The ‘Knowledge Tree’ is an information-sharing project developed by CREE.

Its goal is to help conservation and sustainable development leaders from the developing world access critical information needed for their projects or studies. Often, universities found in the developing world do not have libraries adequately stocked with scientific journal articles or books that students and young professionals need for their studies or projects.

CREE has established a fund that will amass money for putting books and journals in the hands of young professionals who need them for their work. All applicants need do is list their affiliation (school/organization) and reason for needing access to in-print information.

A teacher and pupils in front of their school in Cameroon

Pending staff approval, CREE will use Knowledge Tree funds to purchase the book online at sources such as Amazon.com or at journal homepages, for example. To remain as carbon neutral as possible, CREE will make this information available online. However, if internet access or regularity of connection is a problem in applicant home countries, CREE will mail a hardcopy to the applicant directly. Print copies may be particulary useful if used for a library in a university, such as Mweka College of African Wildlife Management. Requests which have a greater impact beyond the applicant himself, as is the case for universities in the developing world or environmental education facilities in villages, will be rated highest in prioritization and granting of requests.

CREE firmly believes in the capacity of young and talented conservation and development professionals, once given the correct tools. We see access to information as the cornerstone to the capacity-building process. CREE seeks to eliminate the financial barriers towards learning for anyone who cannot afford access to needed information related to environmental conservation, poverty alleviation, and sustainable development. We espouse a similar philosophy as the Conservation Commons.

However, our target audience is geared primarily towards the young student or individual researcher as opposed to organizations. You do not need a formal institutional affiliation to receive materials from CREE; the sole requisite is creativity, ambition and goals.