Efficient stoves use less wood, helping people and animals.
NNF’s community-driven stove program is based on an adaptation of the Winiarski Rocket Stove, built by the family who will be using it. The stoves are constructed from locally sourced materials like mud, sand and cow dung, making them easy to build and affordable.
1,028 stoves were built in Uganda this year, the highest yearly total to date, evidencing the growing need for this technology as human populations increase and firewood becomes more scarce. NNF’s Ugandan stoves saved at least 7.9 million pounds of wood in 2024, much of which would have otherwise come from natural forests. This translates to thousands of trees left standing to be enjoyed by chimpanzees, monkeys, elephants, birds, lizards, frogs, butterflies and countless other endangered and endemic species.
Eco-briquettes turn waste into forest-friendly cooking fuel.
95% of Ugandans rely on biomass as their only source of cooking fuel: firewood for those closest to Kibale and charcoal for those who can afford it. NNF’s eco-briquettes are making a real impact reducing deforestation and providing a sustainable alternative to natural charcoal in Uganda.
Two types are produced: Carbonized briquettes, which burn like charcoal, are made from non-native plants that grow in and around Kibale; non-carbonized briquettes, which burn like firewood, are made from fruit and vegetable peelings, sawdust and wastepaper.
793,517 carbonized briquettes were made and sold in 2024, replacing 75,510 pounds of natural charcoal.
51,626 non-carbonized briquettes were made in 2024, replacing 23,567 pounds of firewood.
Eco-briquettes turn waste into forest-friendly cooking fuel.
95% of Ugandans rely on biomass as their only source of cooking fuel: firewood for those closest to Kibale and charcoal for those who can afford it. NNF’s eco-briquettes are making a real impact reducing deforestation and providing a sustainable alternative to natural charcoal in Uganda.
Two types are produced: Carbonized briquettes, which burn like charcoal, are made from non-native plants that grow in and around Kibale; non-carbonized briquettes, which burn like firewood, are made from fruit and vegetable peelings, sawdust and wastepaper.
793,517 carbonized briquettes were made and sold in 2024, replacing 75,510 pounds of natural charcoal.
51,626 non-carbonized briquettes were made in 2024, replacing 23,567 pounds of firewood.
NNF’s Science Centers keep conservation education FUN.
Everyone’s favorite part of the program, NNF’s Science Centers feature a variety of exhibits including animal skulls, skeletons & skins, insect specimens, confiscated poacher’s items, books, cultural artifacts and local art. They attract huge audiences, young and old, to learn about science & nature in a welcoming atmosphere, and are located in villages, the center of town and inside a national park.
In 2024, a record-breaking 54,082 visits were recorded, the highest attendance yet.
NNF’s sixth location, the Kasenyi Community Nature Center, opened in December in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Conservation competitions connect people & nature.
The competitions encourage Ugandans to celebrate conservation achievements, learn about project developments, unite as a community and honor their heritage and their future. This year, the 15th annual conservation competitions celebrated the theme of “Save the Earth, Save Ourselves”.
3,350 people of all ages gathered in five locations to sing, dance and celebrate nature through poetry, art, physical & mental activities and recycled fashion.
Educational Interactions in Uganda since 2006
Educational Interactions in Uganda since 2006
Conservation competitions connect people & nature.
The competitions encourage Ugandans to celebrate conservation achievements, learn about project developments, unite as a community and honor their heritage and their future. This year, the 15th annual conservation competitions celebrated the theme of “Save the Earth, Save Ourselves”.
3,350 people of all ages gathered in five locations to sing, dance and celebrate nature through poetry, art, physical & mental activities and recycled fashion.
Passing the torch in Vietnam.
Luu Tuong Bach, Project Manager since 2014, took on the role of Director in 2024. After assisting with a grant to secure the financial future of the program through 2025, NNF’s Directors completed the phased handover begun in 2021. While we still assist when requested, it is a prideful moment to step back and watch the project enter a new chapter under local leadership, one of the primary goals of modern conservation.
As the year’s accomplishments demonstrate, the Vietnamese management and staff have adopted the NNF philosophy as their own: Help nature by helping people help themselves and make it fun.
Making a lasting impact.
The film project, “Nature, People, Harmony,” begun in 2023, was completed in 2024. It includes an introduction to the work, a deep-dive director’s cut (left) and a “how to” stove tutorial. The film debuted in Dubai during the COP28 UN Climate Change Conference and was presented at the African Primatological Society Congress in South Africa by Project Manager Margaret Kemigisa. Other promotion included:
- Lectures at Oakland, Philadelphia & Roger Williams Park Zoos
- NNF tie-in to the birth of a baby red tailed monkey
- Coverage of Vietnam’s Monkey Day on Ha Giang TV
- NNF photography featured at Disney’s D23 2024 event
- Recycled art partner Reagan Kandole featured on Africa Live replicating NNF’s recycled elephant sculpture
As NNF’s impact becomes more recognized, we are trying to maximize the project’s exposure to the global conservation community. Now more than ever, these methodologies are needed around the world. Please share the videos and stories in this report with anyone interested in animals, people, climate change or sustainable development. Together, we can be the change our planet needs.
Making a lasting impact.
The film project begun in 2023, including an introduction to the work, a deep-dive director’s cut (left) and a “how to” stove tutorial, was completed in 2024. The film debuted in Dubai during the COP28 UN Climate Change Conference and was presented at the African Primatological Society Congress in South Africa by Project Manager Margaret Kemigisa. Other promotion included:
- Lectures at Oakland, Philadelphia & Roger Williams Park Zoos
- NNF tie-in to the birth of a baby red tailed monkey
- Coverage of Vietnam’s Monkey Day on Ha Giang TV
- NNF photography featured at Disney’s D23 2024 event
- Recycled art partner Reagan Kandole featured on Africa Live replicating NNF’s recycled elephant sculpture
As the effectiveness and impact of NNF’s programs become more recognized, we are trying to maximize the project’s exposure to the global conservation community. Now more than ever, these methodologies are needed around the world. Please share the videos and stories in this report with anyone interested in animals, people, climate change or sustainable development. Together, we can be the change our planet needs.
Financials & Partners.
*Vietnam expenses include 2024 & 2025 operations
NNF’s expenses were higher than income in 2024, with the difference made up by unrestricted funds from previous years. As programs expand and costs rise in Uganda, your generosity is needed more now than ever. Please consider donating today – thank you!
1,275
stoves built in Uganda & Vietnam in 2024
9,887 since inception
4,800
attendees at 7 conservation competitions in 2024 from 69 communities on 2 continents
845,143
briquettes produced in 2024
4,992,706 since inception
54,082
attendees at 6 Science Centers in 2024
451,754 since inception
16.5
million lbs of wood saved by NNF stoves in Uganda & Vietnam in 2024
Over 158,000,000 since inception
16,500
trees saved across Uganda & Vietnam in 2024
158,000 since inception
Contact us
1310 North 24th Street Philadelphia, PA 19121
(610) 551-0332
You Can Help
The New Nature Foundation is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit in the United States. To the fullest extent allowable by law, your gift is tax deductible. For tax purposes, our EIN is 06-1673754. Please donate now.
