Welcome to a collection of development plans crafted by communities across 7 countries. These plans are the result of a collaboration between local communities, the Global Advocacy Team, and the International Accountability Project. More than 1,000 people contributed their visions and solutions for a better future. Each plan demonstrates how local communities can take the lead in their development journey. Explore the collection to see how diverse communities are driving meaningful change.
Communities Leading the Way: Inspiring Community-Led Development Plans
The Alternative Way of Development in Marts Village, Lori Region, Armenia
“We believe that development is a process that manifests itself in the equality of human and natural phenomena, where both sides care for each other and give each other the maximum that both need, which is vital for the coexistence and well-being of people and nature.”
The community-led development plan was created by Marts Village in partnership with the Centre for Community Mobilization and Support NGO, a member of the Global Advocacy Team. Available in both English and Armenian. Learn how the Centre for Community Mobilization and Support NGO drives change through collaborations with the GAT. Read their story in English and Armenian. Watch this video to see how Marts village collaborates with the Centre for Community Mobilization and Support NGO to create a community-led development plan.
Navigating Rough Seas: How Fisherfolk Communities in Panay Philippines Transform Their Future
“The fisherfolks know that, to be able to create a fully developed community, each needs to contribute together while enjoining other sectors of the society and demanding what is rightful support from the government. It is not an easy feat for them, as this is like riding the rough waves of the habagat season. But one thing is clear within these communities, that their dreams will be realized with their cooperation and understanding for the development they want.”
Download the community-led development plan created by the fisherfolk of Santiago and San Francisco in partnership with Paghugpong sang mga Mangunguma sa Panay kag Guimaras (PAMANGGAS), a member of the Global Advocacy Team. Learn how they drive change through collaborations with the Global Advocacy Team. Read in English and Hiligaynon.
Our Voices, Community Choices: Amazon Community Development Plan
“Development means a process in which the Amazon people come together to take action on what’s important to them as a community. At its heart, community development is rooted in the belief that all people should have access to health, well-being, wealth, justice, and opportunities.”
Development is about communities taking charge. Download the community-led development plan created by the Amazon community in Zimbabwe, in partnership with Insiza Women in Mining Trust. Their plan prioritizes the work towards sustainable land management practices that enhance environmental resilience and benefit both present and future generations of the Amazon Community. Learn how Insiza Women in Mining Trust and the Global Advocacy Team are driving change.
Beyond Conflict: Community Driven Pathways for a Just and Sustainable Yala Swamp
“All human beings have a responsibility for development, individually and collectively. We believe that development should take into account full respect for people’s human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as their duties to the community. Only in this way can development ensure the free and complete fulfillment of the human being. Therefore, people should promote and protect an appropriate political, social, and economic order for development.”
Download the community-led development plan created by the Luo community in Kenya, in partnership with Community Initiative and Action Group. Their plan focuses on community livelihoods and promotes the recognition of the Yala Swamp Land Use Plan created by community. Learn how Community Initiative and Action Group and the Global Advocacy Team are driving change.
Action Plans on Agriculture and the Peasant Economy in The Northern Department, Limbe 8th Section, Massabielle
“We’ve understood that life isn’t a gift, that nature has given us grace, and that we have an obligation to preserve it. So every human being, whatever their gender, race, ethnicity, nationality, or government, must find a way to protect our ecosystem. Its importance demands that we protect our environment with great conviction and respect.”
The Massabielle Community in Haiti, with the Center de Formation pour l’Entraide et le Développement Communautaire, has developed a community-led plan for their own resilience. Their focus is sustainable land management, agroforestry, and water resources. Download now in English and French. Learn how they and the Global Advocacy Team are driving change. Read their story in English and French.
How Do the Haruku Indigenous Peoples Design Sustainable Development?
“We are continuing the community’s existing priority to strengthen food security, as the Haruku Community faces annual floods and other disasters. This direction was informed by comprehensive discussions and surveys that gathered opinions and input from all stakeholders… Community unity and faith in Indigenous self-determination are key to achieving development that respects and reflects local wisdom in all of its forms.”
The community-led development plan was created by the Haruku Indigenous Peoples, in partnership with Aliansi Masyarakat Adat Nusantara (AMAN) Maluku in Indonesia. Their plan focuses on ensuring food security and strengthening the Indigenous Peoples’ position in managing their traditional lands. Download in English and Bahasa Indonesia. Learn how Aliansi Masyarakat Adat Nusantara (AMAN) Maluku and the Global Advocacy Team are driving change. Read their story in English and Bahasa Indonesia.
Where the River Remembers Us: Weaving the Future of Dzongu
“We, the Lepcha community of Dzongu, reject the destructive development on our sacred lands brought upon us by hydropower projects and we strive to continue to work towards protecting our ecology through promoting our local economy, rich Indigenous knowledge, and culture. In light of the Teesta floods, we demand a strict moratorium to be imposed on all hydropower projects on the Teesta River.”
Download the community-led development plan created by the Lepcha Indigenous people in India, in partnership with Affected Citizens of Teesta. Their plan focuses on ensuring the conservation of the Lepcha’s sacred land surrounding Mount Kanchendzonga and the Teesta and Rangeet Rivers. Learn how Affected Citizens of Teesta and the Global Advocacy Team are driving change.