news letter february 2011

8/7/2019 News Letter February 2011

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CONTAINS01. Editorial

02. Enhancing Effort of Muttu Thambi

School

03. Empowering community through

renewable energy

04. Public Awareness House to House in

Dehiwala

05. Opportunity of Dayata Kirula National

Exhibition

06. Innovation effort of Ulagalla Resort

07. Getting more benefits from renewable

energy

08. Join effort of Negombo to solve waste

problem

09. Solution to Pollution with win win

approach

10. People movement Common Network

for people

11. Community consumer program in

people movement

12. Provide Shelter for Homeless People

13. Does financial support need for low

income people?

14. A success story from ground level

15. Up coming events of Peoples

Movement HELP O

16. Skill Development Program


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EDITORIAL

Environment protection became no of priorities of the every country of the world and there are many fair reasons for it. Within last few years many countries had to face many natural disasters including Sri Lanka and many lives we lost from it and people lost everything from the natural disasters. Last few decades people didnt care about the environment protection but now situation has been critical because natural disasters increased the newest situation is in Japan. It was a huge disaster for the Japan.

Now People think about their tomorrow and how to protect the environment. Now we are in a center point and every people of the world have very strong responsible for

it. Now climate change and Global warming is increased. HELP O could able to provide sustainable solutions for the Global Warming and Climate Change that solution is Biogas units because Methane is highly effect to Global warming than CO2.

With the support of many donors we implemented many waste management programs in many places of the country. It is very effective program because we promote the renewable energy source for the society. Now organization could able to expand the services to private sector because many private sectors are involving to the renewable

energy sources. It has many reasons one is high cost of energy they based on the profit and biogas is one good solution to their business.

Micro Finance program is one main program that HELP O implements to eradicate the poverty. We have very strong community network in ground level and that spread in Galle and Matara. This community network started after Tsunami and step by step it was increased. Now we are implementing many community empowerment programs with the support of many donors and stakeholders. The women got the leadership of the villages but previous situation is not like today they didnt have a good platform to express their ideas. Now they have a good platform and leadership to talk and take

decisions in village level.

Through this news letter we share our experience about various sectors and programs. All programs are very special and there are variety through our programs we could able to provide environment loans for construct biogas units.


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ENHANCING EFFORT FOR KNOWLEDGE OF BIOGAS PROCESS TOMUTHTHUTHAMBI VIDYALAYA

With the support of UNDP Jaffna Office HELP O implemented very success program in

Muttuthambi School. This is one of government leading schools of the area. More than six hundred and fifty students are being educated well there and they have given meals for children for the purpose of increasing students health condition as well as educational back ground.

Actually it is a great task done by the school for the betterment of our future generation. They cook foods by using firewood so that they had to

spend much on them and waste was a huge problem to them. Firewood which was bought had been directly cut down from the forests. The other bad thing is they burn the polythene and plastic for start the fire they dont know about the bad effective of POP Gas.

In this month we conducted awareness program for the school children and for the staff about maintain and management of the biogas. The

purpose of the program aware them about maintain and management about the biogas. The topic is much needed to beneficiary because they have lack of knowledge about maintain and management. The resource person is Mr. Chathura Welivitiya and he well explained about maintain process and its important. During this time he explained about the water mixing ratios and what are the things that you can dump to biogas unit and what are the things that

you

cant

dump.

Also deeply explained about the important of every part of the biogas unit and about the maintain problems such as no gas, gas have but no burn, the burn light is yellow and he explained to overcome this times. Now biogas working properly and they stopped the burning of polythene and plastic and cutting fire wood for their need.


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EMPOWERING COMMUNITY BY SUPPLING ENERGY THROUGH BIOGAS-THOTAGAMUWA AND DADALLA AREAS

Under the USAID SARI Energy Program HELP O is implementing very successful program in ground level of Galle District because waste is a huge problem to Galle city

and people dont have a proper way to dump this waste so that people were searching for a sustainable solution for this after that they kept there trust on biogas. According to current situation community base biogas program on loan basis are requested by people because they realized this is cost effective and profitable thing for them.

At the moment two biogas units have been already constructed. One biogas unit beneficiary expects to sell the biogas for the neighbors and the second biogas unit is domestic one that made by fiber glass that biogas can moveable. The movable biogas is specially design for domestic level and for the people who dont have many space and suffering from the waste problem.

We implemented one biogas unit in Thotagamuwa area the capacity of the unit is 22m3 and the beneficiary has cattle in their premises. He got this biogas unit under loan basis and he expects to sell the biogas for others. Construction of biogas unit in this area was a huge challenge with the high water table. We had to follow very special and safe technical process in construction time. We made the biogas unit above from the ground level and then we

had to dip the constructed items to hole we dig. We could not able to construction in below from ground with the high water level. But finally our effort success and could able to finish the biogas unit.

The second biogas unit is made by the fiberglass the best thing is we can move this biogas unit and can easily install with little space. The capacity of the unit is 6m3 and that is sufficient for one family. This biogas unit was also made under loan basis. Both beneficiaries signed an agreement. The constructions of the both biogas units finished and soon we can handover the both to beneficiaries. This is innovative thing we have practiced provide the biogas units under the loan basis. This tank is sufficient for them and they dont need to use LP Gas or fire wood for their needs. They expect to start to make short eats making with using this biogas unit in future because through

this they can start income generation. At this moment we got many requests for construct this type of biogas units.


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PUBLIC AWARENESS HOUSE TO HOUSE-BADOWITA AREA

With the support of CITYNET, National Chapter of Sri Lanka and HELP O implemented community biogas program in Dehiwala Mt. Lavinia Municipal Council area with the coordination of Colombo and Dehiwala Municipalities.

On month of February we conducted a public awareness program about the biogas because the people should aware properly and we did a monitoring program about biogas. So we aware the people from ground level and we conducted ground level discussions. This is an assessment about the biogas and people thoughts about the biogas and we had a goal that is to encourage the people for this process.

The other goal was increase the community contribution for the biogas program and we discuss with the people and they have very good and positive idea about the biogas and they requested many biogas units for their land because they realized this is very

effective

for

them.

Now

06

houses

are

using

the

biogas

and

people

participation

is

very

high and the best thing is through this interrelationships also increased and their team work also improved. Waste became lucky to their lives because they needed much energy for their business but now they dont need to expend money for that.

TAKEN GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE PART-DAYATA KIRULA

Dayata kirula, The National Development Exhibition of Sri Lanka was held in Buththala Sri Lanka on 4th to 10th of February in 2011. It was organized by Ministry of Finance & Planning Sri Lanka. Dayata kirula was very important as well as very meaningful program both local and foreign people not only them but also various students of the country could take good experience through out the program.

We are proud to have this great opportunity to HELP O to participate with a stall of biogas to exchange our ideas and new experiments with national and international sectors. We had this chance because of the great contribution of giving sustainable solid waste management through biogas program with providing biogas as an alternative solution for energy crisis. There were 800 stalls and more than 5.5 million people have visited the exhibition.

HELP O promoted the biogas program among the community and other sectors. Through that we could able to get more requests to construct the biogas. We expand our program through exhibition.


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INNOVATION EFFORT OF ULAGALLA RESORT

Ulagalla Resort is one of main eco friendly hotel in the country. They follow many eco friendly programs and they are taking necessary steps to protect the environment and they follow eco friendly process at every time. At this moment they use natural energy source for the hotel. They were looking renewable energy source for the Hotel.

HELP O could able to construct the biogas unit with the support of the Ulagalla Resort with the month of February. The capacity of the biogas unit is 15m3 and they expects to lighting from the biogas. During the month we could able to finish the all constructions of the biogas unit. This is good and innovation action that taken by the Hotel and this is the second biogas unit we implemented in Hotel.

Through they can use the waste for a proper way and they can generate the waste as a resource. This is good action for protect the environment and through this they can reduce the methane gas emission to air. Now their eco friendly process completed because they dont harm for the environment. HELP O planned to conduct awareness programs for the Hotel management because they need to know about maintain and management as well as the effective and benefits

of the biogas.

All funds provide from the Ulagalla Resort for

implement

this

program.

The

awareness

program

about maintain and management is one of topic. Through this we expect to aware them about the water mixing ratios and sulfur meter and its important are few main points of the program also discuss about the effective and benefits of the biogas unit.


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GETTING MORE BENEFITS FROM RENEWABLE ENERGY

Hareesha Hotel is situated in very beautiful place of the Galle District. The location is enrich with many natural things and it surrounded by forest. Daily many people are coming to this location because it heals human mind. It is one of best place to spend a vacation of the country.

With the many times hotel had a huge waste problem and they didnt have a proper solution for it. Hotel management expended much money for the energy. On the other hand this holiday resort had to manage their energy cost too the most critical issue is waste for them.

During this time they hear about biogas program of HELP O they agreed to construct one biogas unit in their premises. This biogas unit was constructed by under loan bases. First sign a MOU between the hotel management and organization. Hotel agreed to provide monthly installment.

During the month of February we could able to

finish

the

construction

of

the

biogas.

This

is

one

of

good innovation process that private sector is taking because they are now considering about how to convert their waste to energy and they ready to expend money because they know this is a profitable thing.

Hotel management expects to get this renewable energy source for their kitchen and they expect to reduce the energy cost. Now waste is a good product that brings the profit to hotel. Not even that HELP O expects to conduct awareness programs for the hotel

management

about

the

effective

and

maintain.

With

our

programs

we

could

able

to

change the views of the private sector that is why they expend money for this kind of projects.

Now hotel could able to reduce the methane gas emit to air and they expect to start the organic cultivation with this program. HELP O construct bio fertilizer filter with this biogas unit.


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SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT IN NAGOYA CITY, JAPAN

BY D.G.J.PREMAKUMARA 1

1. INTRODUCTION Nagoya, a major industrial city is located in

central Japan between Tokyo and Osaka, covers an area of 326.45 sq.km. The area is composed of diverse landscapes, from the hilly area to the east and the central plateau, to the alluvial plains and reclaimed lands in the north, west and south. Nagoyas population numbers approximately 2.2 million and it is the fourth largest Japanese city2.

Figure 1: Location of Nagoya within Japan

Source: Nagoya New Century Plan, 2010

Figure 2: View of Nagoya Central District

Source: City of Nagoya

As a result of a society symbolized by mass production, and mass consumption, the amount of waste generated grew steadily and exceeded one million tons in 1997. To cope with this ever increasing waste, Nagoya city planned a new landfill site in the area within the Fujimae Tidal

1 Policy Researcher, Institute for Global EnvironmentalStrategies (IGES)2 Nagoya City homepage, http://www.city.nagoya.jp

Flats recognized as Japans largest stopover site for migratory birds. This proposal however was criticized and opposed by the local, national and global citizens and environmental protection groups highlighting the significance of the tidelands for migratory birds, and for the entire ecosystem of Ise Bay.

Figure 3: Increase in the Volume of Waste

880

900

920

940

960

980

1000

1020

1040

1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998

Fiscal Year (FY)

Thousand Ton

Source: City of Nagoya, 2006

In January 1999, Nagoya city caved in to pressure from the groups, and abandoned its plan to reclaim the tideland. The cancellation of the landfill project was a turning point for an important and innovative paradigm shift in solid waste management in the city. The city government developed an alternative solid waste management plan which aimed to reduce the amount of waste being produced by engaging

citizens in waste management efforts, implementing a variety of waste reduction measures, and undertaking comprehensive public education campaign. This brief note presents the citys new waste management initiatives, its striking results, and key lessons learned.

2. NEW INITIATIVES FOR SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

2.1

WASTE

EMERGENCY

DECLARATION

In February 1999, the Nagoya city declared a waste management state of emergency and announced the Waste Emergency Declaration, which candidly conveyed the actual situation of citys waste disposal crisis to the citizens and business sector calling for serious waste reduction through the partnership among all actors in the society. The declaration set the citys


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goal for reduction of it waste generation which exceeded one million tonnes per year at that time to 800,000 tonnes or a total 20% reduction within two years. It called upon each citizen to reduce his/her waste output by 100 grams/ day, and further called on private enterprises not only to reduce waste, but to engage in better production and sale practices aimed at less waste production. This can be seen as the starting point of the citys change in attitude with regards to citizen participation in municipal waste management 3.

2.2 ADOPTION OF CONTAINERS AND PACKAGING RECYCLING LAW

In order to achieve the goals outlined in the Waste Emergency Declaration, Nagoya city adopted the Containers and Packaging Recycling

Law in August 2000, which had been written and released at the national level in April of 2000. Nagoya became the first city to enact the law fully, with regards to both paper and plastic containers and packaging 4.

Based on this law, city authority introduced a new waste sorting and collection system aiming to promote the recycling of plastic and paper containers and packaging. The citys new waste collection and treatment system can be categorized as follows; (i) Burnable Waste Burnable waste is collected at

each household twice a week, burnt at incineration plants, and the ash residue is disposed of at landfills;

(ii) Non burnable and Bulky Waste Non burnable waste is collected at each household once a week, and bulky waste is collected at each household once a month through application process. Both waste are crushed and sorted by machine at crushing plants into burnable, non burnable, or metal, and then, burnable waste is burnt, non burnable waste is reclaimed, and the metals are sold;

(iii) Recycling Recycling PET bottles, plastic containers, packages, empty glass bottles, cans, and paper cartons are collected at the designated places setup one per 70 households, and also collected at the collection stations located at the

3 Matsubara, T (2001): The One Lap Behind Top Runner: TheGarbage Revolution of Nagoya Citizens, KTC ChuoPublishing4 Matsubara, T (2001): The One Lap Behind Top Runner: TheGarbage Revolution of Nagoya Citizens, KTC ChuoPublishing

supermarkets, and public facilities such as environmental works offices and local ward offices. After separated, these wastes are sold to the agencies handling them.

Figure 4: Municipal Waste Collection

Source: By Author Figure 5: Sorting of Domestic Recyclable and

Non

recyclable

Waste


2.3 AWARNESS RISING The new waste sorting and collecting system,

in all its complexity, a radical change in waste disposal behaviour of the citizens is required for the successful implementation. In response, Nagoya city launched an enormous public education and awareness campaign. More than 2300 meetings and seminars were conducted by 7,450 health workers throughout the city within two months of time to promote understanding of


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the separation of waste required by the new system 5.

Figure 6: An Awareness Meeting in the Local Community


The city government prepared and

distributed four kinds of illustrated brochure in five languages to every household. Other methods of campaigning included announcements in newspapers, on billboards, and on television and radio, as well as in other media.

Despite these extensive efforts, the start of the new sorting and collection system caused serious confusion and much resistance from citizens. Approximately, 20,000 enquiries were made by citizens to special hotlines of city

authority

over

the

first

three

months

after

implementation began. In response to those requests, a number of follow up explanatory meetings were held 6.

2.4 CITIZEN ACTIVITIES The traditional neighbourhood association

called Chonaikai7 played a key role in working in partnership with the city authority, and also on

5 Yoshimura, T; Kato, R (2003): New Challenges for

Sustainable Machizuri: Its Concept and Practices inVelasquez, J et al edited Innovative Communities: People Centred Approaches to Environmental Management in the Asia-Pacific Region, United Nations University Press, Tokyo6 Yoshimura, S (2003): Nagoya City Waste Management Initiatives, United Nations University7 Chonaikai is a traditional neighbourhood-based associationestablished by the government in 1940 as the smallestgoverning body to control peoples lives under a wartimeregime. 10-20 households from a kumi or group make upeach Chonaikai. Every household within a group is a memberin principle. Currently, Chonaikai deals with a wide range oflocal activities.

their own voluntarily to implement the new waste sorting and collection system. The Chonaikai heads organized meetings, invited community members, and kept in contact with officials. In order to address the difficulties that arose with residents who did not follow the new system, they initiated a number of voluntary activities, such as putting up signs at collection stations and setting up rotations of guards among residents.

The monthly meetings of Chonaikai became the place to share and exchange opinions and experiences among community members as well to make proposal and suggestions for an improved collection system to municipal officials. However, it should be noted that a considerable gap existed between active and inactive Chonaikai

and the challenge of tackling this disparity is still an issue of concern 8. In areas where there is an active Chonaikai participation and commitment, the waste management system was started smoothly and has been functioning well.

Figure 7: Community Engaged in Sorting and Recycling Waste


In addition to the collaborative effort that took place within city officials and community, the successful reduction of waste in Nagoya was

due largely to the efforts of NGOs, particularly Chubu Recycle Movement. Chubu Recycle Movement along with a number of other NGOs launched a public campaign through the media

8 Yoshimura, T; Kato, R (2003): New Challenges for Sustainable Machizuri: Its Concept and Practices inVelasquez, J et al edited Innovative Communities: People Centred Approaches to Environmental Management in the Asia-Pacific Region, United Nations University Press, Tokyo


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and also facilitated and supported local activities utilizing the expertise and experience of local people.

One of its main functions is set up recycling stations twice a month in the parking lot of supermarkets, and in local neighbourhoods to collect recyclable items. As of July 2006, the organization had 46 recycling stations, and each station collected 10 different types of materials 9. These recycling stations are maintained by the citizens themselves, and funding and other assistance in the form of publicity were obtained from the business sector and the city authority. Although, these stations were not successful in reducing the total amount of waste produced in the city, their success in raising awareness and increasing citizen participation helpful to get the

citys initiatives up and going 10. Figure 8: Recycling Station at Parking Lots

Source: By Author

3. STRIKING RESULTS The citys efforts in cooperation with its

citizens were highly effective in reducing the amount of solid waste generated in Nagoya. The Nagoya Waste Report (2006) confirms the policys successes showing waste falling from 1,022,000 tons in 1998 to 917,000 tons in 1999 and down further to 787,000 tons in 2000, and the goals set out in the Waste Emergency Declaration was

achieved. However, the citizens and municipal council have maintained their efforts further and the volume of waste fell to 722,000 tons in 2006,

9 Premakumara, D.G.J; Morishita, H (2008): The Role ofNGOs in Solid Waste Management: A Case Study of Dhaka,Colombo, and Nagoya, POSDI Working Paper Series, No.13,Aichi Gakuin University, Nissin10 Yoshimura, S (2003): Nagoya City Waste Management Initiatives, United Nations University

which was reduction of 30% compared to 1998 levels.

Figure 9: Reduction of Waste from 1998 2005

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1998 2000 2002 2004

Fiscal Year (FY)

Thousand Ton Volum e of W aste

Volum e of W asteIncinaratedVolum e of W asteDisposed of in Landfills


Equally as impressive is that the amount of materials recycled jumped from 152,000 tons in

1998 to 383,000 tons in 2005, which was 35% increase in within seven years. Along with the decrease in volume of waste and increasing recovering resources, the volume of incineration and the volume of waste disposed of at landfills in 2005 decreased about 21% and 62% respectively, in comparison with those of 1998.

In addition to the dramatic decrease in the volume of solid waste, there were other obvious results of Nagoyas waste reduction initiatives. The new waste management system had the

effect of expanding the local human networks in the city, and revitalized the communication among key stakeholders. There is a recent move to reassess the value of traditional Chonaikai and other types of community based organizations to achieve the sustainable environmental management. The collection sites for waste were found to be a best place where people can interact with their neighbours, as they discussed each other the complicated ways and means of sorting. The communication between citizens and the city officials was also activated 11. Residents also created environmentally friendly shopping malls in commercial districts and made original eco coins to circulate within the district 12.

11 Yoshimura, S (2003): Nagoya City Waste Management Initiatives, United Nations University12 Yoshimura, T; Kato, R (2003): New Challenges for Sustainable Machizuri: Its Concept and Practices inVelasquez, J et al edited Innovative Communities: People


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The consumer behaviour of citizens also changed. According to the survey conducted by Nagoya University and a local NPO, the number of citizens who select their purchases on the basis of simple packaging, labels signifying environmental friendliness and refillable containers is increasing. Further, it was calculated that the introduction of the new system resulted in a reduction of CO2 and NOX by over 34% during the period of 1998 to 200113.

4 TOWARDS A SUSTAINABLE RESOURCE RECYCLING SOCIETY: THE 3rd WASTE MANAGEMENT BASIC PLAN

Nagoyas current solid waste management is influenced by its 3rd Waste Management Basic Plan, adopted after extensive community

consultation process, including ward meetings in 16 wards, citizens symposiums, and an essay contests. The plan aims to create a sustainable recycling society through partnerships among citizens, business, and city authority promoting 3R (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle) activities.

4.1 ECO COUPYON CAMPAIGN It was estimated that Nagoya city uses over

one billion plastic bags (7000 tons) a year. In order to reduce this amount, Nagoya city has

issued

a

Declaration

of

No

More

Shopping

Bags

in May 2000, followed by a 60% shopping bags reduction campaign in June 200214. As a first step of the shopping bag reduction campaign, the city wise Eco Coupyon profit return system has established in October 2003, which motivated citizens to go shopping with their own bags called My Bag and not receive plastic shopping bags offered by the stores. A sticker with each one representing 1 point will be awarded to shoppers at cooperating stores for their environmentally friendly behaviour. When shoppers collect 20 points, they can be used as a 50 yen coupon at any participating stores. There are about 560 participating stores in Nagoya.

Centred Approaches to Environmental Management in the Asia-Pacific Region, United Nations University Press, Tokyo13 I Yoshimura, S (2003): Nagoya City Waste Management Initiatives, United Nations University14 City of Nagoya (2007): Nagoya News - July

By October 2008, Nagoya has taken another step to reduce use of shopping bags joined hand with the shoppers. All the shoppers in the city have started to charge consumers for plastic bags on average 5 yen per bag.

Figure 10: Eco Coupon Campaign

Source:

City

of

Nagoya

4.2 ARAUKUN THE DISH WASHING VEHICLE

Since 2005, Nagoya city has started another initiative to lease a vehicle (liquefied petroleum gas automobile) which is loaded with reusable table wares, dishes and dishwasher targeting event sponsors active in the city. The dishwasher can be hired at 1000 yen /day for use at any events. The dishwasher comes to the event site with a load of reusable cups and plates, which can be used repeatedly by washing, rather than using plastic and paper cups and dishes.

Figure 11: Trial of the Reusable Dish Washing System

Source: By Author 4.3 COMPOSTING

Since, 2005 Nagoya city is involved in tackling the challenge of recycling of raw garbage along with its reduction. To recycle raw garbage,


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municipality has been assisting citizens in purchasing raw garbage treating equipment and granting other subsidies to those who help themselves in garbage recycling. However, this household based approach shown a certain limits since usages of resulting compost is also limited in city neighbourhoods. Therefore, city moved toward a new strategy which municipal collect raw garbage sorted at home by the citizens to convert it into resources by composting or gasification looking to create a raw garbage recycling system suited for urban areas. Since 2003, a raw garbage sorting and recycling pilot project has been undertaken in two school districts in the city, which shows combustible garbage in pilot areas dropped by 27%15.

Figure 12: Composting Pilot Project


5. CONCLUSION AND LESSONS

Nagoyas innovative initiatives toward waste reduction have been widely praised for their success. This case study noted that waste

reduction initiatives in Nagoya was successful owing to the strong leadership of local government drastically shifting its waste management policies from top down, technocratic approach to bottom up, community based approach, adopting variety of waste reduction measures, and the flexible and frank attitudes of the city officials; strong leadership and active involvement of community based organizations, and NGOs and their partnership with local authority, and

extensive community awareness and education campaign carried out by the municipality in order to promote the understanding and participation in new waste sorting and collection system. _____________________

1 City Of Nagoya (2006): Nagoya Waste Report 2006,Environmental Affairs Bureau, Nagoya

This is one of newest article of HELP O news letter. This is international experience of waste management. Through this document you can get good idea how other countries could able to manage the waste with win win approach.

This is good international case study that written by Dr. Permakumara and that waste management process was not easy and they had to face many challenges during achieve to this target but with the combination of all stakeholders they could able to achieve their goal. Finally they could able to win this challenge.

They

mainly

focused

to

get

the

support

of

the

community

through

the

campaign

because

waste

generation one place is community.


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JOIN EFFORT OF NEGOMBO FOR SOLVE WASTE PROBLEM

CITYNET is one of leading organization that contribute to Environment Conservation and with the support of French Government and UNITAR our organization could able to implement community biogas program in Negombo.

Under this program planned to construct the two biogas units and could able to finish the all construction of one biogas unit and we started the construction of second biogas unit. During the last month we conducted awareness program for the officers of the Negombo Municipal Council and other program was conducted for the grass root level people of the Don Bosco Tsunami Housing Scheme.

They dont know anything about maintains and management of biogas. Some municipal officers had participated to this program. In beginning level we aware them about the parts of the biogas unit. Inlet, outlet and dome and then explained about the important of each and every part for generation biogas. Mr. Chathura explained about the Mano meter and its importantly and he explained how to maintain biogas unit. He told to people to check the gas tube and burner at least monthly and the most important thing is waste separation and dont put the mix waste and insert the water properly.

The second program for NMC officer and the theme of the program is effective and benefits and biogas technology and this was discussion about the responsible and monitoring mechanism for the program. During this time they could able to get a good and clear idea about biogas and its effects also we describe about the main parts of the biogas units .Also they asked many questions about the biogas and the problems they had. The total participants are more than 31 for the program. All sections of the municipal council who directly involve waste management and engineering department officers were participated including the Health department.

In the next month two officers from Negombo Municipal Council will go to Cambodia and two officers from HELP O for a Technical Coordination for Developing Countries Program (TCDC). On the other hand this is an evaluation program for HELP O because we helped to Cambodian Government about the biogas technology.


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SOLUTION TO WASTE POLLUTION WITH WIN WIN APPROACH

Monaragala Prison had a huge waste problem and local authority didnt able to manage that. The majority of the waste is agricultural. With support of UNEP and National Cleaner Production Centre (NCPC) we activated very good and sustainable waste management program within the prison premise.

The capacity of the unit is 35m3 and they were really suffering from the waste problem and they

expend huge money for the energy. Last two weeks ago we went to prison and the programs were very success. Now the prison could able to win the waste problem with win win approach. Now prison started organic cultivation inside of the prison with using the organic fertilizer of the biogas. And they put the all organic wastes of the prison and the best thing is they accept the outside agricultural waste of the city.

Prison now uses biogas for the cooking purpose and their huge expenses. They have profits from the waste now. Now waste is a resource for them and they have use cow dung as one of row material for the biogas because they have cattle inside.

HELP-O PEOPLES MOVEMENT COMMON NETWORK FOR ALL OF US

As a result of the community requirement for a common net work in Galle and Matara areas, peoples movement has been established specially for the Victims of Tsunami disaster which was highly, badly affected for people by getting their lives, family members, properties as well as their expectations. Now it has spread among community of these cities highly and more advantages are been taken both financial and non financial through this peoples movement. Especially we are working with the community on the concept of community finance this peoples movement is functioning well through the fully participation of the community

In present, this grass root level communities get the leadership in their village level and do savings, provide loans for their members and also gives much attention, contribution for common work through the net work. By the time our people movements expands day by day and all are working with a goal to do some special thing by using their manpower which can be effected for the betterment of all in developing process. From here we are trying to tell you that some great works which took place on the month of February 2011 among these peoples movement branches.


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ANOTHER MARKETING STEP TO COMPORT COMMUNITY THROUGHPEOPLES MOVEMENT

HELP O Peoples movement has involved develop the community as National Carrier in urban & rural areas of Southern Part of the country. The members of this movement are now do their deposit mobilizing & give it back in the form of credit in the village level. Many members of peoples movement have taken financial assistance and have developed their business, even though they are suffering from marketing problems for the products. After having realized what we can do in our side we

guided them to start marketing stall in their village level.

When we empower them we met one of major barrier that is market for their products they dont have a good and proper market. As the first step we stated a stall in Kalupe on last month. We collect the peoples production in ground level and we make a market for their products and this consumer program is

functioning well. The members of the peoples movement exchange their goods among these community branches. Community is benefited by taking goods at a low price as well as they are having sustainable market for their production.

Peoples Movement kept their second step after seeing how contribute can give to the community through this program, so that we started our new stall in China garden Galle on 3rd of March. Dried fish, grocery items, garment items, spices & other home made items are selling in these stall with the fair price than out shops. Through these stalls we hope to remain money among the community and we have an idea to expand this program in our whole branches. Our final expectation is wiping out poverty of our

members by empowering them with both financial side and knowledge. However people are always with us because they know the advantages of this process. This is also a great effort which was taken by HELP O peoples Movement for the betterment of our community.


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DOES FINANCIAL SERVICES NEED FOR LOW INCOME COMMUNITY

For any functioning economy financial services take a much important place. Especially the service of lending the money for varies reasons, deposit the savings in safe place take insurance, foreign remittances are some financial facilities those which can offer for the community through financial institution. An economic shock such as loss day today income generating activities, natural or other disaster will face any one of the society in any time without knowing before. To face such situations especially for

the marginalized poor community need financial services for them.

In present the Peoples Movement of HELP O are taking initiatives to meet these community through the financial assistance in the village based organization concept. They do their savings in group, branch level & the community is benefited as they get the safe place to save their money also a habit of savings for the life. Normally the poor community in the society often generates income in daily or weekly & it will disappear before they transform it in to investment opportunities. To take the advantages of these earning they use these peoples movement by depositing these earnings & get credit facility for large investments for their Income Generating Activities or consumption needs such as build a house or infrastructure facility etc. In this way they able to break the poverty cycle to response in economic opportunities.

In present there are varies institutions are in competition to provide the financial services specially by targeting the poor community of the society. But our peoples movement is following a different strategy to provide this facility for the village community. Through the group & branch concept the village community gets opportunity to select the more viable member to give financial assistance of their needs. In this way it will get chance to invest their small sums money in large economic activities in their own soil. Further more this strategy will assist them to sustain in village level to function as village bank for the villages through the interest income from the loans as revolving fund among them.


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A SUCCESS STORY FROM GROUND LEVEL

Mrs. Rasica De Silva is a member of China garden peoples movement from year 2005. She leans her life though her own cloths business shop in Galle town area. She has two children who are going to school yet & their main income is this cloth business. Rasica is the treasure of Ekamuthu group & also the wise chairperson of Chinagarden Branch. She has saved around Rs.8, 000.00 in her pass book already.

Now I have applied for Rs.35, 000.00 loans after repaying of my Rs.25, 000.00 loans. I earn around Rs.40, 000.00 from my business. From this loan I have bought garments for my shop on last New Year festival time & it was much useful for me to increase my sales on that time. Also I could able to expand my small garment in my home. I could able to create new jobs for the village women now they are working in my small garment. That is one of major achievement of my life because through my business many families increased their living standard. Our village peoples movement branch expanded many villages of the city with the success way.

But I have to face many difficulties but I never gave up my dreams and I continue worked to achieve my goal. Step by step I could able to achieve my goal and our peoples movement branch members always encourage me to achieve my target and go forward. Im paying around Rs.13, 000.00 for rent charges every month. My only expectation is to buy an own land for me to expand my business towards the success of family. I really like to say this service is very useful those who have no any formal collaterals to get financial facility from formal financial institutes. We have strength to develop ourselves if we get any financial support from outside. This is the best opportunity for us to take a loan & convert our small sums of money in to large sums to take part in large investment opportunities.

Now I could able to win my life through financial assistant of the Peoples movement and I expect to go forward with my family as a good and successful business women and like a good mother.


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UP COMING EVENTS OF PEOPLES MOVEMENT

Business Development Effort for Self employees

With the hope of to aware our peoples movement self employees about the proper

business development strategy with business plan HELP O has designed a one day work shop on 26th March 2011.Those who are selected to received financial assistance with in March 2011 has elected for this training & we have design to continue the program in quarter wise with the progress & evaluation programs for them. Through this program we expect to aware them about proper utilization of loans as well as give them an assistance to continue their business in profit oriented way to compromise the final goal of development.

Financial assistance from community to community

In present HELP O peoples movement branches are trying to give support to other branches of their net work also with the great expectation to give them assistance as per their capacity. As the first step Walawwaththa branch is going to disbursed Rs.200, 000.00 for the Malawanna branch to provide self employment loans for that branch members. This will be a great initiative for all of our peoples movement branches to be sustained in their village level with reaching all the marginalized community of their villages.

Congress Meeting 21st March 2011

Peoples movement branch leaders meeting has design to held on next 21st March 2011 at HELP O office premises. The meeting is organized once a month by our peoples movement net work & this is the best opportunity for all the branches to have an open discussion with others & a good opportunity for all of them to share their practical issues of their village programs.

Expansion of Peoples marketing program

Peoples movement decided to give the consumer package to the members for up coming New Year season. The all goods are made by the grass root level members of

the peoples movement. Through this work producer and the beneficiary both will be benefited because producer can sell their production for a good price and beneficiary can get goods for low prices. This is one of innovation program that peoples movement expects to implement in future.


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SKILL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM INDIA

There was a great training at Bala Vikasa Community Development Training Center from 8th of January to 3rd of February one of team of HELP O was offered a great opportunity to take part for this great training. Some of Board of Directors also participated to this program.

Not even that HELP O could able to assist to some government officers to participate for this training. This is the second time that our officers participated to this program.

Thirteen of countries have taken part for having good experiences among different communities. Through this program, community driven development works of the organization are developed by making skillful and stronger.

Course goal is to increase the level of understanding of the participants on

community development concept and familiarized them with various approaches and tools that can be applied in the process of empowering the community.

Objectives of this program

Imparting knowledge: for a better understanding of sustainable development.

To familiarize oneself in various approaches of community driven development.

Developing abilities and tools: to familiarize oneself with community driven community organization tools.

Enhancing values and change of attitudes: to enhance ones understanding of and respect for local communities and their inherent capacities to work for their own


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development. This is practical program that taught how to work with the grass root level community with friendly way. The program much helps to empower the community network of Galle and Matra Districts as well as the officers capacity. Through this program they focused to teach about the Conflict Management that is one of main subject of the program. On the other hand this is much effect when we trying to empower community. Through the capacity building we expect to expand our program to many districts of the country and we expect to provide a best service too. All participants are now applying what they learnt in India.

The topics are aware and develop under this program

Culture and Development Conflict Management Strategic Planning and Monitoring Sustainable Development Result Base Management Gender and Child labour

Development Communication Appreciative Inquiry Assets Based Community Development (ABCD) Participatory Development

Under

this

training

program

they

have

given

good

example

of

their

model

village

which is located in Ahandra Pradesh. At that village they do their every work by their own selves through that training officers are able to empower community in proper way and a great contribution is done to our communities through this program by Bala Vikasa Training Programs.

Inform about complements

Human & Environment Links Progressive Organization (HELP-O)No.364/18 A, Samagi Mawatha,Dangedara,Galle.T.P - +94-91-2226818 / +94-91- 4380121E-mail [email protected] URL www.helpo-srilanka.org

news letter february 2011

Documents