Campaign Status
Campaign Completed: The campaign has achieved successful funding, raising $91,625:
- $20,000 through the Global Ecological Fund (GEF),
- $19,000 through the World Organization for Biodiversity Protection,
- $50,000 through Tyan Shan Biodiversity Protection,
- $1,560 through a Government Grant, and
- $1,040 through Government Regional Competitions.
Summary
The campaign aims to establish a solar power system and provide educational support to empower the residents of a village to enhance their ecotourism endeavors.
Challenge
Nestled in the southern region of Kazakhstan, near the Uzbekistan border, lies the tranquil village of Ugam, situated alongside the Ugam River. This remote village is perched at an elevation of 1600 meters above sea level, 75 kilometers away from the regional hub. Surprisingly, Ugam is home to a mere 115 residents, who, despite their proximity to the regional center, find themselves isolated from civilization for most of the year due to harsh climatic conditions, excluding the brief respite of summer.
Currently, the local inhabitants rely on a single water pump, a relic from the Soviet era, for their water needs. This water source is far from reliable, as it tends to freeze in the winter and remains contingent on weather conditions during the summer. The challenging mountainous terrain in this area has left the village without a stable electricity supply, with only some families owning personal diesel power plants. Thus, the people of Ugam lead an existence devoid of running water and electricity, marked by solitude from the modern world.
Yet, Ugam finds itself at the crossroads of two protected natural areas: the Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve and the Sairam-Ugam National Park, boasting breathtaking, unique landscapes. The surrounding area, with its pristine beauty, has the potential to become a hub for ecotourism, harnessing alternative energy sources. In this remote locale, there's something for everyone, be it trekking or horseback riding across diverse terrain, exploring the local flora and fauna, visiting sacred sites, or simply indulging in serene recreational activities far from the city's hustle and bustle.
Before the pandemic, this region successfully drew visitors from nearby cities and ecotourism enthusiasts from abroad, providing an opportunity for the locals to host guests and earn additional income.
Solution
In line with this vision, our project seeks to enhance the well-being and recreational potential of the remote mountain village of Ugam, disconnected from other settlements. Here's what we plan to do:
- Install a wind generator and 8 kW solar panels near the village's first aid station. This equipment will generate alternative energy, ensuring the operation of a hydraulic ram and lighting for the village's houses.
- Conduct training sessions for over 50 villagers on the utilization of renewable energy sources. These training sessions will be delivered by certified specialists from the NGO "UGAM" at our office in the city of Lenger.
This project aims to transform Ugam by providing water and electricity from sustainable sources, thereby elevating its appeal as a destination for recreational activities, ultimately benefiting its residents and preserving its unique environment.
