Notable Roles | - Founder, The Cacao Project |
Key Recognition | - UN Environment Programme Young Champion of the Earth, 2019 |
Background and Early Foundations
Raised in the agricultural region of Camarines Sur, Louise Mabulo witnessed firsthand the devastation Typhoon Nock-ten brought to her community. This catalyzed her interest in sustainable food systems and climate resilience. Trained as a chef and nurtured in an environment rich in biodiversity, she merged her culinary background with ecological awareness to found The Cacao Project at just 18, fusing innovation, sustainability, and community development.
Career Milestones and Impact
Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
2016 | Inspired by Typhoon Nock-ten to act on food security and climate resilience |
2017 | Founded The Cacao Project to help farmers transition to sustainable agroforestry |
2019 | Named UNEP Young Champion of the Earth (Asia-Pacific) |
2020 | Featured in Forbes 30 Under 30 and BBC 100 Women for climate entrepreneurship |
- Farmers Supported: 200+ in Camarines Sur
- Trees Planted: Over 80,000 cacao and forest trees
- Average Yield Increase: 60% per farmer under the program
- Training Modules: Agroforestry, Climate-Resilient Farming, Culinary Arts
- Carbon Impact: 200+ hectares reforested, contributing to carbon sequestration
Leadership Style and Influence
Louise Mabulo leads with a values-first, community-grounded approach that bridges environmental stewardship and inclusive entrepreneurship. Her style emphasizes co-creation with local communities, ensuring that innovation is grounded in real needs. She’s deeply collaborative, with a strong emphasis on storytelling as a tool to mobilize both local and global stakeholders. Her influence stretches beyond agriculture, redefining youth-led leadership across climate, food justice, and sustainability spheres.
Legacy and Future Focus
Louise Mabulo’s legacy is rooted in proving that sustainable agriculture and entrepreneurship can go hand-in-hand. The Cacao Project not only restores degraded landscapes but also reinvigorates rural economies through ecological farming. As climate threats intensify, Louise plans to scale the model across Southeast Asia, promoting indigenous knowledge, soil regeneration, and market access for smallholder farmers. Her long-term vision is a food system that is just, biodiverse, and community-driven.
