Pantanal Partnership

2015

Team Members

Rianna Penn, Bridget Vial, Francine Penikis, Willow Davis, Abijah Simon, Lian Wardrop, Minna Wybrecht

Adviser

Steven Wright

Project Summary

The Pantanal region of South America is the largest wetland in the world and holds great ecological importance. Currently, its communities live in harmony with their environment. However, as younger residents leave in search of better access to resources such as education and healthcare, the Pantanal is left without its traditional environmental stewards. Meanwhile, those that leave often find resources in the cities equally out of reach. By improving access to fuel and clean water, Pantanal Partnership can help the Pantanal and its communities continue to live in harmony and reduce rural exodus.

The Pantanal Partnership seeks to use sustainable technology as a medium to accomplish two goals: 1) improve quality of life for residents of the Pantanal by improving access to clean water and renewable fuel, and 2) share our understanding of sustainability and sustainable technology, thereby encouraging environmental stewardship and strengthening the ability of communities to confront current and future challenges. In order to accomplish these goals we are focusing on four technologies: water filter, biodigester, water turbine, and solar lighting.