Man and the Environment was founded in a large part because it was at that time too complex for the existing NGOs to manage holistic approaches, particularly when including economic aspects and biodiversity protection.
Activities led for 15 years by the NGO were never done before in a same organization, from biology and agricultural development to health and education.
One of the key approaches since 2001 had been developing economic sectors in order to promote natural resources and their conservation. Community productions of essential oils from local plants involving occidental buyers had been particularly developed.
The NGO has a strong vision of promoting local empowerment. Local markets are promoted, along with attention to the needs, for populations and local authorities to take charge of their future while taking care of biodiversity.