Grown Over 82 million trees!
On our way to
100 million trees
by 2025
52 000 hectares
of forest under restoration and conservation
Improved the livelihoods of
70 000 families
A world where communities and nature sustainably thrive together to stop global warming in our lifetime.
To conserve and restore the ecological integrity of forests and landscapes, engaging communities to implement and deliver lasting environmental and social impacts.
Back in 2009, Bill Liao and Marie-Noelle Keijzer founded WeForest with a clear ambition: to stop global warming “in our lifetime, so our children don’t have to”.
For the first three years we were all volunteers, and every euro received went to grow trees. We grew organically: persuading other NGOs to plant for us, then hiring our first local foresters.
Today, WeForest is a team of more than 90 passionate professionals across the world, mostly based in our field offices in Zambia and Ethiopia as well as in our Brussels headquarters.
After 17 years working for large corporates, Marie-Noëlle Keijzer chose to align her work with her life’s purpose and make a real difference in the world. With her corporate background, MBA and master’s degree in Environmental Sciences, she took up the challenge to co-found WeForest.org in 2009 and turn it into a world leading sustainable reforestation movement, addressing the planet’s most formidable challenges: global warming, water scarcity and poverty. After a steep growth in the last years, WeForest now has the capacity to reach 100 million trees by 2024. She also joined Al Gore’s Climate Reality and the WEF 1t.org movement for a bigger outreach, as no one can do this alone.
Jessica has extensive experience in developing and managing corporate & donor engagement strategy, both from her previous role as Programme & Partnerships Manager of The Sustainable Agriculture Network (2016-19) and as a Senior Associate at Winrock International (2008-16). Prior to that, Jessica worked with the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership. Jessica holds an MSc in Environmental Technology.
With 15 years’ experience in fundraising and NGO management, Dave leads the cultivation of a robust network of philanthropic and investment partnerships at WeForest while also building on strong corporate partnerships. Based in Paris, Dave’s career has focused on cross-sector synergies with studies in business, public policy, and political science.
Liz is responsible for helping to develop WeForest’s partnership strategy and plan and securing new global, high impact funding from companies with a focus on multi-year partnerships. Based in Manchester, UK, Liz holds a BA in Classical Civilisation and prior to joining WeForest has 15+ years experience in direct sales and partnerships in the corporate world.
Louise is advising existing sponsors and donors and bringing on board new partners. Prior to joining WeForest, she worked at the European Climate Foundation for several years and has done several traineeships, including at the EU Delegation in Beijing, China. Louise holds an LLM in international environmental law from the University of Edinburgh, UK. Originally from the Netherlands, she has been living in Brussels for nearly 5 years.
Vienna began her career in publishing and journalism in the UK. She then moved into science communication at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory in Heidelberg, Germany, after which she became the Head of Communications and Outreach at IBEC, a research institute in Barcelona. Her passion for the environment and animals brought her to Brussels for positions at Eurogroup for Animals and now at WeForest.
Graduated in applied communications and with a master’s degree in Advertising in 2018 he’s had experiences in sponsoring for several non-profit organizations and as consultant in social media content.
Marine holds a Master in Environmental Law from the Faculty of Law in Lille and a Master of Public law from the Faculty of Law Rennes. She was interested in working on international business development projects, so she decided to move to Asia and work in the hospitality industry in Vietnam for five years. She moved to the telecommunication industry. She is now thrilled to do a career move and join a non-profit with an impactful mission.
Gemma supports WeForest in developing high-impact philanthropic partnerships. After graduating in 2011 with a degree in ecology, Gemma began her career in local nature conservation. Since moving to Brussels in 2018, she has worked in communications, project management and fundraising for EU-level environmental NGOs. She holds a MA in illustration and is passionate about creating connections that empower people to take action for a sustainable future.
Vitalija’s background is in the voluntary carbon market where she spent the last 7 years working in various parts of the carbon project supply chain. More recently she was the Head of Origination at a carbon start up Abatable overseeing the supply side of the business, working with project developers and investors globally to ensure high quality carbon projects received carbon finance. She holds an MA in Geography from the University of St Andrews and is currently finishing aMaster’s degree in Leadership in Sustainable Finance at Frankfurt School of Finance.
Olivier coordinates our global programs. He holds an advanced master in rural and tropical forestry from the French Institute of Forestry, Agricultural and Environmental Engineering. He worked 15 years in the management of projects’ portfolios in Asia and Africa in the fields of environment, disaster risk reduction and community resilience.
Natasha leads our new project development process. She holds a PhD in Human Geography from the University of Cambridge, UK. Prior to joining WeForest, she worked for four years for the UK government as an adviser on livelihoods, climate change, and environmental conservation programmes and policy in Tanzania and Zambia.
Based in the Netherlands, Marc coordinates the development of new projects and provides technical advice and support to the team on forestry. He holds an MSc in Tropical forestry and a PhD in Ecology and Resource Conservation and has worked as a consultant, expert in forestry in a very wide array of countries around the world.
As Agroforestry Program Advisor, Corrie supports the design and implementation of agroforestry and other sustainable agricultural approaches in our livelihood projects. She holds a masters in environmental science and policy and for the last 17 years has developed and directed government and NGO programs in landscape restoration, conservation, agriculture and agroforestry to increase rural community resilience.
Claire provides technical leadership/ assistance on the livelihoods and institutional components of WeForest’s projects. After a postgraduate degree in politics and international relations, she spent 10+ years working on community-based natural resource management, land rights and livelihoods programmes for a wide range of organisations in Asia, Africa and Haiti.
Kenny assists the different landscape restoration and planting projects with their monitoring and evaluation. He holds a PhD in vegetation ecology from the University of Leuven in Belgium and has worked 8 years as a postdoctoral academic researcher on several field-based ecological research projects in Northern and Western Europe, Eastern Africa and Northeast Asia.
Rachel co-ordinates WeForest’s applied science research and policy engagement activities. Rachel’s background is in forest ecology, she holds a PhD from the University of Edinburgh, UK where she focused on advancing the methodologies for tropical forest biomass estimation.
Michelle provides technical support for geospatial analyzes to assist project feasibility studies, project certification, and monitoring & evaluation. She holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering from the University of Campinas and MSc in Remote Sensing from Brazil’s National Institute for Space Research (INPE). Her work involves land use mapping and monitoring, spatiotemporal data analysis, and big earth observation data to address challenges related to land use change and environmental impacts.
Cristina supports the implementation of the Global Programs Strategy and its translation into Country Strategies, benefiting from her 2.5 years experience as WeForest’s Country Manager in Brazil. Cristina also supports the M&E and quality assurance through learning and adaptive management of the projects. Her work experience is on Atlantic Forest restoration and conservation, both in academia and environmental consultancy. She holds a Plant Biology
Anne-Laure graduated from an International Business School in France and started her career in Finance. She quickly realised that her interests laid elsewhere and developed and perfected her training in communication, process management, human resources and organisational development, until she managed projects of cultural changes in large organisations. She has passion for people, diversity and Inclusion as well as collaborative approaches and is committed to making a difference for the planet and its communities.
Alice joined WeForest as the assistant to the CEO and in 2020 she also joined the HR department, working in close collaboration with the HR Director. Alice holds a Master in Germanic linguistics and literature. She started her career as a teacher, and then moved to the corporate sector, working at a financial services company. As a nature-lover, she enjoys taking care of her garden in the countryside and her animals.
Michael is a seasoned finance professional overseeing the financial organization of WeForest. He holds a master degree in Economic Science from the Catholic University of Leuven and started his career as Auditor. During 15 years he developed international experience as Finance Director in different industries.
Alicia assists our Finance & Administration Director in the financial management of the organization. She holds a master degree in business administration and an advanced master in financial risk management. She started her career in a treasury center and has then worked for 5 years as a financial consultant in large multinational companies.
Laila is our accounting assistant and works closely with the rest of the finance team, but also with the Fundraising team. She trained as an IT systems administrator in Germany. In 2005 she moved to Belgium and worked for 5 years in customer service for an American company. As she has always been interested in accounting, she started to study Accounting in Brussels after a career break.
After his master’s degree in management sciences, François pursued a career in international accounting for large and multinational companies for 8 years, before switching to NGOs for the last 3 years, with the commitment to leverage on his experience in finance to support entrepreneurs, in particular in southern countries. With a passion for travelling and discovering new cultures, François will assist WeForest, HQ and local finance teams on accounting, budgeting and governance matters.
Natalia is a biologist, with a Ph.D. in Science from the University of São Paulo. She ́s been working with landscape planning, improvement of techniques, and species selection for forest and savanna restoration, nursery management, and monitoring. At WeForest she is involved in the management of projects in Brazil and Argentina, supporting the activities of forest and landscape restoration, research, network, and communications.
Aklilu oversees the various landscape restoration and planting projects in Ethiopia. He holds a PhD in Bioscience Engineering from the University of Leuven (Belgium) and a master’s degree in Tropical Land Resources Management from Mekelle University (Ethiopia). Prior to joining WeForest, Aklilu conducted research in Africa and Europe for 12 years in forest ecology, management science, ecosystem safety, invasive plant, agronomy, plant propagation, bioenergy-biofuel, forest entomology, and non-timber forest products and worked for two years as a Consultant at World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF)
Anteneh manages all financial, administration ,HR and logestic issue in Ethiopia . He holds MSC in Commerce from IGNU , BSC Information Sytem from Addis Ababa Universty and Diploma in Accounting from Unity Universty . Befor Joing WeForest , he worked for Medecins Du Monde-France (MDM-F) Ethiopia Mission as Finance and Administrative coordinator .
Yemane is the Regional manager for WeForest Ethiopian, in Tigray Region. Currently managing WeForest projects in Tigray (Desa’a forest Restoration/conservation and Seret exclosure management projects). Before joining WeForest, he worked for Tigray Agricultural Research Institute for 7 years as researcher at different hierarchy and developed extensive experience in applied agriculture research focusing on improving agricultural practice of farmers to improve livelihoods. Besides, he worked as consultant in ICRAF for two years supporting the climate smart agriculture project in Tigray. He has also attached to CIFOR for his MSc work in one of the dryland forest product marketing, Frankincense. Yemane has a BSc Degree in Agricultural Resource Economics & Management and an MSc degree in Natural Resource Economics and Policy both from Hawassa University (Ethiopia). He has a weak spot for the people-forest interaction
Elsa is senior finance and administration officer in Tigray region with a responsibility of handling all finance, administration and logistics activities of WeForest Ethiopia in Tigray Region with close collaboration with finance and administration manager in Ethiopia. She has master degree in MBA. Before she joined WeForest she has worked for about 12 years in different private organizations. She started her career in Accounting and during her stay with those diversified organizations. She has accumulated multifunctional professional experience. She joined WeForest with the passion to contribute in forest conservation/restoration and then improve the wellbeing of local communities.
Bahre holds an MSc in Rural Development. He
worked for more than 10 years at the Relief Society of Tigray, an organization providing relief efforts to civilians. Bahre then had the opportunity to work in cooperation with HELVETA Swiss in the context of the Beles SUNRise Project, where he managed the project. He alsotook part in the Tigray Rural Future Initiative, a project focusing on natural resources management and livelihood development.
Simon provides technical support for the implementation of Forest and landscape restoration projects in Ethiopia. Prior to this, he has worked in the field of integrated watershed development, Forestry and Climate change adaptation and mitigation. Simon holds an Msc. degree in forest resource assessment & monitoring and BSc degree in Natural resource management from Hawassa University and a post graduate diploma in Environmental management from Technische Universitat Dresden.
Birhane is Forest and GIS expert at WeForest Ethiopia. Before joining WeForest he has worked for 11 years at Tigray Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Development as forest ecologist at regional level. He graduated in natural resource economics and management from Mekelle University and has attended 6 months training on land restoration at the United Nation University of Iceland.
Hailemarkos holds an MSc degree in Soil Science which from Debre Brhan University in 2017, BSc in NRM from Jimma University in 2007. He worked in different positions starting from Forestry and Agroforestry expert at agricultural development office, Productive Safety Net Program as Focal Unit coordinator and Natural Resource Management Specialist at Angolelana Tera district, a Project Coordinator in the Ethiopia Forest Development, Amhara Region REDD+ Investment Program. He has research experience in soil loss assessment and Watershed Management and experience in climate change and carbon stocking.
As Agroforestry and Natural Resource Management Expert, Tadele holds an MSc in Tropical Land Resource Management and a BSc in Soil & Water Conservation, both from Mekelle University. He also has a Diploma in Agricultural engineering and technology from the Awassa college of Agriculture – AU (Ethiopia). Before joining WeForest in July 2019, Tadelle worked for NGOs using GIZ technologies for more than 14 years, and for the government agricultural office, implementing and coordinating development programmes.
Tinsae with eight years of work experience in different local and international companies in different positions. She accomplished for her first degree in Accounting, Addis Ababa University school of Commerce, and second degree in management of business administration in Debremarkos University. She enjoy using her skills to contribute to fast growing international non-profit organizations.
Meles is the project Assistant for the WeForest Ethiopian, in Tigray Region Desa’a project, Atsbi. Currently assisting and coordinating Forest landscape restoration and Livelihood improvement of the community in Desa’a (Desa’a forest restoration projects). Before joining WeForest he worked for Office of Agriculture and Natural resource development for 12 years as animal science expert and leading and coordinating in different hierarchy to improve the livelihood of the farmers. As a result, he is well in field, practical,agricultural extension approach, monitoring and evaluation and coordination experiences in his profession. Besides, he work for Wukro St, Marry College for two years as instructor of all animal production and Management courses. In addition, he has done as beekeeping assistant and expert in St. Marry project development and he has good experience and skill in beekeeping management and queen rearing methods. Meles has a Diploma in Animal science from Shire Endaslasie Agricultural Technica vocational Education and Training (ATVET) College. He has also BSc. in Animal Production and Technology program from Mekelle University. He also had started his MSc in Master of Animal Production and Pastoral development and complet course work while the research part is in a processes from Mekelle University (Ethiopia). He has a feeble spot for the people forest interaction.
Nesibu is Data analyst/Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist at WeForest, Ethiopia. He holds an MSc. degree in Life Sciences specializing in Applied Agricultural and Forestry Sciences from Bern University of Applied Science, Switzerland. Prior to WeForest, he worked for more than ten years as a researcher in the domain of forest ecosystem management. In addition, he has excellent skills in geo-spatial and ecological analysis.
Asnake holds MSc in Environmental Science major on Climate and Energy and BSc in Soil and Water Conservation from Addis Ababa and Mekelle University respectively. Asnake has considerable experience in the areas of natural resource conservation and development spinning over two decades. Prior joining weforest, Asnake was responsible for handling Agriculture program includes providing trainings and supervising American volunteers at U.S Peace Corps Ethiopia. He has managed several projects in Christian Children’s Fund (CCF) now ChildFund International as community development worker, and at a local NGO as Deputy Director and Program Officer. Asnake took several professional development trainings – project design and management, coaching, training design and assessment are among others.
Mr. Kinfe Gebresilassie Gebremedhin is a driver in WeForest Ethiopian, in Tigray Region. Before joining WeForest, he worked for a private tour company, Alfa Lucy, for 6 years. During his stay in the tour company he used to promote the aesthetic value of Desa’a forest which also adored the Afar’s tourist attraction sites such as the Danakil depression. Then he works with WeForest as private driver for more than one year before he fully become WeForest employee in June 2021. Mr. Kinfe Gebresilassie has third level driving license.
Mr. Kiflom Haftu shiferaw is a driver in WeForest Ethiopian, in Tigray Region. Before joining WeForest, he worked for Wukro college of Agriculture for two years. This college is one of the higher institutions in the region engaged in production of skilled labor in Agriculture and environment. Then he joined Mekelle University and work for 5 years with NORHED project and he join WeForest in May 2019. Mr. Kiflom has third level driving license.
Moges Tilahun is a Driver and Logistic Assistant in WeForest Ethiopia, in the Amhara Region Wof-Washa Project. Before he joined WeForest, he Worked at Amhara Forest Enterprise for more than nine years. He has a third grade driving license and more than nine years work experience in the area of driving and maintaining vehicles. In Addition, he has level 2 automotive servicing and repairing qualification and a level 4 accounting diploma.
Assefa Hdgot is Monitoring and Evaluation Expert at WeForest based in Mekelle,Tigray. Previously, he was employed and worked at Mekelle University for 16 years where he acquired skills of conducting research works on areas of socio-economics and environmental linkages. He also served as bureau deputy head for one and half years at the Tigray bureau of agriculture and rural development. He received his bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources Economics and Management from Mekelle University, Ethiopia and master’s degree in Environmental and Natural Resources Economics from Copenhagen University, Denmark. Assefa Hdgot is experienced in conducting researches and impact assessments of livelihood and natural resources based interventions.
Hailemariam Hagos is technical assistant for livelihood improvement activities at WeForest based in Atsbi for Desa’a forest restoration project. Before joining WeForest, he worked at the office of Agriculture and Natural Resource Development for more than 8 years at different level of responsibilities, from Development agent at village level to coordinator for livestock development core process at district level. Besides, he has been working for 1.5 years at St. Mary institute working to improve the livelihood of the farmers on top of serving as instructor at Wukro Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college for 7 years. He is well experienced in field level technical support including training beneficiaries, improved bee keeping management skill and queen rearing methods. Hailemariam has a Diploma in Animal Science from Shire Endaslasie Agricultural Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ATVET) College. He has also BSc. in Animal, Rangeland & Wildlife Science from Mekelle University. Currently, he is attending an ongoing MSc program remaining only research study in Animal Production and Pastoral development from Mekelle University, Tigray, Ethiopia.
Hailay Arefe G/yesus is technical assistant of NRM and community mobilization at WeForest Ethiopia, in Tigray Region, Desa’a project. Before joining WeForest, he has been working at office of agriculture and natural resource development for eighteen years and one month (18 years and one month) in a range of positions from as natural resource development agent to head of the office of agriculture and natural resource development at district level. Besides, he has been working as chief district of administration by delegation. He is also well acquainted with practical field works in agricultural extension approach. Hailay has a diploma in natural resource science from Shire-Endaslasie Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College and BSc in Natural Resource Economics and Management (NRE&M) from Mekelle University. He has a feeble spot for the people-forest interaction.
Mathews has over 20 years’ experience in climate change, environment and natural resources management. Prior to joining WeForest he worked for Emmanuel International as program manager for a $75M USAID Resilient Food Security program for Malawi. Before that, he worked with WaterAid as Regional Monitoring, Research and Evaluation Manager for Southern Africa, as Regional Program Officer for Southern and Eastern Africa with Leadership for Environment and Development, and with UNDP as Planning Advisor for Decentralized Governance Program in Malawi. Mathews has a PhD in Cartography specialized in Remote Sensing (2024) from a joint universities program between Okavango Research Institute of University of Botswana and Selinus University, funded through Regional Initiative for Science and Education (RISE) scholarship. He also holds an M.Sc. in Environmental Sciences (2004) and a B.Ed. Geography and Earth Sciences (1994), both from the University of Malawi.
Thibaut holds a double master’s degree in biology and in environment & development from the University of Copenhagen and has worked on various field-based research projects in central Africa. He supports the different landscape restoration and planting projects with their monitoring and evaluation. Capacity-building with project partners and the strengthening of natural resource management governance structures also form part of his activities.
A passionate advocate for forest restoration and environmental stewardship, Lumbongo has advanced degrees in Environmental Management, Project Management, and Natural Resources, along with certifications in Project Management (PMP), Community Development, and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS). He has dedicated his career to nurturing the balance between nature and community development, honing his skills in data science and community development, driving initiatives that not only restore forests but also uplift local livelihoods.
Sara is responsible for building strong capacity built & inclusive community based organisations and fostering partnership collaborative relationships, and driving sustainable positive change in natural resource management. She comes with 8 years’ experience in integrated natural resource management and community mobilisation and 4 years in forest restoration and law enforcement coordination. She holds a diploma in Forestry and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Forestry.
With over 5 years’ experience in championing climate smart Agriculture through extension models and knowledge in strategies for increasing the profitability of farmers as well as sustainability, Besnart is looking forward to using her expertise and experience to enhance sustainable farming practices among farmers.
Gift has more than five years of professional experience establishing, operationalizing, and bolstering M&E systems of multi-sector projects and programs. He has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Demography with a minor in Development Studies, and is currently pursuing a Master of Science Degree in Project Management. He leads and coordinates the monitoring and evaluation activities for WeForest by championing the development and implementation of baseline surveys, logical frameworks, and M&E plans for WeForest Zambia projects. He provides technical and operational support to project teams for them to gather, analyze, and report socioeconomic, law enforcement, ecological, and geographic data, as well as any other forms of data important to the projects.
Worked for the Government of the Republic of Zambia’s Forestry Department, private organizations as well as non-governmental organizations. A committed forester and environmental practitioner dedicated to sustainable and management of natural resources. Biodiversity and climate change resilience for wellbeing of WeForest and ecosystems through Beekeeping for income generation. More than 10 years’ work experience in beekeeping for income generation on the value chain market.
More than four years of experience in Finance and Administration and five years as a Community development worker in Non-Governmental Organizations. He holds a ZICA Licentiate, Diploma in Business Administration, Diploma in Principles of modern management, certificate in Sociology of rural development and is currently doing his last year of a Bachelor in Accountancy.
Jackson Mkandawire is a trained conservationist from the Copperbelt University in Zambia where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Biology from 2014-2018. He started his professional journey in conservation at the Wildlife and Environmental Conservation Society of Zambia (WECSZ) where he worked as a Project Assistant from 2021 to mid-2023. He has almost 3 years’ practical fieldwork experience in supporting community based forest management and conservation.
Paul has 4 years’ experience in forestry and natural resources management where he actively engaged with diverse local communities to promote and enhance sustainable natural resources management practices. He is be responsible for WeForest’s Katanino project forest extension activities. He has a diploma in Natural Resources Management.
He brings over nine years of expertise in NGO financial management with roles such as Project Accountant at Care International Zambia, Caritas Czech Republic, and the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services in partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Recognized as “Project Accountant of the Year” by UNHCR, his proficiency extends to accounting software like Pastel Accounting and Microsoft Office.
Since joining WeForest, Bruce has ensured the safety of the field project staff, project vehicles are roadworthy and field activities are implemented on time.
Born into a conservation-oriented family, he developed a strong passion for protecting forests and wildlife from an early age. About seven years ago, he began a conservation career, advocating for community rights through the Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) model. Witnessing the positive impacts of community-led initiatives has motivated him to continue working with communities to preserve the environment for future generations.
Linegar has a year of experience in beekeeping, more than 2 years of plantations management and fire management. He is responsible for beekeeping operations and other related activities for the Mukungule Project.
Kakungu has 4 years of experience in extension in conservation programs and activities, and will be implementing the beekeeping activities with the aim of promoting Forest Land Restoration.
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HQ (BE): WeForest asbl/vzw
Cantersteen 47, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
VAT number BE0826.151.968
Incorporated May 26th 2010
WeForest is a supporting member of:
