WISIONS of Sustainability

Our mission is to empower individuals and communities to transform the production and use of energy so that it effectively enables sustainable development. Read more about WISIONS activities, goals and background.

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The latest Newsletter of Hydro Empowerment Network

News from WISIONS posted on October 11th, 2019
Our partner HPNET just published their latest edition of their quarterly newsletter series "The Flow". The thematic focus of this issue is inclusive social enterprise, local social capital, including women and indigenous communities.HPNET Newsletter October Read moreMinimize
In this edition HPNET recollects recent activities, events and thematic inputs on Micro Hydro Technology.
Some highlights in this edition include:

  • Cameroon: A HPNET Member shares his views on small-scale hydro and energy access in Cameroon.
  • Indonesia/Ethiopia: Three knowledge transfer and activities for Ethiopian practitioners.
  • Malaysia: Reports and introduction of the Commission of a new micro hydro system in Malaysiaby TONIBUNG
  • Inclusion in social enterprise-based mini hydropower in Pakistan
Read the full newsletter and all included other stories of HPNETs activities here: The Flow Newsletter October

More information about HPNET: Hydro Empowerment Network

Solar Powered Cold Storage Systems: Keeping Vegetables fresh for sale in Nepal

News from WISIONS posted on October 9th, 2019
How can small farmers from rural areas harvest enough fruits and vegetables for self sufficiency and gaining profits from sales, if the culticultivable land is too small, the closest market too far and using electricity for cooling is not possible? WISIONS supported a project in Nepal that tackled these issues with one simple solution: Solar Power Cooling! Read moreMinimize
WISIONS supported the People, Energy and Environment Development Association (PEEDA) for undertaking the SEPS-Project Improving Agricultural Profitability for Smallholder Farms by introducing Solar Powered Mobile Cold Storage in Beiteshwor Rural Municipality of Dolakha District (Nepal). The underlying reason for the organization to start the project was the identification of multilayer challenges for Nepalese small farmers. First, the landscape of Nepal is mountainous and offers in most parts only small areas for farming and growing fruits and vegetables. This results in only small quantities of harvest. Secondly, regional markets are often too far away for small farmers too reach. Because farmers cannot keep vegetables and fruits fresh they either have to consume them themselves or sell them directly at a low price to an intermediary salesman. Third, the electricity supply to run a cooling system throughout the day is either not sufficient or available at all as 28% of the population still lack access to electric grids. For these underlying reasons PEEDA created a simple solution with great opportunities for these small farmers: a Solar Powered Cold Storage System with integrated batteries to run the cooler 24 hours even without sunny weather. 





   
 

PEEDA Team             Cold Storage System     Fruit Collection   Vegetables to be stored


The concept follows a simple idea, village communities store their fruits and vegetables collectively in the collection centre. This eventually creates the opportunity for bulks selling instead of each farmer selling small amounts and a sustainable supply chain for market vendors. After successful installation and test-running the system for two months PEEDA organized a workshop with government officials and representatives from civil society and private organizations. This workshop concluded with follow-up meetings of a private company interested in facilitating such system for apple farming in the mountains and announcement of Gandaki Province Government to contribute up to 1.500.000 Nepalese Rupees (50% of technology expenses) for this technology. Also, the following socio-economic outcomes have been observed by PEEDA: 

  • Reduction of Food Waste more than 50%
  • Employment opportunities for maintenance of the system 
  • Creation of business models for the farmers

Free Download: RedBioLAC Biodigester handbook

News from WISIONS posted on September 25th, 2019
Biodigester expert Jaime Martí published a handbook on biodigester technology and our partner RedBioLAC uploaded a free version for download on their website. This handbook presents the results of long year studies, research and practical experience of biodigester technology in Latin America and the Caribbean. Download here!Read moreMinimize

English version: 

Jaime Martí is currently Associate Professor at the Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam in Ecuador and did for many years research and conducted practical experiences on the feasibility as well as promotion and dissemination of biodigester technology in Latin America and the Caribbean. Encouraging the use of the technology, which holds so many benefits for the local population and contributes largely to sustainable development in this region, Mr. Martí and RedBioLAC established the opportunity for a larger audience to download the handbook for free. The download of the handbook is possible in a colored and black/white version. 


The initiative for creation of this handbook has been supported by Green Empowerment and WISIONS.You can find the download, by clicking on this URL link!  Enjoy the reading! 


Versión en español 

Jaime Martí es actualmente Profesor Asociado de la Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam en Ecuador y durante muchos años realizó investigaciones y experiencias prácticas sobre la factibilidad, así como la promoción y difusión de la tecnología de biodigestores en América Latina y el Caribe. Alentando el uso de la tecnología, que tiene tantos beneficios para la población local y contribuye en gran medida al desarrollo sostenible en esta región, el Sr. Martí y RedBioLAC establecieron la oportunidad para que una mayor audiencia descargue el manual de forma gratuita. La descarga del manual es posible en una versión en color y en blanco y negro. 


La iniciativa para la creación de este manual ha sido apoyada por Green Empowerment y WISIONS. Puede encontrar la descarga haciendo clic en este enlace URL ! Disfrute de la lectura! 

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