ENG - UN CC:Learn

LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN
ECUADOR
SPOTLIGHT
Biogas Production Improves Pupils’ Health, Increases Incomes and Protects
the Environment 1
Santa Maria del Fiat is a large educational complex on the coast of Ecuador, which
houses 1000 students and 200 orphaned children. The complex lacked an adequate
sewage system, and biological waste and residual wastewater was simply
dumped off the cliffs into the ocean, threatening marine biodiversity. Nearby open
spaces were also used as dumping grounds, causing bad odors and beginning to
contaminate the groundwater – a major health hazard.
Pacific
Ocean
Esmeraldas
ECUADOR
Guayaquil
Quito
Cuenca
Machala
COLOMBIA
In 2000 the GEF Small Grants Programme contributed US$ 24,115 to help the NGO Fundación Ecuatoriana Santa Maria del Fiat
implement a pilot project to produce biofertilizer and biogas using the sewage and wastewater. The project built a biodigester
into which human and animal waste is deposited in order to produce the biogas and biofertilizer. The school’s stoves were
adapted to use biogas, and now the school uses 60% less butane gas for cooking. The school also built
a water reclamation sys-tem, which cleans soapy water for use in laundry facilities, toi-lets and
plant watering. Furthermore the biogas unit produces a biofertil-izer, which the school is selling
and using in its own orchards.
The project has resulted in very important health benefits. Since biological waste is now
placed in the biodigester instead of being dumped in the area, the risk of disease is lower
and the danger of water supply contamination is reduced. In addition, the school generates
added income as it receives 45% of the proceeds from the sale of biofertilizer, and
now purchases less butane gas and water.
Active community involvement played a large part in ensuring the success of the project,
and as a result of this positive pilot the school has set a target to install at least two additional
biodigesters.
PERU
CLIMATE CHANGE
QUICK FACTS
CURRENT PORTFOLIO BUDGET
Total UNDP-GEF and Co-Finance: $32,776,320
Total UNDP and Co-Finance: $2,900,000
Total: $35,676,320
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