LOCATION
Transylvanian Alps, Romania.
PROJECT GOALS
To locally produce 8 solar driers used to hygenically and environmentally dry herbs and fruit which in turn are sold to visiting tourists and local markets.
PROJECT TARGET – £3,000
Total: £3,000.
Driers: 8 Units at £300 each
Training: £600.
Driers are made by a local carpenter, donations buy materials and pay for his time. Training funds produce simple leaflets explaining how to operate the solar driers. As well as a training course organised by ADEPT on how to best benefit from the driers.
None of the target budget will be retained by the delivery partner.
DETAILS
Your generosity will help provide income for local people.
A succesfull pilot scheme in 2006 introduced the technology and confirmed demand for the product. Sales took off in 2008 with over 5,000 x 30g bags sold. The programme has provided (mainly with women and young people) with a reason and motivation to stay in the village rather then seek employment elsewhere in Europe.
Promoting sustainable tourism has created demand for local products and services. The use of medicinal plants is an important aspect of the local culture.
The drying process is hygienic and retains the colour and aroma much better than the traditional method of hanging the herbs in the roof space or spreading fruit and vegetables on the ground.
Herbs are collected from the wild or cultivated in gardens. The wild collection is part of the culture but the training course also address sustainable wild harvesting.
DELIVERY
This project is delivered by Fundatia ADEPT Transilvania, a locallly registered charity (number 17034237), established 2004.
This is an Anglo-Romanian organisation is based in the Transylvanian Alps is responsible for some excellent grassroots work with local villagers on developing their traditional products for the rural/agro tourism market.
FEEDBACK
As a valued donor to this project you will receive a update on the completion of the making of the Solar Driers as well as an update on the families that have received them.
