Governance & Accountability
Rooted in Trust, Built on Transparency
At SSI, we believe that robust governance and unwavering accountability are not just administrative requirements—they are moral commitments to the communities we serve and the donors who support us. Our governance structure is designed to ensure that indigenous leadership guides our strategic direction while maintaining the highest standards of integrity and transparency.
Our Governance Framework
Our highest authority rests with the communities we serve
General Assembly of Communities
The General Assembly serves as our highest governing body, comprising elected representatives from all partner communities. This representative body convenes annually to set strategic direction, review program performance and impact, approve annual budgets and major initiatives, and elect representatives to the Board of Trustees and Wisdom Keepers' Council. Through these functions, the Assembly ensures all activities remain accountable to community priorities and cultural values, maintaining our fundamental commitment to being community-led in both governance and ecological stewardship.
Wisdom Keepers' Council
Elected by the General Assembly, this council of respected elders and tradition-bearers serves as the organization's cultural and ethical compass. They provide guidance on traditional knowledge, ensure cultural protocols are respected in all activities, advise on intergenerational knowledge transfer, and mediate conflicts. This elected role formalizes their authority, ensuring the living bridge between ancestral wisdom and contemporary conservation is directly accountable to the communities we serve.
Board of Trustees
A diverse group of leaders including representatives from indigenous communities and conservation experts committed to community-led approaches, the Board provides fiduciary oversight and strategic guidance for the organization’s financial and non-financial resources. Guided by regular community consultation, the Board ensures accountability, sustainability, and alignment with the mission and values upheld by the communities we serve.
Meet Our Trustees
Our Board of Trustees reflects the core values of SSI blending indigenous leadership with diverse expertise. Comprising respected community elders, conservation experts, and strategic advisors, the Board provides governance, oversight, and guidance to ensure we remain true to our mission of community-led regenerosity.
Sharmarke Bashir Ali
Chairperson
A Somali-Canadian conservation leader with over 20 years of experience across East Africa and Canada. Sharmarke holds an MSc in Conservation Leadership and has advised both Somalia's Federal and Puntland Ministries of Environment on national biodiversity strategy and policy. He provides critical oversight on the scientific rigor, strategic direction, and long-term vision of SSI’s conservation programs.
Fatima Ahmed Fahie
Secretary
With 12 years in organizational management and governance, Fatima holds Master's and Bachelor's degrees in Public Administration. Her experience with organizations like Save the Children and Puntland’s Chamber of Commerce spans strategic planning and institutional strengthening. As Secretary, she ensures transparent record-keeping and effective Board coordination, maintaining SSI’s governance integrity through meticulous administration.
Abdi Elmi
HamDirector of Gender & Inclusion
Hamdi brings 12 years of experience advancing gender equality and social inclusion in Somalia. Holding degrees in Public Administration, she has worked with Save the Children and local CSOs to embed inclusive practices in policy and programming. At SSI, she champions equitable participation and youth empowerment, ensuring conservation outcomes align with community priorities and reflect SSI’s commitment to regenerosity.
Ahmed Mire
Treasurer
A seasoned financial governance expert and ACCA-certified accountant with 18 years of experience, currently pursuing a PhD in Accounting. An Associate Professor at Puntland State University, Ahmed ensures SSI's financial integrity, robust risk management, and donor accountability. His leadership is fundamental to our fiscal transparency and the sustainable management of resources entrusted to us
Peter Mariu
Director of Legal & Policy Affairs
A Kenyan development and environmental policy expert with over 15 years of experience across the Horn of Africa. Peter provides strategic oversight on regulatory compliance, community land rights, and policy engagement. His work ensures SSI’s initiatives are legally sound, aligned with national priorities, and effectively advocate for community-centered conservation at all levels.
Said Farah Mohamoud
Senior Advisor for Policy & Community Engagement
A Somali environmentalist and development strategist with 25 years of experience, hailing from a frankincense-growing region. Said has held leadership roles with the UN, in Parliament, and as Vice Minister of Planning in Puntland. He brings deep-rooted connections, policy acumen, and an unwavering commitment to advancing sustainable livelihoods and frankincense value chains in Somalia.
Our Board’s Commitment
Together, our trustees bring diverse perspectives united by a shared commitment to community-led conservation. They ensure SSI remains:
- Rooted in indigenous leadership
- Guided by both traditional and scientific knowledge
- Financially transparent and accountable
- Strategically focused on lasting impact
Our Board of Trustees meets quarterly and operates through dedicated committees focusing on Finance, Governance, and Program Impact. All members serve voluntarily, reflecting their deep commitment to our mission.
Interested in supporting our governance or learning more about our leadership?
[Contact Our Board Secretary] [View Our Governance Policies]
Our Commitment to Accountability & Transparency
Financial Integrity & Transparency
- We maintain the highest standards of financial management, with annual independent audits and regular financial reporting to our Board and community assemblies.
- We publicly share our annual reports, financial statements, and impact metrics to demonstrate responsible stewardship of resources.
Programmatic Accountability
- All our programs are developed through participatory planning with communities and include clear monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
- We regularly report back to communities on program progress and impact, ensuring our work remains responsive to local needs and priorities.
Ethical Partnerships
- We maintain clear partnership protocols that ensure respect for community rights, knowledge, and leadership in all collaborative initiatives.
- All partnerships are governed by memoranda of understanding that clearly define roles, responsibilities, and benefit-sharing arrangements.
