Environmental research

This project refers to the use of renewable energy sources (RES) via demonstration and popularization of fruit and herb multifunctional solar dryers (SD) in rural mountainous areas of Lori Region of Armenia. The project has two equally important components. The environmental component includes the demonstration of RES use as an alternative practice that contributes to the reduction of CO emissions through application of best European practices. This innovative practice will accelerate the use of energy saving techniques to mitigate climate change. The second component is socio-economic. The popularization and use of multifunctional SDs in rural areas of Lori region will enable to practice RES sources on household level, thus delivering economic and environmental benefits. Finally, this project will contribute to the empowerment of local population. Due to its economic viability, this project has strong replication potential. In the framework of the project it is planned to demonstrate the use of RES and energy saving mechanisms by simple and straightforward way by constructing multifunctional solar driers specifically designed for humid areas and distributing them amongst the beneficiary households. Meantime the public awareness campaign on use of RES with the emphasis on solar multifunctional driers is an essential component of the project. The activities include practical training on construction and use of SDs, development and broadcasting of a film, distribution of SD guiding materials and leaflets and web site development. The main outcome of the project is the introduction of effective food drying techniques as an alternative to traditionally used electrical and gas ovens, which will eventually contribute to reduction of CO emissions through energy saving. See the film on project results at: http://www.youtube.com/watch v=oJa-6BcKK7U (Armenian version)

Armenia