Energy-efficient stoves, solar cookers and solar lanterns will improve the life of the mountaineers in the upper part of the Bartang valley.

20 of the most vulnerable families (about 140 people) in the mountain villages of Savnob and Roshorv of the Bartang Valley of GBAO (Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast) in Tajikistan received sets of clean energy equipment. Each set consisted of a parabolic solar cooker, one energy-efficient stove for cooking and a portable lamp with a solar panel and charging function for mobile devices.

"Little Earth" distributed sets among twenty women - participants of the project "Clean Energy and Women on the Roof of the World", which was implemented in the above mentioned villages with the support of the US Forest Service and assistance of the NGO "Oyandasoz" (local partner in Bartang Valley).

"The combine use of solar cookers and efficient stoves for cooking will significantly reduce fuel consumption (over 70%), reduce indoors pollution and will positively contribute to the conservation of the already sparse vegetation and fragile mountain ecosystems", - says Anton Timoshenko, representative of the “Little Earth. "

The solar lanterns will become a good alternative to kerosene lamps and candles, which are often used by mountaineers as a source of light. Solar lamps are more bright and convenient. They help to save money, do not produce smoke and are absolutely safe. Thanks to solar lanterns, families will have the opportunity to work,  study and do housework after dark.

In addition, two solar water collectors were installed in the target villages within the project. In Roshorv, a solar water heater was placed on the roof of a public bath. In Savnob, a collector will also serve a public shower room, which is managed by the local public organization "Muslim". Solar water heaters will help to improve sanitation and will be a good demonstration of solar energy benefits.

In the upper part of the Bartang river valley many local communities still live without access to electricity. Families here are dependent on wood, shrubs or dried dung for cooking and heating homes. Destruction of vegetation leads to increased soil degradation, deterioration of pastures and more frequent natural disasters. Over many years "Little Earth," contributes to the development and implementation of sustainable energy solutions at the local community level.

Timur Idrisov, "Little Earth"