EcoBazar, a business partnership between Gaia, Base Foundation, Arc Finance, and local Bolivian partners, donated four solar water heaters to social institutions in Bolivia as part of its social responsibility operations. Solar water heaters use sunlight – abundant in Bolivia and particularly in the Andean region – to heat water.
EcoBazar donated two 150-litre solar water heaters to Aldeas Infantiles SOS in Cochabamba.
Aldeas Infantiles SOS in Cochabamba helps poor children and their families to strengthen family ties and prevent family break-ups. It provides day care to about 180 children ages 0 to 6, and requires hot water for its kitchen and bathrooms. EcoBazar donated the institution two 150-litre solar water heaters.
In Santa Cruz, EcoBazar donated one 150-litre solar water heater to a rehabilitation and reinsertion centre for girls who are at risk of being sexually exploited, live in violent conditions, or are orphans. The institution gives shelter, food and education to about 70 girls, and needs hot water for showers.
In La Paz, one 150-litre solar water heater was donated to the Centro Madre Ascención Nicol de Fe y Alegría, which provides education and training to mentally challenged children and teenagers. They are taught skills like bakery and carpentry. The centre needs hot water for the bakery and bathrooms.
“Solar water heaters can make a huge difference,” stated Gaia’s Chairman of the Board Pasi Rinne in Cochabamba while visiting Aldeas Infantiles. “The two units at the centre have secured safe access to warm water and, moreover, reduced electricity bills.”
EcoBazar aims at removing barriers to renewable energies, such as solar water heaters, in order to reduce greenhouse gases. The project has an innovative business model that is financially sustainable and offers Bolivian emigrants a chance to channel part of their remittances to purchasing renewable energy solutions for their families in Bolivia.
EcoBazar receives financial and in-kind contributions from the Nordic Climate Facility (NCF) and its implementing partners. In Bolivia, the project has put together several mechanisms to increase the uptake of green technology, such as attractive credit options through recognised financial institutions, provision of world class technology with the best maintenance services, and a strong marketing campaign.
More information:
- Pasi Rinne, Chairman of the Board, Gaia Consulting, tel. + 358 400 464 127, email: firstname.lastname@gaia.fi
