In Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda those living near forests derive their livelihood from natural resources such as firewood, building materials and medicinal plants. This places enormous pressures on an ecosystem that is also crucial for the region’s water balance. To reduce this pressure without depriving farming families of vital resources, Biovision and its partners are encouraging the production of medicinal plants and herbal insecticides. The active ingredients obtained from the plants are converted into products and sold locally and nationally. The project will also study the effects of the medicinal products used in traditional medicine and high-quality herbal medicines will then be produced locally. In addition, activities designed to improve income levels will be backed up by targeted information on the sustainable use of the forests.