The Internet Society Foundation has announced the 2024 Resiliency Grant Program grantees, welcoming a new cohort of grant partners dedicated to promoting internet resiliency in disaster response. The Internet Society Foundation, established in 2019, supports initiatives that improve the quality and reach of the internet around the world. It focuses on fostering internet development, innovation, and resilience to create a more connected and secure global community.
The Resiliency Grant Program is designed to support projects that enhance network resiliency in communities vulnerable to natural disasters. By increasing readiness and the ability to maintain or restore internet connectivity during such events, the program ensures these communities are better equipped to prepare for and withstand the disruptive effects of natural and climate-related disasters.
The program’s key objectives include:
- Preparing local communities to maintain or repair internet connectivity in disaster scenarios.
- Re-establishing connectivity for communities affected by natural and climate-related disasters.
Through the Resiliency Grant Program, the Internet Society Foundation funds organizations with expertise in internet resiliency to deploy resilient internet infrastructure and train local stakeholders on its usage. This initiative addresses the pressing need for dependable internet access during emergencies, when interruptions can isolate individuals from family, critical information, and emergency services at their most vulnerable moments.
MAREN (Malawi Research and Education Network) is among nine organizations awarded funding to implement projects aimed at enhancing network resiliency in disaster-prone areas. These projects align with the program’s vision of empowering communities to build sustainable, disaster-ready connectivity solutions. MAREN has been awarded $499,809 for a project that will deploy solar-powered, LTE-supported nodes to serve as a resilient backup network for existing internet infrastructure. This project specifically targets areas frequently affected by natural disasters. Additionally, it will strengthen the capacity of local IT professionals to manage and maintain the infrastructure, ensuring its long-term sustainability and resilience.
This initiative comes at a critical time for Malawi, a country that has faced significant challenges from natural disasters such as Cyclone Freddy and Cyclone Chido, which caused extensive damage in recent years. MAREN’s role in this project underscores the vital contribution of National Research and Education Networks (NRENs) in strengthening infrastructure resilience, particularly in the internet sector, to support communities in times of crisis and recovery.
Since its inception in 2021, the Resiliency Grant Program has played a pivotal role in fortifying internet infrastructure, fostering disaster readiness, and ensuring the restoration of connectivity during crises. The 2024 grantees represent a range of innovative approaches across diverse regions, contributing significantly to the global effort of enhancing internet resiliency.
The UbuntuNet Alliance extends heartfelt congratulations to MAREN for this remarkable achievement. This funding underscores MAREN’s dedication to advancing resilient connectivity solutions in Malawi and beyond. We are confident that their efforts will have a lasting impact on communities, enabling them to stay connected and informed during times of crisis.