Artisanal soap supports Sahel women and migrating birds

Global demand for shea butter — used in food and skincare — is high. But the West African landscape that's home to the shea tree is suffering from desertification and deforestation. As trees disappear and sand takes over, migrating birds struggle to find food in areas that used to be safe and plentiful winter havens after long flights from Western Europe.

Which is why bird conservation society Vogelbescherming Nederland and development organization Cordaid founded Birds, Bees & Business. The project is aimed at restoring habitats and increasing biodiversity by providing sustainable business opportunities for residents of the Sahel. Its first product is Savannezeep (savannah soap), created in partnership with artisanal soap manufacturer Werfzeep.