This programme specifically aims to: improve the livelihood of families, by saving the local population the purchase and/or the tiresome gathering of firewood; improve the health of the families by reducing the families’ exposure to unhealthy air particles created when using traditional wood stoves in the kitchen, therefore achieving a reduction in pulmonary illness mainly in women and children and the prevention of burn injuries in the kitchen; improve the use of people’s time by freeing up time which can be utilized for other activities therefore improving quality of life; improve the eating habits of families by making a modification of the cooking habits through sensitization and training programs that demonstrate the various uses of the ecological stoves and educating the families on hygiene, sanitation, food preparation, kitchen organization and the environment; and improve the environment by reducing CO₂  emissions, air pollution from wood fires and deforestation.

Only through the support of myclimate and the voluntary CO₂  offsetting mechanism can these stoves be accessible to populations in these areas of Bolivia and can the programme be realized in this size. Carbon finance channelled through myclimate will allow, on behalf of CEDESOL’s beneficiaries, subsidies for the cost of the ecological stoves. Furthermore, it is expected that over the next seven years the design of the programme will guarantee its sustainability and expansion to other areas of Bolivia and Paraguay.

Achievements so far

• There is a perception in the families of savings in time and money since the installation of the ecological stove.
• 4,000 people have benefited from better air quality since the start of the project and there are less visits to the medical facilities.
• 832 people have completed the Modular Environmental Training.
• 41 innovative leaders were trained.
• 4,000 people benefit from the new efficient and clean technology.
• 56 people employed from 2012 to present.
• 46% fuel savings achieved.
• CO₂ reduction
• 17,579 tonnes of wood saved through the project.
• 814 domestic rocket stoves installed and 18 commercial/institutional rocket stoves installed.