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What we do
Our services
Sazani Associates provides integrated advisory, research and practice-based support for sustainable development in complex social, political and environmental contexts. We work with governments, investors, institutions and communities where livelihoods, power and legitimacy shape risk and long-term outcomes.
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Our approach focuses on understanding and navigating social and socio-political risk, strengthening governance and supporting resilient livelihoods. We combine international standards and applied research with deep contextual knowledge, participatory practice and sustained institutional engagement. By linking governance, livelihoods and nature-based solutions, we help initiatives move beyond technical compliance towards approaches that are socially grounded, politically viable and capable of delivering durable outcomes.
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​In high-stakes contexts where social, political and institutional risk is material, Sazani may apply the Wheelhouse governance architecture. Wheelhouse provides a structured way to support judgement, accountability and learning where conventional ESG tools and compliance processes are insufficient.
Natural Resource Governance Advisory
We provide independent advisory on sustainability, social and political risk across the full project lifecycle. Our work focuses on governance, social performance, stakeholder dynamics, gender equality and social inclusion (GESI), conflict sensitivity and institutional risk. We help clients understand how decisions play out in real operating contexts and design responses that are credible, socially legitimate and capable of enduring over time.
Applied Research and Training
We deliver applied research and learning programmes that inform policy and regulatory bodies and strengthen institutional and systems-level decision-making. Our work supports organisations to navigate complexity, manage trade-offs and embed learning into sustainability, governance, climate and development initiatives through participatory, practice-oriented approaches grounded in real-world contexts.
Enabling Sustainable Livelihoods
We support the design of inclusive livelihood strategies rooted in local economies, ecosystems and governance systems. Drawing on Global Social Learning (GSL) and asset-based approaches, our work builds on existing capabilities, market relationships and institutional linkages to strengthen skills, enterprise, income security and social inclusion. We focus on ensuring livelihood outcomes are viable and equitable, aligned with sustainable limits, long-term resilience and the Sustainable Development Goals.
A Just Blue Economy
We support the design and governance of nature-based solutions that integrate ecological science, inclusive governance and community benefit-sharing. Our work spans blue and terrestrial ecosystems, including restoration, MRV, carbon integrity and institutional frameworks. We focus on ensuring nature-based initiatives are environmentally robust, socially legitimate and aligned with long-term stewardship and locally grounded development priorities..