In the Bolivian Amazon, communities are extremely vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Communities frequently suffer from floods and forest fires due to intense rain and prolonged dry seasons. There is also a heavy reliance of firewood for fuel to cook food and boil water which can lead to malnutrition and diseases when faced with such crisis. Furthermore, collecting firewood is a physical burden and it is also a hazard for the health and well-being of the family as smoke from burning wood, especially when it is damp, is often toxic and can cause respiratory diseases.
In 2015, Christian Aid brought together four partner organisations to work together on a pilot project to develop and introduce a renewable solar technology, called the Solar Ovens, to tackle the difficulties of the Amazonian communities. The aim was to strengthen the resilience of vulnerable communities in the Bolivian Amazon, to reduce deforestation, to raise awareness of the causes and effects of climate change, and to improve the conditions and well-being of the families in Bolivia.
And, in 2017, ElectricAid contributed to this project by donating over €6,000 to provide 20 Solar Ovens to be purchased and installed for each families in areas of Capaina, Bella Altura, Bermeo and Nueva Betania, in Bolivia. Families were provided 2-3 days training and in each session they had an opportunity to learn about how to build the ovens, how to use them, and cook recipes recommended when using the ovens.
Overall, the project was truly successful as the Solar Ovens became an alternative sustainable solution to overcome energy poverty and to also protect the environment. Communities in Bolivia now uses the Solar Ovens regularly with 251 families benefiting directly from this project. With 189 ovens in total, it resulted a great reduction of carbon emissions, women no longer need to walk long distances to collect firewood, and risks of burns and respiratory diseases were greatly reduced. And, it directly addressed the UN Sustainable Goals #2 Zero Hunger, #3 Good Health and Well-Being, #7 Affordable and Clean Energy, #11 Sustainable Cities and Communities, and #13 Climate Action.
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