Reforestation work and raising environmental awareness in the Maritime region of Togo
       Gape, Zio          August 16 - September 5, 2010

Volunteer project: Poverty, especially in rural areas, has led to very negative impact on the environment in Africa, and in particular in Togo, because poverty often leads to exploiting natural resources rather than trying to preserve them. In the rural areas of Togo, some agricultural practices have had heavy consequences for the environment. Moreover, wood trade and mining are the principal means of survival for the population. Consequently, the forest reserves are practically disappearing.

The volunteers in this project will be mainly involved in tree planting. Together with local farmers, the group will also prepare nurseries of fertilizing and forest species, in order to prepare the coming reforestation season. During the project, volunteers will have discussions and will try to sensitize the farmers about the ravages of anarchic bush fires. The project participants will organize environmental education and animation activities for the local children. The environmental messages can be delivered through different means such as sketches, posters, etc.

Volunteers' tasks consist of filling sachets, putting sachets in the nurseries and watering them, land clearance and planting the seedlings. Volunteers will work 5 hours a day. They will be free in the afternoons and can join various cultural activities with the local people.

The project is in partnership with the local Clubs of the mothers, whose dynamism is to be encouraged. These women have already initiated a "local saving bank" and want to create green spaces in the village. The project aims to support this women group in their activities for an increased women empowerment.
This volunteer action at the village of Gapé Akpakpedomé would be also an action of environmental education and raising awareness of the natural environment.

Language: English and French

Location: This village is located 75 km from Kpalimé in the prefecture of Zio, Maritime region. The Gapé center is agglomeration gathering more than 130 villages. Gapé Akpakpedomé is one of the villages. The Gapé center is well-known in Togo for its large plantations of palm trees, which today are cut down under the blow of poverty for the production of local alcohol called "Togo gin".

Age range: 19 and over

Extra fee: 200 Euro
The extra fee is intended to support the hosting organization who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival on the project.
 

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