EcoHealth emphasizes the relationship between
health of people and
animals and the conservation of a environment, The most recent
EcoHealth project initiated in Guatemala involved assisting Guatemalans
to learn how to build more efficient wood-burning stoves. These stoves
reduce by half the amount of wood needed, thus decreasing
deforestation. Additionally, utilization of the stoves by families have
health benefits. These benefits include decrease in respiratory
diseases, eye problems, and incidence of burns. Furthermore, because
these stoves are more efficient, families would need to buy less wood
allowing them to use their monies to buy food and improve their health
and nutrition status.
Pepe project in the Galapagoes islands
VIDA's EcoHealth Project in the Galapagos Islands
of Ecuador uses a
friendly, giant Galapagos tortoise, named Pepe, as a focal point to
teach people of the Galapagos Island of San Cristobal about
environmental and health concerns. Begun in 1994, this on-going project
strives to improve the living conditions of Pepe, develop respect for
the environment, and develop community health programs.
Pepe
is a living exhibit at a natural history
museum, a Giant Tortoise
over 100 years old. In 1995 a group of VIDA volunteers helped renovate
Pepe's habitat. Discussions were held regarding the improving of the
museum, and new signs constructed for the exhibitions. Pepe's habitat
was cleaned, and plans made for its further development. Pepe also
enjoyed receiving a bath, and from under the grime emerged a beautiful,
satiny black shell.
One volunteer worked with public health officials
to education various
island population gruops about HIV/AIDS. Presentations were made to
over 200 people, including physicians, dentists, hospital personnel,
navy personnel, teachers, and students. Further efforts are needed,
however, to help the islanders develop needed health services,
especially in the critical area of AIDS prevention and education.
To help school teachers and parents gain
confidence in their ability to
work with children with disabilities, volunteers met with them to share
simple techniques that could help children learn more easily and
achieve to a greater potential. Another volunteer met with parent
groups and discussed the various ways parents could work together to
improve their children's education.
VIDA plans to continue its ongoing work on San
Cristobal and extend its
EcoHealth model to other countries where the conservation of the
environment and the promotion of health is a primary concern.
Volunteers are essential to our efforts. If you are interested in
volunteering,, please contact VIDA.
Pepe
is a living exhibit at a natural history
museum, a Giant Tortoise
over 100 years old. In 1995 a group of VIDA volunteers helped renovate
Pepe's habitat. Discussions were held regarding the improving of the
museum, and new signs constructed for the exhibitions. Pepe's habitat
was cleaned, and plans made for its further development. Pepe also
enjoyed receiving a bath, and from under the grime emerged a beautiful,
satiny black shell.