The Most Basic of Needs (Español)

We understand that a growing problem in disaster affected areas of Chile is access to clean drinking water. With the destruction of municipal water systems and widespread existing contamination of water resource in Chile, this is a fundamental priority for the disaster response, and the long term recovery. Here in El Manzano we have been asked to explore possibilties for; (a) water filters, (b) rainwater catchment, (c) pumps, and (d) storage tanks that can be applied in the emergency housing of Un Techo para Chile and friends (see photo) in the soon to be new Campamientos of Chile.

The international permaculture community has responded to our requests for information and sent numerous links to cheap, quick and effective technologies for water. Here is a brief summary. 

http://shop.monolithic.com/products/just-water-ceramic-drip-filter
http://www.monolithic.com/stories/water-filtration-system
http://akvo.org/wiki/index.php/Concrete_Biosand_Filter
http://www.veetea.com/site/articles/Bamboo-Charcoal
http://s189535770.onlinehome.us/pottersforpeace/?page_id=9
http://www.akvo.org/blog/
http://www.rdic.org/waterceramicfiltration.htm
http://www.cawst.org/es/resources/pubs

Over coming weeks and months we will be exploring these technologies in El Manzano as we retrofit the village for resilience to disaster., as a model of resilient human settlements that can be replicated widelyin the region. We will also be demonstrating their use to affected communities of BíoBío in partnership with local NGO´s, communities and most importantly local people. We will be documenting our experience and making it widely available as a living demonstration of how permaculture can equip people and communities for resilience.

We intend to support people to apply their own solutions rather than wait for external help that may be a long time coming. For any of you wishing to be involved in this effort, through donation (make a donation here with the Permaculture Research Institute - reference ´´donationchile´´, or here through Facebook in Spanish and English. Direct involvement or for consideration as part of the team, we recommend that you keep up with the program updates through the Ecoescuela website, or through direct contact with Grifen Hope.

Love from El Manzano. You can help us by making a donation here