We have made 3 trips to Nicaragua to work with El Porvenir on a number of projects from wells to reforestation. Most people in Nicaragua truly live from the Earth and here you see how polluted streams and loss of trees effects the quality of life of people. The loss of forests in Nicaragua has reduced rainfall, caused deadly landslides, increased soil erosion, and reduced rainwater infiltration and aquifer recharge rates. Once host to over 9,000 different species of trees and plants, Nicaragua has lost approximately 50% of its forest cover since 1950.
El Porvenir is seeking to change the direction of this cycle through our reforestion and fuel-efficient cook stove programs.
2009 Results:
159 families constructed 159 fuel efficient stoves.
540 families planted five or more fruit trees.
2,970 people involved in planting trees.
Over 85,000 trees planted.
The project impacted beneficiaries by:
Reducing the volume of wood cut for cooking fuel by 60%.
Reducing the time spent by children gathering wood for cooking in beneficiary villages (thereby allowing more time for children to attend school).
Reducing eye and respiratory disease among women and children in beneficiary villages by eliminating indoor smoke.
Increasing environmental awareness and stewardship of community watersheds and forestry resource.
Protecting the watershed EP water projects depend on.
