We are thrilled to announce that we are embarking on a new and exciting project designed to take action on fecal pollution which is threatening the very existence of Lake Atitlan, the availability of pure drinking water for all of us living around the lake and the future of Lake Atitlan as a tourist destination.
Did you know that the lake currently serves as a sewage dump for 10 out of 17 communities? In 2012 at least 1.4 million cubic meters of untreated sewage entered the precious freshwater source. That is a lot of poop, threatening the drinking water of more than 100'000 indigenous people. On top, the lack of sanitation infrastructure contributes to massive greenhouses emissions from the aerobic decomposition in pit latrines. This is accelerating the climate crisis.
Our at-the-source, sanitation solution, of biodigesters connected to toilets will limit global warming, protect ecosystems while improving the livelihood of the people. Tui'k Ruch' Lew has experience and expertise in developing culturally sensitive, impactful programs. The first biodigester will be built in a school, Low-flush toilets and carbon-rich kitchen scraps feed the biodigester and produce free gas for cooking aliquid and solid fertilizer for the school's permaculture garden.
Simple provision of a technical solution does not guarantee long-term adaptation. Therefore, we are designing a demonstration center at the school, too. We expect to gain community acceptance to replicate this system, creating new job opportunities in the community. Once established, the biodigester program will be financed through carbon credits. TRL will price the systems so they are accessible to families, subsidizing the costs with the carbon credit sales.
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