Access to sustainable energy for all

Protecting indigenous peoples and rainforests in Panama

"Oh, how beautiful is Panama!" That is the title of a famous children's story by German author Janosch. It is about the search for paradise, but also about a new perspective on our own home. Panama is one of the most biodiverse countries on earth. Where there was previously only water, a land bridge was created three million years ago that today connects South and North America (O'Dea et al., 2016). In the animal world, this new connection led to what is known as the "great American faunal exchange" (Summesberger, 1996). New species are constantly being discovered, but at the same time they are already threatened with extinction. Panama's rainforests are also home to indigenous peoples who know best how to protect these special ecosystems. But the climate crisis and deforestation, for example for the export-oriented cultivation of bananas, are also endangering their very way of life. Empowering indigenous peoples is essential for protecting biodiversity, the climate and the wellbeing of the planet - the home of us all.

Background

Around 800 million people, about one in ten worldwide, live without electricity (UN, 2020). They have no or only limited access to energy for lighting, cooking, heating, cooling or for using information and communication technologies. Most affected are rural populations in the global South and indigenous peoples in particular, who are also suffering the most from discrimination, inequality and the effects of the global climate crisis. Although Panama has been experiencing steady economic growth for several years, above average for Central America (HDR, 2020), some districts and groups of people remain excluded from this development. The Bribri territories, for example, are among the poorest regions in Panama. The remoteness and lack of access to energy affect the quality of life of indigenous communities, their health and safety, and their educational and income-generating opportunities. Food and much-needed medicines cannot be refrigerated and stored without electricity. Without light, children have little opportunity to study for school and do their homework after dark. There is a lack of electricity for electrical devices such as mobile phones, computers and radios that provide access to information, communication and education in order to strengthen the self-determined and sustainable development of indigenous peoples as well as to protect their territories.

The good deed

With today's donation, you will provide three days of solar power to an indigenous family in Panama. The good deed creates access to clean, safe and sustainable energy for indigenous communities. The families will have up to 6 hours of electric light a day and continuous electricity to use electronic devices such as mobile phones, torches and radios. This improves the children's educational prospects as well as the health and safety of the families, for example in case of medical emergencies or external hazards. Especially in the context of the climate and health crisis, it is necessary for communities to be well connected, informed and organised. By using GPS devices, they can record their territories, report illegal activities and use the data for rainforest protection and to have their rights recognised. In addition to the use of renewable technologies, local capacity is being built and indigenous solar technicians are being trained to install and maintain the solar systems to ensure their long-term operation.