Technology and Knowledge Transfer Programme - Solar Energy in Kuna Yala (TP034)

Location: Kuna Yala, Panama

This project is to be funded entirely by offset funds raised by Journey Latin America.

Project Status Table for TICOS Project TP034
Date verified by TICOS:	12 March 2008
Estimated project cost:	The project cost is 90,000 USD.
Project timescale:	7 years from receipt of funding
Additional sustainable development benefits:	Lighting in school buildings allows for adult education classes in the evenings. Lighting in public communal buildings encourages people to congregate to sew, read, and socialise. This also facilitates the dissemination of village information. Kuna people are matrilineal society, and the women being able to sew and sell 'Mola' (traditional colourful garments) reinforces their role as the principal cash-earners. The comarca Kuna Yala is already one of the most popular destinations in Panama, and it is hoped this will attract more visitors.

The main aim of this project is to replace diesel generators and kerosene lamps with solar-powered equivalents, for social use by 28 indigenous Kuna Yala island communities.

This programme has already implemented solar photovoltaic systems in 21 other communities, and this network of solar users has had positive environmental, socio-cultural, and economic impacts - for example, 28 Kunas have been trained as solar technicians. Funding is now required for the implementation of solar energy in the remaining communities in Kuna Yala. It is hoped that the project will encourage other sustainable development projects, such as waste disposal, marine protection, and the prohibition of turtle hunting and coral extractions.