SDC The SDC up close – a look at current projects

Decentralisation and citizen participation in Bolivia

Country / Region: Bolivia
Theme: Rule of Law and Democracy
SDC department: Regional Cooperation

Over the last 25 years, SDC projects in Bolivia have provided numerous stimuli for the democratization of the country. Decentralization, the strengthening of communal autonomy, citizen participation and good governance are key prerequisites of sustainable development and the efficient combating of poverty.

Reintroduction of community forests in Nepal

Country / Region: Nepal
Theme: Climate change and Environment
SDC department: Regional Cooperation

The Nepal-Swiss forestry project aims to achieve sustainable improvements in the living conditions of forest users and disadvantaged families in four of Nepal’s poorest districts. In the past few decades, the NSCFP’s contribution to the spectacular recovery of forest resources in community forests has earned international respect, and this programme sets the direction of future efforts to improve carbon storage by forests.

Climate change in Peru : maximising resilience to minimise vulnerability

Country / Region: Peru
Theme: Climate change and Environment
SDC department: Global Cooperation

The SDC supports a climate change adaptation programme in the highlands of Peru with the objective of preserving the livelihood of the poor communities in the regions of Cusco and Apurimac and reducing their vulnerability to climate change.

Making new buildings in India more energy-efficient

Country / Region: India
Theme: Climate change and Environment
SDC department: Global Cooperation

The SDC supports the Indian government’s efforts to reduce energy consumption in new commercial buildings. This project also helps to improve the skills of architects, building contractors, engineers and research institutes in the field of energy efficiency.

NCCR North-South : conducting research together to mitigate global problems

Country / Region: Worldwide
Theme: Education
SDC department: Global Cooperation

A north-south partnership programme has been established between Swiss research institutions and partner organizations in Africa, Asia, and Latin America for the purpose of both conducting research on the negative impacts of global change and developing sustainable solutions.

Health project in Tajikistan : Continuity pays dividends

Country / Region:
Theme: Health
SDC department: Cooperation with Eastern Europe

Since 2003, Switzerland has been helping to improve the healthcare system in Tajikistan through the "SINO" project which focuses on facilitating access to health services for poorer members of the community, developing and implementing new family doctor models ("family medicine") and reforming healthcare funding.

Domestic violence in Vietnam : Fewer beatings thanks to group sessions

Country / Region: Mekong (Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar)
Theme: Rule of Law and Democracy, Gender
SDC department: Regional Cooperation

Domestic violence is prevalent in Vietnam, with poverty, alcoholism and gender role stereotypes considered to be the main causes. Now an SDC-sponsored project has produced encouraging results by or-ganising group sessions for both abusers and victims.

Community forums in Southeast Europe : Promoting grass-roots politics

Country / Region: Macedonia
Theme: Rule of Law and Democracy, Gender
SDC department: Cooperation with Eastern Europe

Citizens play an active role in shaping the development of their communities in grass-roots community forums. An SDC initiative has triggered several hundred projects that improve quality of life and promote a culture of democratic dialogue at community level in Bulgaria and Macedonia.

Malaria research : New affordable anti-malarial drugs for the future

Country / Region: Worldwide
Theme: Health
SDC department: Regional Cooperation

Founded in 1999, the non-profit organisation Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) works with public and private institutions to research and develop new anti-malarial drugs that even the poor can afford.

Bamboo – increasing the supply of locally produced ecological building materials

Country / Region: Cuba
Theme: Climate change and Environment
SDC department: Regional Cooperation

The bamboo project aims to promote more environmentally friendly and sustainable local economies. The bamboo factory has contributed significantly to improving the living conditions of women and men in various Cuban communities. The SDC contributed 59% to the project costs. Other organisations also contributed.