A look behind the scenes of working on international projects

“You’re not a guest, you’re one of us”

Trust is the heart of every strong partnership. In the project KlimaWald, it is precisely that deep trust between non-governmental organizations and local teams that builds success. From face-to-face meetings comes effective project work that protects forests and motivates people.

When Kristina Osen arrives late at night at the airport in the Dominican Republic, a familiar face is already waiting: Toni, from the partner organization ENDA Dominicana. Despite the late hour, he has brought fresh fruit. A small gesture that says a lot about collaboration within the KlimaWald project.

Arrive, trust, and begin

Soon after, that feeling of familiarity becomes evident again. After her arrival, Miledys — who is in charge of the project finances at ENDA Dominicana — celebrates her birthday. Her colleagues have lovingly decorated her office and brought cake.

Encounters like these — whether in the office, at shared celebrations, or in exchanges with partners in Hondo Valle — show that project work is much more than a simple technical exchange. It is nourished by personal relationships and mutual trust.

Strong relationships = strong partners

After face-to-face meetings and shared moments in the field, the team looks at the bigger picture:

The KlimaWald project connects forest protection, climate adaptation, and people’s livelihoods in the Caribbean corridor. In a region heavily affected by climate change, increasing drought, and extreme weather events, the project bets on ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA).

This implies:

• Protecting and strengthening forests and agroforestry systems.
• Securing water resources.
• Conserving biodiversity.
• Making communities more resilient to climate risks.

The project is led by Welthungerhilfe and counts local partners such as:

• ENDA Dominicana
• Centro Naturaleza
• Bioeco
• Concert-Action
• CESAT

The teams work transnationally on practical solutions for:

• sustainable agriculture
• forest protection
• climate change adaptation

Regular field visits are a central part of this cooperation.

What project reports often don’t show

These trips reveal something that project reports rarely reflect: the relational work behind the measures.

Shared laughter, conversations during meals, listening, and informal exchange strengthen trust and respect. Success stories and concerns shared in person take on another dimension.

This “behind the scenes” is an essential foundation for cooperation across long distances to work — and therefore for the effectiveness of the KlimaWald project.

Celebrating successes together and building the future

The purpose of the trip was to deepen collaboration and clarify important conceptual issues. A central theme was the development of replication models, tools intended to apply successful ecosystem-based adaptation approaches in other regions.

In the Dominican Republic, Kristina met with representatives from:

• Welthungerhilfe
• ENDA Dominicana
• Centro Naturaleza

The Cuban partner organizations Bioeco and CESAT could not attend due to problems with entry documents.

Many issues can only be resolved effectively through direct exchange. Differences of opinion, often caused by staff or responsibility changes, could be clarified during the visit.

Agroforestry systems that withstand even extreme events

The effects of Hurricane Melissa were also discussed during the visit. In the project region the damage was relatively small.

Tall shade-providing trees, such as criollo avocado, acted as natural windbreaks. In coffee and cacao cropping systems they helped reduce damage caused by strong gusts.

This shows how natural agroforestry systems contribute to climate change adaptation and strengthen regional resilience.

Adaptation also means local economy

Climate adaptation is not limited to agricultural systems. It also involves processing and marketing agricultural products.

One example is the coffee pulping machine that producers in the region can use collectively. Thanks to infrastructure like this:

• more added value remains in the region
• farmers gain greater economic security

This demonstrates that environmental and economic issues are deeply connected.

What does ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) mean?

Ecosystem-based adaptation consists of using natural ecosystems to reduce the effects of climate change.

For example:

• mangroves can buffer storm surges
• forests and wetlands store water
• soils are stabilized and flooding is reduced

These solutions combine climate adaptation, nature conservation, and sustainable development, also integrating local community knowledge.

Protecting forest, water, and livelihoods

During the visit a local water committee was also introduced, led by Zoyla and Chichi. This community organization has managed their village’s water supply for about 25 years.

Their functions include:

• managing water connections
• infrastructure maintenance
• planning new cisterns

Members work voluntarily and households pay small annual contributions for maintenance.

The example demonstrates something fundamental: forest protection is essential to guaranteeing water and community life.

Relationships as a success factor

In addition to the technical achievements, Kristina Osen took away many personal impressions from the trip. Shared activities — from meeting new family members to participating in sporting events — strengthen the sense of community.

One of the most special moments was taking part in the 5-kilometer race Santiago Rodríguez Corre, together with members of the partner organizations.

During the project, Antonio Mateo from ENDA summed up the spirit of the cooperation with a phrase:

“You’re not a guest, you’re one of us.”

This phrase symbolizes a collaboration that goes far beyond formal meetings. Trust, a sense of belonging, and mutual motivation are the basis for the project’s long-term success.

After the trip, the next phase begins

After returning to Germany, the work continues. In 2026 the goal is to finalize and apply the project’s replication models.

Project managers visit partner organizations two or three times a year. These meetings are not a mere administrative requirement: they are a central element to strengthen cooperation and ensure the success of the KlimaWald project.