practitioner, his work bridges forest restoration, household livelihoods and energy security in War Palara Chiefdom. For 15 years, he has led sustained tree planting and land restoration efforts across Pawecu, Yebe and Pagweno Lebi, responding to deforestation, land degradation and growing pressure on natural resources in and around Mahagi.
He has planted and protected 14,821 trees, including 1,121 indigenous species and 13,700 exotic species. Through this work, he contributes to restoring degraded land, stabilising soils and improving local microclimates in a landscape increasingly affected by erratic rainfall and declining forest cover. His trees help reduce erosion, support biodiversity and strengthen the ecological foundations of surrounding farms and settlements.
Beyond their environmental function, these trees play a critical role in sustaining livelihoods. Cwinyaay explains that tree planting provides him with reliable income and essential materials for house construction, reducing dependence on costly or unsustainable alternatives. In Mahagi Commune, where access to electricity remains extremely limited, wood remains the primary source of household energy, particularly for women who carry the burden of cooking and domestic labour. By managing tree resources responsibly, his work helps ensure continued access to energy while reducing pressure on remaining natural forests.
His approach reflects a practical response to intersecting challenges of poverty, energy access and environmental degradation. Rather than separating conservation from livelihood needs, Cwinyaay integrates them, demonstrating how managed tree systems can support household economies while maintaining ecological balance. This is especially relevant in peri urban and rural settings where population growth and limited infrastructure intensify demand for wood and land.
Cwinyaay’s long term commitment has created visible changes in the landscape. Areas that were once degraded now support tree cover that improves air quality, moderates temperatures and creates habitat for birds and insects. These ecological improvements contribute to healthier living conditions and greater resilience to climate stress at community level.
His work also aligns with broader goals of environmental justice and community empowerment. By maintaining tree resources locally, he supports households to meet basic needs without resorting to destructive extraction practices. This reduces conflict over resources, protects vulnerable groups and strengthens community stability in a region affected by economic hardship and environmental pressure.
