BURN Manufacturing's project in Somalia improves the lives of some of the world's most vulnerable people. More than 90% of the population still relies on biomass fuels for cooking, driving particularly high deforestation rates in an already arid landscape. In addition, nearly 3 in 4 people live below the poverty line. Local charcoal production is unsustainable and very expensive. Using an inefficient traditional stove costs Somalian families as much as $50 per month, and excess smoke creates health problems. A study done by the Clean Cooking Alliance shows that cooking with an open fire causes over 3 million premature deaths each year. This project helps families transition to BURN’s JIKOKOA, the world’s most fuel-efficient biomass stove. The JIKOKOA, reduces charcoal consumption by 64% – slowing deforestation and saving Somalian families $130 million to date. It also reduces indoor air pollution by 65%, with families reporting that they get ill less often. These health benefits, tied with fuel and time savings, help reduce gender inequities, improve lives, and save forests. BURN has been working in Somalia since 2016, and remains the only carbon project in the region. This is particularly important because the area struggles to attract foreign investment, despite high levels of need. Clean cooking an important catalyst in the sustainable, equitable development of the region, while reducing deforestation, smoke inhalation, and improving the lives of over 2 million people.