[CS] Women and the environment projects – AHPA

RAJA has a long-standing commitment to supporting initiatives that help women, protect the environment and contribute to sustainable development. Our projects combine economic, social and environmental responsibility, and through this we are able to positively impact the lives of thousands of people around the world. In this series of articles, we would like to introduce you to specific initiatives we are proud to support and show you how we are working together to create a better future.

Africa Humanitarian Association (AHPA)

In Benin, women in the coastal villages of Ouidah have been making salt for generations. From January to April, the marshy land, which is ideal for brine production, dries out. Traditionally, the women use mangrove wood to cook the brine until the water evaporates and only the salt remains. This step is particularly harmful to their health due to the fumes that are released and threatens the biodiversity of the region due to the intensive cutting of mangrove trees. In order to protect the river banks, the Benin authorities have banned the cutting of mangroves. This has affected the work of salt producers who have either ceased operations or have chosen to source wood from other villages. The Africa Humanitarian Association (AHPA), wanted to help these salt producers change their production practices to be more environmentally friendly by using solar panels to evaporate the brine. A first attempt in this area was made in 2002, but the salt producers were not convinced. In collaboration with CRIPADD, a Benin NGO, and the Association des Ponds et des marshes l’le de Ré (AEMA), an expert in salt production, the AHPA relaunched the experiment with encouraging early results, involving about ten women, and then extended it to other salt producers. The technique used is more friendly to their health and biodiversity.

APHA

The Africa Humanitarian Association (AHPA) is an international non-profit organization founded in 2002. The Association implements development aid projects in Africa in the fields of economy, health and education. It strengthens links between Europe and Africa through school partnerships and cultural exchanges. Their work focuses on Benin, where they have been working with the CRIPADD association on agricultural development and environmental protection programmes with women’s groups since 2014.

You can read more about RAJA’s activities HERE.

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