High above the equator, the ice-capped peaks of the Rwenzori are disappearing. Over the last century, the glaciers have shrunk by over 80%. This isn’t just an ecological tragedy; it’s a humanitarian one. The meltwater from these glaciers feeds the rivers that millions depend on. As the ice vanishes, the dry seasons become harsher, and the wet seasons bring devastating flash floods. At 6Summits, we are working to help communities build climate resilience through early warning systems and adaptive agriculture.

For years, the quickest way to make money on the mountain was to cut down trees for timber or charcoal. But a quiet revolution is taking place in the foothills. By transitioning to high-quality Arabica coffee – which requires the shade of indigenous trees to grow properly – farmers are discovering that the forest is more valuable standing than cut down. 6Summits is proud to support coffee cooperatives that are simultaneously raising household incomes and reforesting the mountain.

The River Nyamwamba used to be a source of life. But in recent years, fueled by extreme weather and upstream deforestation, it has violently breached its banks, sweeping away homes, bridges, and hospitals in Kasese. The trauma of these floods is profound. In response, our community task forces have planted thousands of deep-rooted bamboo and indigenous trees along the fragile riverbanks to stabilize the soil and slow the raging waters during the heavy rains.