An innovative project bringing sustainable lighting services and an improved livelihood to poor coconut farmers in the remote, mountainous areas of the Philippines, has won this year’s
St Andrews Prize for the Environment.
Electricity generated from water power is used to re-charge batteries which are then distributed with lights to the poor farmers of the region thereby greatly enhancing their lives. Fibres, produced by the farmers from coconut husks, are bartered for the lighting service and also sold to environmental groups who use them for insulation, erosion control, and protection of newly planted trees from landslides. Money generated from fibre sales is then re-injected into the project.
At a ceremony in the University of St Andrews today, Dr David Manalo was presented with the winning prize of $50,000 and a medal on behalf of the project team. David said: “I am delighted with this win which will enable us to increase the scale of the project and make it more cost effective. We intend to buy a truck and more equipment, fund research into further developing hydro power, and provide training in the use of coconut fibres in environmental conservation.”
The St Andrews Prize is an environmental initiative by the University of St Andrews, which attracts scholars of international repute and carries out world-class teaching and research, and ConocoPhillips, one of the world’s largest integrated energy companies, with operations in more than 40 countries.
Sir Crispin Tickell, Chairman of the St Andrews Prize for the Environment Trustees, says: “The Prize is going from strength to strength. It is now in its ninth year and we are delighted that is has become so well established and continues to attract such a range of innovative projects from all over the world. We are particularly pleased to be judging projects that can be replicated in several different regions, thereby increasing overall effectiveness and help to those who need it most.”
This year’s runners-up, each presented with a cheque for $10,000 were:
- The Seawater Greenhouse project, which uses solar energy and seawater to create an economic and sustainable way of cultivating high quality crops all year round in hot and arid coastal regions.
- A Satellite Images project, which provides access to existing satellite images and makes them available in a user friendly way to support conservation and other initiatives in developing countries.
Full details on each of the finalists’ projects at www.thestandrewsprize.com Dr Brian Lang, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of St Andrews says: “For over six centuries the University has upheld a tradition of academic excellence, and our association with the Prize adds weight to our reputation as a world leader in the field of sustainability and environmental studies.”
“ConocoPhillips is committed to addressing the environmental, technological and economic impact of climate change in its own operations and our continuing support of this prize is a practical way of adding to this commitment by encouraging sustainable and vibrant communities now and in the years to come, " says Paul Warwick, President, Europe and West Africa, ConocoPhillips.
Recognising significant contributions to environmental conservation, the Prize has attracted entries on topics as diverse as sustainable development in the Amazon and Central American rainforests, urban re-generation, recycling, health and water issues and renewable energy, since its launch in 1998.
See the full list of previous winners and details about the Prize trustees on www.thestandrewsprize.com
Contact
For further media information, photographs, and to arrange interviews please contact
Doug Allsop or Dick Mutch at:
Barker Mearns and Gill Public Relations,
7 Carden Place, Aberdeen, AB10 1 PP
Tel +44 1224 646311. Fax +44 1224 631882.
Email: doug@mearns-gill.com; dick@mearns-gill.com
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