November 14, 2019
The pursuit for new agricultural land, timber and firewood in Madagascar threatens its unique ecosystems. According to the WWF, about 90 percent of the island was covered with forest in the early 1900s. Today, just under 10 percent remain.
The level of development on the island of Madagascar is generally low. 85% of the population still rely on open fire to cook their food, hence using extensive amound of wood. To reduce carbon emissions and counteract deforestation in Madagascar, efficient cookstoves are manufactured and distributed by the organisation ADES (Association pour le Développement de l’Energy Solaire).
The organization ADES has been producing stoves in Madagascar since 2002 and sells them at a subsidised price to local households. Since 2010, the project has expanded its operations to the entire island and also includes efficient hotplates. Today, ADES offers a range of different efficient stove models for households and commercial customers such as schools, orphanages and hospitals. The stoves are produced on the island which creates 500 local jobs. The project runs nine production and distribution workshops to handle customers throughout Madagascar.
The project also includes training and workshops with schools and institutions that draw attention to the importance of conserving forests. For every cookstove sold the project also plants two trees. The project is in line with 10 of the UN Sustainability Goals.