"You may be a guest, but you're one of us."

“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). 

Hooked yet? Continue reading Kristina's experience here.