We delve into a proven Urban Health Strategy designed to foster a Climate Resilient Tomorrow. This strategy, based on 20 years of successful implementation of Zero-Waste “Food Energy Water Nexus” solutions in Cairo, Egypt, and the favelas of Brazil, focuses on community-scale biodigesters and infrastructure.
Workshop Objectives:
- Local Solutions with Global Impact:
- Explore the implementation of participatory household and community biodigesters.
- Understand how solutions tailored to local needs can be shared and adapted globally.
- Workshop Activities:
- Interactive Demonstrations:
- Construct a mini-biodigester and explore its applications and benefits.
- Discuss the impact of urban biodigesters on health by reducing indoor air pollution, eliminating odors, and controlling disease vectors.
- Hands-on Learning:
- Build a Solar CITIES’ biodigester using a 5-gallon water jug.
- Analyze the historical and practical aspects of Schumacher’s “small is beautiful” concept.
- Case Studies:
- Review successful implementations, such as the biodigester in Vale Encantado favela, and understand the factors that led to its success.
- Analyze failures, such as the biodigester in Baghdad, to learn from past mistakes and improve future projects.
- Multimedia Presentations:
- Share slides and videos from over 15 years of building FEW Nexus/Zero Waste technologies in urban environments.
- Encourage discussion on local actions' successes and failures, and how global sharing has influenced outcomes.
- Critical Examination of Global Mantras:
- Discuss the limitations of the “Think Globally, Act Locally” mantra.
- Address the importance of local wisdom and cultural nuances in sustainable development.
- Technological and Cultural Adaptation:
- Examine the role of bricolage and the tinkerer mindset in urban solutions.
- Evaluate the benefits and challenges of DIY approaches versus scaling technologies.
- Expected Outcomes:
Participants will gain practical skills in building biodigesters, a deeper understanding of the importance of local adaptations in sustainable development, and insights into scaling and sharing technologies globally. The workshop aims to activate community involvement and inspire participants to implement and advocate for climate-resilient urban health strategies in their regions.
