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How Earthly’s nature-based projects are supporting and advancing global health
Restoring ecosystems brings improved health outcomes as one of many co-benefits.
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The relationship between environmental health and human health is inextricable. In fact
, nearly a quarter of global deaths are linked to environmental factors such as air, water and soil pollution, climate change, and ecosystem degradation. Nature-based solutions (NbS) offer a highly effective yet often underutilised approach to addressing these interconnected challenges.
Well-designed NbS projects go beyond carbon and biodiversity support by actively investing in the health and well-being of the communities they serve. They improve environmental conditions that directly impact our health: for example,
, safer water and reduced exposure to disease. In addition, the projects deliver direct health benefits through on-the-ground initiatives, such as mobile clinics that provide essential care in remote communities.
Supporting SDG 3: good health and well-being
is about ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages. This can be achieved through environmental, social and structural conditions that shape health outcomes.
, we recognise that healthy ecosystems are foundational to healthy communities. Some of our nature-based projects actively support SDG 3 by:
Building and restoring local health clinics to expand the reach of essential healthcare services in remote and resource-limited communities.
Strengthening disease resilience by reducing the risk of outbreaks and improving vaccination outreach in under-resourced regions.
Improving air quality through
,
and
protection - reducing respiratory illness.
Supporting mental and social health through community-focused interventions, access to nature and ecosystem restoration.
Caring for vulnerable groups by integrating healthcare access, maternal health services, HIV support, and gender-based violence response into project frameworks.
The projects driving health impact alongside nature restoration
Here’s how a selection of Earthly’s nature-based projects are directly contributing to the health and well-being of people and planet alike:
Tropical forest protection, Mai Ndombe, DRC
A dedicated team of healthcare workers deployed to respond to a monkeypox outbreak in Bosongo as part of our project in Mai Ndombe. Thanks to their efforts and mobile clinic support, the outbreak was contained, with only 3 fatalities among over 50 cases.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) faces health challenges, including a fragile healthcare system, ongoing conflict and displacement, and the spread of infectious diseases.
The region frequently experiences acute humanitarian and health crises
stemming from emergencies, including ongoing epidemics such as mpox, cholera, measles and polio, as well as recurring conflicts and natural disasters
In this context,
project has implemented a range of impactful, community-focused health interventions:
Mobile medical clinic access:
The clinic has delivered essential healthcare services to over 16,000 people, many of whom previously had no consistent access to care. The initiative is carried out in partnership with national and regional health authorities and NGOs.
Maternal health:
The clinic in Ibali has helped address high maternal mortality, providing dedicated maternal care services in underserved rural communities.
Planned health infrastructure expansion:
Plans are underway to renovate and expand the Lokanga Secondary Hospital, strengthening long-term healthcare delivery in the region.
Disease outbreak response:
The region is prone to Measles and Rubella outbreaks, and the mobile clinic operates as a frontline response unit. It is deployed biannually, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, in collaboration with the Territory Health Commissioner.
Targeted village interventions and vaccination:
Villages such as Mpata Mbalu, Kesenge, Ibali, Mbale, Lokanga and Nsongo have received focused support to boost vaccination coverage and curb disease spread. Notably, no outbreaks were recorded during the most recent monitoring period.
Peatland protection - Rimba Raya, Indonesian Borneo
As part of its community investment strategy,
operates a floating health clinic. This mobile unit provides essential medical services by water to every village in the project area. This model ensures that even remote and underserved populations have consistent access to healthcare, addressing systemic disparities in rural health infrastructure.
Beyond clinical care, it also implements a vision support initiative, distributing reading glasses to individuals who would otherwise go without. This improves functional literacy, economic participation and overall quality of life, particularly among older adults.
Highland restoration - Tigray, Ethiopia
During the conflict in Tigray, over 10,000 survivors of sexual violence were documented. Earthly’s highland restoration project supports these women and girls by helping reduce stigma and foster healing through community-led initiatives.
supports vulnerable populations, including individuals living with HIV/AIDS and survivors of sexual and gender-based violence - groups that often face barriers to healthcare, psychosocial support, and economic opportunity.
By integrating targeted assistance into its restoration programs, the project promotes inclusive, dignified support for those at the margins of public health access. These efforts are enhancing community stability, reducing stigma and strengthening recovery pathways.
Agroforestry and reforestation - Albertine Rift & Mt. Elgon, Uganda
A community member collects medicinal herbs in Uganda. These plants provide local medicine for people who have limited access to formal healthcare.
One important outcome of
has been the revival of traditional herbal medicine practices. Local communities are actively cultivating indigenous herbs and medicinal plants, an initiative that supports primary healthcare access in areas where conventional services may be limited or financially inaccessible.
These efforts strengthen health by preserving ethnobotanical knowledge, reducing dependency on overburdened health systems, and ensuring that basic treatments for common ailments remain locally available and culturally appropriate.
Woodland restoration - Pleasantfield, Scotland
According to the UK charity Mind, spending time in nature can significantly improve mood, reduce stress, and help you feel more relaxed. Our project in Pleasantfield creates accessible green space where the local community can walk, reflect, and reconnect with nature.
is located near the town of Ayr. It is intentionally designed to encourage public recreational use, with open-ground areas and walking access thoughtfully integrated into the woodland layout.
The project creates a welcoming natural space for the local community to explore, offering access to restored woodlands and open areas designed for recreation and connection with nature. In doing so, it supports mental well-being by providing opportunities for rest, reflection, and escape - an increasingly important public health resource in today’s fast-paced, urbanised world.
Invest in high-impact NbS projects that strengthen community health
According to the World Health Organization, at least
half the world's population lacks access to essential health services
. Earthly is proud to support nature-based solutions that directly address this need, delivering health initiatives even in the most remote communities.
we support undergoes a rigorous, science-backed
to ensure it delivers on its promises. This commitment to accountability and impact is central to building trust and delivering long-term value for people and the planet.
We are working toward an ambitious goal: to help restore 1% of the planet by 2030 by empowering businesses to invest in high-impact nature-based projects. We’d love for your business to be part of this journey.
if you would like to invest in initiatives that deliver holistic, measurable returns for health, climate and nature.
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