From: New Liberation News Service via Jym Dyer <jym@mica.berkeley.edu>
Newsgroups: alt.activism,talk.environment
Subject: ACTIVISM & INFO: Mexico Rainforest Appropriate Technology Project
Followup-To: alt.activism.d,talk.environment
Date: 19 Dec 1992 22:20:19 GMT
Organization: The Naughty Peahen Party Line
NNTP-Posting-Host: remarque.berkeley.edu

[From Econet carnet.mexnews Conference]
[Also Posted to ACTIV-L and misc.activism.progressive (by Somebody Else)]

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=> From: Don Macleay <atwork>
=> Subject: MEXICO Rainforest Project

                          AT-WORK
          THE APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY WORKING GROUP

                   CHIMALAPAS RAINFOREST
                           MEXICO

I. DESCRIPTION:
1 Chimalapas -- Located in the southeast portion of the
State of Oaxaca. The region is approximately 7,700 square
kilometers of highly diverse tropical rainforest and
mountain rainforest ecosystems. Because of this diversity of
environments, there are many rare and threatened species of
plants and animals in Chimalapas. The region is sparsely
populated around its periphery with small settlements of
subsistence farmers. At present, the major threats to
Chimalapas include commercial logging and subsequent
deforestation, colonization, agriculture, ranching, dams and
roads.

 Pacto de Grupos Ecologistas -- A coalition of
professionals, scientists and campesinos. Their goals are to
preserve the environment of Chimalapas, consolidate
political power for the campesinos, offer technical
assistance to farmers, and create alternatives that could
raise the standard of living of the campesinos while
lessening the impact of human settlement in the forest. They
have a strong presence throughout Chimalapas and are very
popular. All development proposals should be submitted to
the Pacto for consultation.

II. WORK THAT NEEDS TO BE DONE:
 A. Small scale development projects --
 1. Introduction of techniques that would bring about more
efficient use of lumber for energy and construction.
 2. Bridge construction (for foot traffic and animals).
 3. Small-scale multiple-use dams for electricity, fish
cultivation, etc.
 4. Fish farming with native species.
 5. Projects exploring alternate forms of bathing and doing
laundry.
 a. Use of natural, non-toxic soaps.
 b. Water detours.
 6. Short-term assistance in Women's Project; health,
hygiene, diet and gardens.

 B. Scientific projects --
 1. Studies of flora and fauna of Chimalapas and their
interrelationships.
 2. Study of reproductive cycles and habits of animals which
are hunted in Chimalapas, in order to establish a system to
maintain populations.



III. Additional Help:
 1. The Pacto is on a tight budget and currently needs the
following items:
 a. Fax machine
 b. Slide projector (with battery pack, etc.)
 c. Mountain bikes
 d. 4-Wheel drive vehicles
 e. Portable farm kits
 f. Lap top computer
 g. 35 mm automatic cameras
 h. Soil testing kits
 i. First aid kits
 2. On-going needs include;
 a. Portable, light-weight hammocks
 b. Hiking boots
 c. Rubber boots
 d. Waterproof ponchos and jackets
 e. Compasses
 f. Magnifying glasses - 10X
 g. Containers and pins for insect collections
 h. Canteens
 i. Backpacks
 j. Vitamins
 k. Water purifiers
 m. Medicines for malaria, dengue, etc.

IV. WHOM TO CONTACT?
AT-WORK/EARTH ISLAND
300 Broadway, Suite 28, San Francisco, CA 94133
Telephone: (415)788-3666 29 FAX: (415)788-7324
E-Mail:atwork@igc.org

Or write: Miguel Angel Garcia, Director
 or: Isaak Matus Cortes, Technical Director
 Pacto de Grupos Ecologistas
 Taxquena 1291 Local #3
 Col. Campestre Churubusco
 Mexico D.F. 4200
Newsgroups: alt.activism,alt.conspiracy,alt.discrimination