Harnessing forest conservation through electrical means
In the heart of Central Asia, Tajikistan faces a persistent energy crisis, with many rural areas relying on costly and polluting fossil fuel sources. However, a ray of hope is shining through, thanks to the efforts of an international organisation, Welthungerhilfe.
Welthungerhilfe's key activities in Tajikistan focus on promoting green energy through renewable sources such as hydropower and solar power, improving energy efficiency, and enabling community empowerment for sustainable electricity solutions.
One such individual making a difference is Zohir Zohirov, a 51-year-old resident of Dehisor. With only three years of formal education, Zohir works as a potato farmer and has taken it upon himself to build efficient cooking stoves. This decision was inspired by a Welthungerhilfe information session on modified cooking stoves.
Zohir's new stoves, built not only in his home village but also in surrounding communities, significantly reduce smoke pollution and are more efficient, requiring less wood. They also make cooking easier because food is less likely to burn.
The emission saving aspects of Welthungerhilfe's projects in the last 10 years include green electricity and energy efficiency initiatives. The projects aim to provide stable and affordable electricity to schools, hospitals, and other state institutions. To this end, eight micro hydro powerplants and solar plants have been constructed, capable of fulfilling the electricity needs of 6,000 people.
Local repair workshops for these power plants have been established, and technicians have been trained. This ensures the long-term functionality of the systems and empowers local communities.
The projects also focus on energy efficient technologies such as double-glazed windows and fuel saving cook stoves. Vulnerable households are being subsidized for these energy efficient technologies, helping to alleviate the financial burden.
These initiatives have proven to be highly effective. The improved cooking facilities contribute 71 percent of the total emissions saved by Welthungerhilfe projects in Tajikistan. Moreover, the projects implemented by Welthungerhilfe in Tajikistan save more than 20,000 tons of CO2 emissions every year.
Small hydropower and solar plants are being built to help villagers overcome the local energy crisis. An electricity company at the district level has been formed to manage these resources, further promoting community empowerment.
In conclusion, Welthungerhilfe's work in Tajikistan is making a significant impact. By promoting green energy, improving energy efficiency, and empowering communities, they are not only alleviating the energy crisis but also improving livelihoods and economic opportunities. Zohir Zohirov's story is a testament to the power of these initiatives, demonstrating that with the right resources and training, anyone can make a difference.
[1] For more detailed project information, please refer to Welthungerhilfe’s country program reports or project briefs.
- The international organization, Welthungerhilfe, focuses on science-based projects in Tajikistan, including climate-change mitigation through renewable-energy sources like hydropower and solar power.
- In the environmental-science field, Welthungerhilfe also aims to reduce CO2 emissions by encouraging energy efficiency, constructing small hydropower and solar plants, and implementing energy-efficient technologies.
- Through their finance-supported initiatives, Welthungerhilfe enables community empowerment in Tajikistan's industry sector by providing stable and affordable renewable-energy solutions, such as micro hydro powerplants and solar plants, which in return contribute to alleviating the energy crisis and improving livelihoods.
