DAHIKHA (Yayasan Daun Hijau Khatulistiwa)

Focus Areas

Environment – Humanitarian – Community Resilience

About DAHIKHA

DAHIKHA (Yayasan Daun Hijau Khatulistiwa) is a local non-profit organization based in North Sumatra, Indonesia, working at the intersection of environmental conservation, humanitarian response, and community empowerment.

Established by a group of young practitioners with diverse backgrounds, DAHIKHA focuses on strengthening community capacity to protect natural ecosystems while improving social and economic resilience. The organization works closely with local communities living in and around environmentally sensitive areas, particularly landscapes connected to protected forests and conservation zones.

DAHIKHA’s approach is rooted in participatory, community-based methods that integrate environmental stewardship with social well-being.

Organizational Background

DAHIKHA originated from grassroots initiatives led by local youth concerned with environmental degradation and its impact on community livelihoods. Over time, these initiatives evolved into structured programs focusing on conservation, education, disaster risk reduction, and community development.

To strengthen its work and institutional capacity, DAHIKHA was formally established as a foundation in 2019. Since then, the organization has expanded its scope while maintaining a strong local presence and community-driven approach.

Vision

To build empowered communities that are capable of protecting the environment while achieving social welfare, equity, and sustainable livelihoods.

Mission

• To strengthen community capacity in environmental conservation and natural resource management

• To promote community-based education and awareness on environmental and humanitarian issues

• To support disaster risk reduction and community resilience

• To encourage participatory development approaches rooted in local culture and knowledge

• To improve community livelihoods through sustainable and environmentally responsible practices

Key Areas of Work

DAHIKHA’s work spans several interconnected areas:

Environmental Conservation

• Community-based conservation initiatives

• Support for sustainable management of forests, mangroves, and natural landscapes

• Wildlife monitoring and biodiversity protection

Humanitarian and Disaster Response

• Community-based disaster risk reduction

• Support for emergency response and post-disaster recovery

• Local preparedness initiatives such as “Disaster-Resilient Villages”

Education and Capacity Building

• Environmental education and conservation awareness for youth

• Training for community groups and local institutions

• Capacity strengthening for local government and village apparatus

Community Development

• Livelihood support linked to sustainable natural resource use

• Ecotourism and community-based economic initiatives

• Participatory planning and local facilitation

Selected Activities and Engagements

DAHIKHA has been involved in various activities, including:

• Community-based wildlife monitoring and conservation training

• Capacity-building programs for village and local government officials

• Mangrove research and conservation initiatives

• Environmental education programs for young people

• Support for community groups in conservation areas

• Participation in multi-stakeholder forums related to conservation and landscape management

(Activities summarized from organizational documentation and field records) comprof dahikha

Organizational Capacity

DAHIKHA is supported by a multidisciplinary team with experience in conservation, research, community facilitation, monitoring, and program management. The organization has engaged with various local, national, and international partners in conservation, environmental governance, and community development initiatives.

Connection to AltruEarth.site

DAHIKHA participates in AltruEarth.site as part of a collective platform that amplifies locally grounded perspectives on environmental and humanitarian issues.

Through the platform, DAHIKHA contributes field experiences, reflections, and insights related to the interconnected challenges of environmental sustainability, community resilience, and humanitarian response — strengthening collective understanding across contexts.

Why DAHIKHA Matters in the Network

DAHIKHA brings a strong landscape-based and community-centered perspective to AltruEarth.site, highlighting how environmental degradation, disaster risks, and social vulnerability are deeply interconnected at the local level.