MALAYSIA, Bario Asal and Arur Layun, Sarawak, Borneo – June 2007
Community-based micro-hydro power in exchange for the creation of a permanent 1,483-acre rainforest preserve
Click photo to enlarge
The adjoining villages of Bario Asal and Arur Layun are located in the Bario Highlands plane of Sarawak. The indigenous Kelabit people are mainly wet rice paddy farmers; the water used in irrigating their fields comes from small streams that run close to their longhouses. Bario is located in the heart of Borneo, and there are few signs of modern development; electricity comes from private or village-owned diesel generators. Micro-hydro energy systems harness energy by using the vertical drop of a stream. Seacology has supported the Borneo Project and PACOS Trust by funding two such micro-hydro systems in Borneo (Long Lawen and Terian). The communities of Bario Asal and Arur Layan are requesting funding for a micro-hydro system providing up to 40 kilowatts of renewable electricity for 50 households, a primary school, secondary school, church, community hall, sundry shops, agro-processing mill, and welding and planning workshops. PACOS Trust will provide training in micro-hydro design, installation, management and maintenance, as well as socio-economic development training. In return, the communities will establish a 1,483-acre rainforest preserve. The community will plant 1,000 fruit and timber tree seedlings in deforested areas within the watershed and along the river banks with the intention of returning the watershed to its original state. *
UPDATE May 2008 - The project began in February 2008 after all funding was procured. By April 2008 the project was 80% completed in spite of some challenges getting materials transported to the site. The project leaders anticipate that the construction of the system will be finalized at the end of May 2008.
*Support for asterisked projects is provided fully or in part by the
Nu
Skin Enterprises Force for Good Foundation
