Environmental research

The increased level of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere has resulted in acidification of the water. This hampers the sustenance and reformation of coral reefs, which in turn affects coral dependent marine species, the community s natural resources and livelihood. Jam UK plans to protect the environment while creating job opportunities. The project aims to slow down climate change impacts by switching to renewable energy sources: bio-diesel. Educating community members and implementing bio-diesel projects will reduce CO2 emissions by 75%, thereby protecting the environment and increasing job opportunities. Construction of work-shed to house bio-diesel installation and soap making facility, expected starting date 8-1-2012. Collection of waste vegetable-oil from community participants, hotels and restaurant. Starting date 8-1-2012 and ongoing throughout the project life and after. Workshops on climate change mitigation measures to garner support for the project, commencing 9-31-2012 to10-31-2012. The construction of the bio-diesel processor Bio-diesel begins 12-1-2012 to12-31--2012, workshop to train participants in the production of bio-diesel from WVO, time frame 1-1-2013 to31-5-2013. Workshop to teach youth/trainees how to use the by-product of bio-diesel to make soap. Time frame 2-1-2013 to 6-1-2013. Timely quarterly reports will be submitted to GEF\SGP inclusive of project reviews and evaluation. Plan to ensure Community Participation Community members the main stakeholders- have been involved in discussions re: cornering feedstock necessary to run the project. Several stake-holders operate vehicles and equipment that use diesel fuel and are committed to use the product when it rolls out. A number of businesses in the Sheffield and adjoining communities will serve as collection points for feedstock. Initially ten community members will be trained in the production of bio-diesel over a two month period. Training will be in the form of workshops conducted by engineers both from US Seattle Chapter of Engineers without Borders and the University of Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering. At the end of the training participants will be engaged in bio-fuel production on a gainful level. They will also have learnt how to use the by-product to create new value added products. To this end six stake-holders will be trained in soap making. Knowledge Management . The project will be used as a teaching tool for community students. Schools in and around Sheffield will be encouraged to visit the site on fieldtrips to observe and learn the process involved in bio-diesel production. This will engender the habit of recycling WVO into a renewable energy source while creating value added product as this will be an ongoing project, over time the level of environmental awareness will be enhanced. Gender Mainstreaming In the project s focal area (Sheffield) opportunities for gainful employment for community members is very limited. This is more so for females who mainly seek employment in the hospitality sector in neighbouring community of Negril. The lack of gainful employment creates a neutering ground for young females between eighteen and twenty five to be lured into prostitution some of whom later become drug addicts. This project offers a unique opportunity for entrepreneurship through bio-diesel and soap manufacturing.

Jamaica