Environmental research

Under the support of Operational Phase 2 , year-2, the foundation had implemented a climate change project with three villages in Chiangmai Province. The project demonstrated the use of renewable energy from solar and biomass as well as sustainable use of fire-woods in food and traditional medicine processing. The outcome, though not all successful, has led to the emergence of learning process, recognition of local knowledge, development of alternative energy consistent with local livelihood, production system , management of natural resources by CBOs as well as dialogues amongst community networks. As an organization long involving with grass root communities, the foundation has been playing a coordinating role for all these activities. With the experience thus gained, the foundation together with its various network in upper northern region of Thailand has aimed to expand project location, apply holistic approach for development and development of alternative energy, especially, in the upper northern region. Project goals or objectives (including GEF problem-area addressed by projects): 1.To reduce consumption of conventional energy ( natural gas and electricity) in agro-product processing by applying solar energy 2.To develop alternative appropriate energy for agro-product processing 3.To promote agro-products by alternative energy to community commercial scale Activities to be carried out under project: 1.Building and putting into use the following biomass-burning facilities -one set of paddy dryer -three sets of herbs dryer -four sets of herb boiler 2.Building and putting into use the following solar facilities -six sets of agro-product dryer -four sets of herb dryer 3. Building capacity of target groups through training, seminars and workshop Project participants and/or beneficiaries: 1.Target communities are primary beneficiaries 2.Centre for Technology in the Tambols 3.Centre for Energy Development and Promotion in Chiangmai Province 4.Community Hospitals and Thai Traditional Medicine Institute Anticipated results of project: 1.Emergence of at least six groups practicing fabricating energy-saving stoves 2.Reduced expense on energy by ,at least, Baht: 20,000 3.Emergence of cooperation plan both in locality and policy level regarding alternative energy development vs. sustainable development

Thailand