The aim of the project is to support the community Foz do Rio Mazagão Velho in the Brazilian Amazon Delta in its self-organization, access to drinking water and reliable energy, improving local bioeconomy and sustainable forest management as well as in the preservation of the socio-biodiversity of the region. The project draws on the local knowledge of the community and the scientific expertise of the academic partners involved.

The project is led by the Associação das Mulheres Produtoras Agroextrativistas da Foz do Rio Mazagão Velho (AMPAFOZ), a local association of women from the community, in collaboration with local and international partners, including ITAS.

The project focuses on capacity building, in particular among women and young people, in community self-organization and the implementation and management of solar energy. Another focus is on promoting the commercialization and development of farmers’ markets and agricultural and forestry supply chains while preserving the local socio-biodiversity in the community and neighboring communities.

Capacity building is accompanied by practical activities such as the installation and management of off-grid solar home systems, water treatment systems, and two solar-water systems for collective use in two public schools. Using solar energy, water will be pumped from the Amazon River and treated in cisterns. This water will be used for human consumption and production.

All project decisions will be taken collectively by AMPAFOZ with the support of the project partners. This is also intended to increase community cohesion with regard to access to public policies.

The research teams from Arizona State University and KIT will focus on the social value of energy to maximize the benefits of energy access and reduce potential burdens on local families. Through continuous dialogue with the community members and project partners, the energy use will be aligned with local challenges in the community and the region. This concerns in particular access to water, food sovereignty, local forest and agricultural systems, and the preservation of the socio-biodiversity of the community and neighboring communities.

Tel.: +49 721 608-24675
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