Environmental research

This project aims to assist in mitigating emissions of Green House Gasses as the village of San Benito Poite adds IT services to the other services offered in their library. San Benito Poite is a Mayan village in the Moho River Watershed, and currently has no access to internet services for the 200 primary school children, 22 high school students, or any of the other persons in this village of over 700 indigenous people. Plenty Belize is a registered Belizean NGO that has been working out of offices in Punta Gorda since 1997. Its mission is to promote the well-being of the people, the communities, and the environment we share in the Toledo District of Belize. The five staff members of Plenty Belize as well as a Peace Corps Volunteer) work on a variety of issues within Toledo besides solar power and alternative energy. This project seeks to assist the community in developing a solar powered IT Center. The community already has years of experience with Solar Power in their homes, churches, community center, street and school. However, their experience is solely practical, with no formal training having taken place. Beyond the capacity enhancement of community members, this project will have the villagers install a solar powered system capable of operating a 12 laptop computer internet center, upgrade the library building for security purposes, and provide three laptops to get the lab started. Assist with mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions through set up and sustainable operation of a solar powered IT center in the remote Mayan village of San Benito Poite. Below is a summary of expected project results: 1. Mitigation of GHG emissions 2. Continuing environmental awareness/education on mitigation of green house gas emissions 3. Creation of a cadre of technical persons that is able to do installation, trouble shooting/repairs and management of solar equipment 4. Creation of a cadre of persons capable of installing, repairing and managing the computer laboratory 5. Opportunity for one local Group (San Benito Poite Tourism Committee) to do their tourism marketing and other related environmental/tourism businesses 6. General education including environmental education for the children (both Primary and High School Students.

Belize