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The Global Guardianship Initiative (GGI) works
to bring together communities, governments, NGOs and conservation
groups
to encourage the use of off-grid power sources and increased efficiency
in the utilization of local resources. These two areas can help
make considerable improvements to the economic development
of communities
and
help to reduce
stresses
on the local environment.
For example, solar electric fences can
be incorporated into a system of rotational grazing
which helps to maintain improved natural grasslands,
while
solar or wind water pumping technologies can help keep livestock
out of riparian zones. If electricity is provided by renewable
technologies, the grid and major development is less likely to
be extended into wilderness areas or biological reserves.
CRS has worked with groups such as The Nature Conservancy
(TNC), the Shell Foundation, and local conservation groups to implement
piolet projects that utilitize renewable resources and appropriate
technology
to enhance conservation efforts and meet strategic conservation
needs.
Several projects in southern Mexico highlight the
accomplishments of the GGI by:
(1) Improving field staff capabilities
in identification
of renewable resources and appropriate technologies as a strategy
option for meeting conservation challenges; (2) Developing opportunities
for these technologies where cost-effective and sustainable for
compatible economic development; (3) Selecting initial projects
with a high probability of success that illustrate strategic
applications of renewables and appropriate technologies to meet
critical needs;
and (4) Documenting and disseminating information about successful
renewable resource solutions to significant conservation challenges
for other conservation organizations.
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