Consense & Congaz in partnership, doing voluntary work in Benin

About one year ago Ann Noppen’s brother, Herman, who collaborates with the NGO Eco-Benin in Benin, Africa, told her – unintentionally –  that Eco-Benin could be interested in being supported in developing further their leadership, as they were growing so fast due to their success.  His remark did not fall in deaf ears: …for some time Ann had wanted to do something in a third world country.  This was the occasion to invest, not with money, but with her talents.  Ann found an enthusiastic partner in Ingrid De Clercq from Congaz. Hence they could combine the expertise of Consense on Whole Brain Leadership, with the experience of Congaz on Entrepreneurship and Creativity, and thus build a larger story.

eco benin

In September 2014 they met with Gautier Amoussou, National Coordinator of the NGO Eco-Benin.  Eco-Benin has 15 ecological sites throughout Benin, with eco-lodges built by and managed in collaboration with the local population. The NGO develops eco-tourism that benefits primarily the host communities but also participates in the protection of their natural resources and their cultural identity. With a dozen development projects introduced since its creation in 1999, Eco-Benin has set up a Carbon Action Plan which aims mangrove plantation in the South of Benin and the promotion of  improved cookstoves around the national park of Pendjari in the North of the country.  Tourists are invited contribute by planting a mangrove tree in order to offset the CO2 emissions of their flight to Benin.  (see www.ecobenin.org for more information). Eco-Benin is on nominated for the King Baudouin African Development Prize 2014. The winner will be announced at the beginning of 2015.

Ingrid De Clercq and Ann Noppen both passionated by the multicultural business environment are investing two weeks in January 2015 by using their talents and exploring how the north can learn from the south in topics as Whole Brain Leadership and Entrepreneurship. They want to work in partnership based on reciprocity and connectedness, building a larger story.

Keep following them on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

Ann Noppen & Ingrid De Clercq

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