Fuel-Efficient Stoves: Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico

Dear GlobalGiving Supporters,

I hope this message finds you well! I am thrilled to provide you with an update on the progress we've achieved thanks to your support. Your generosity continues to make a profound difference, and we are deeply grateful.

Totonicapán, Guatemala

Since our last update, we have successfully completed the construction of 100 fuel-efficient stoves in Totonicapán. To ensure that our efforts reach those most in need and committed to conservation, we carefully selected participants through site visits, focusing on families facing socioeconomic challenges and demonstrating a keen interest in environmental stewardship. Our local partner, the Council of Natural Resources of the 48 Cantons, played a pivotal role in this selection process. Subsequently, selected families received comprehensive training on stove operation and maintenance from facilitators representing EcoLogic and Stove Team International.

Employing the Justa Chapina 16x32 model, tailored specifically for this region and informed by the preferences of household cooks ('amas de casa'), we constructed 100 fuel-efficient stoves. In a demonstration of their environmental dedication, participants have also reforested 2.31 hectares to establish an energy forest for sustainable firewood production. Our commitment to personalized training and ongoing support ensures the quality of stove construction and fosters community acceptance.

Moreover, we've established 49 family gardens in the communities of Chuicaxtun, Chotacaj, and Pajumjuyup. Through workshops on soil preparation and planting techniques, along with the provision of heirloom seeds and organic fertilizer (vermicompost), we're empowering families to cultivate nutritious crops sustainably. Continuous follow-up support is underway to ensure the successful implementation of these initiatives.

Oaxaca, México

In parallel, we've initiated the procurement process for materials needed to construct 100 stoves in our partner communities in La Chinantla, Oaxaca, employing the Patsari stove models tailored to local preferences and priorities. We eagerly anticipate updating you on our progress in the near future!

Once again, I extend my heartfelt gratitude for your invaluable support. Your partnership with EcoLogic is impacting the lives of these communities and the health of their forests. Your generosity truly knows no bounds, and for that, we are eternally grateful. If you have any questions or comments, please get in touch with me at bvallarino@ecologic.org.

In partnership,

Barbara Vallarino, Executive Director

Dear GlobalGiving Supporters,

I trust this message finds you in good health and high spirits. I am thrilled to bring you exciting updates on the strides we've made in our projects, all made possible by your generosity.

Olanchito, Honduras

In partnership with the Association of Water Committees (AJAASSPIB), EcoLogic remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting communities in their forest conservation efforts by addressing the root issue of firewood consumption. In the picturesque mountain communities of Calderas and El Urraco, we have successfully constructed 120 fuel-efficient stoves. These stoves prove invaluable to low-income families who lack alternatives to using firewood for cooking. Through our collaboration with the Honduran Foundation for Development (AHDESA), and employing the Justa 3D stove model, this initiative has provided 120 new families with high-efficiency stoves, making a tangible impact on their daily lives.

Totonicapán, Guatemala

Our collaboration with Stove Team International in Totonicapán has yielded significant progress. We've actively engaged in the design phase, crafting a fuel-efficient stove model tailored to the specific needs and preferences of the women in the region. The design is now complete, and construction of the initial batch of 100 stoves is underway. Despite facing challenges such as recent political unrest in Guatemala, resulting in road closures and delays, we successfully delivered materials to the communities at the beginning of November. This resilience demonstrates our dedication to overcoming obstacles and ensuring the success of our projects.

Your support is the bedrock of these achievements, and we want you to know that every contribution has a direct, positive impact on the communities we serve. Should you have any questions or wish to share your thoughts, please feel free to reach out to me at mdeleon@ecologic.org.

In solidarity,

Mario Ardany de León  

Program Officer, Guatemala