Welcome to CHEC

The Commonwealth Human Ecology Council (CHEC) is a UK-registered international development charity committed to pursuing sustainable solutions for the preservation and use of the planet’s natural resources. Through its focus on human ecology – the web of relationships between ecosystems and human societies – CHEC works to create lasting improvements for local communities across the Commonwealth.

What We Do

CHEC is also a Commonwealth body for promoting action on sustainable development. Central to its work is the concept of human ecology: the way in which ecological systems and human societies interact. It recognises that working towards a sustainable future will require not only technological innovation but consistent social change. How can human relationships with the environment improve local resilience? How can ecosystems be maintained in ways that improve the livelihoods of local communities? CHEC works with all sectors of society across the Commonwealth to foster programmes and research that enhance lives while protecting and maintaining both the natural and the built environment.

CHEC emphasises the contribution of the individual, the sharing of skills and experiences, and the dignity and insight of social and cultural, and religious experiences.  From this standpoint, human ecology works to create sustainable, lasting improvements in people’s lives.

CHEC has successfully implemented projects and programmes in the following Commonwealth countries: Kenya, Uganda, The Gambia, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, Malta, New Zealand, India, Canada, Guyana, Barbados, Sierra Leone, Pakistan, Nigeria, Australia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and Samoa. Read more about our projects here and how you can support them.

Many foundations and trusts, particularly the Commonwealth Foundation and the Commonwealth Secretariat, support the work of the Commonwealth Human Ecology Council. CHEC also receives help from UN agencies such as UNESCO, UN Habitat, and UNEP, the governments of the UK, and other countries and the voluntary efforts of both members and non-member friends and colleagues.

The Scope of our Activities

CHEC is a UK-based charity with a network of partners throughout the Commonwealth. It has a broad agenda that includes advocacy, Commonwealth partnership programmes, and community projects. We work with a full range of partners from grassroots communities in Commonwealth countries, to other Commonwealth Civil Society organisations, UN agencies and the Heads of Commonwealth Governments.

CHEC has a long history of successful projects promoting urban resilience, sustainable forestry and fisheries, and the livelihoods of small local communities which you can read more about here.

CHEC has a broad membership through which our supporters stay informed with CHEC’s work. Find out how to become a member here.

CHEC’s team of experts are constantly working to keep up to date with all current and relevant information pertinent to ecology and more. The organisation produces several articles and journals which can be accessed online.

The Human Ecology Foundation (HEF), a subsidiary charity, manages CHEC's trust fund and has its own board of trustees that supervises its capital and income. As such, it helps to fund CHEC's projects and support the management of CHEC's website and social media activity. Find out more about the Human Ecology Foundation here.

The Latest News from CHEC