IMAGINE LIGHT solar project
The non-profit solar energy initiative of LOVE FOR LIFE e.V. provides indigenous peoples in Central and South America with sustainable access to renewable energy. In this way, the project promotes education, self-determination, women's rights and forest protection.
Nicole León/LOVE FOR LIFE
The training of men and women from the indigenous communities is a key component of IMAGINE LIGHT.
More than just a bit of green electricity: The IMAGINE LIGHT project has an impact on many areas of the indigenous communities' lives and promotes their cultural, social and economic self-determination.
IMAGINE LIGHT is based on the self-formulated vision of the indigenous peoples in Central and South America to strengthen their self-determined movement for the survival of their cultures and the protection of the rainforest. Access to energy enables new and sustainable development opportunities for communities – and thus the long-term survival of families, the fulfilment of their rights and the preservation of their ancestral home territories.
IMAGINE LIGHT trains local women and men to become solar technicians. They independently install, operate, maintain and repair the solar systems in their communities. This way, self-determination and empowerment are core objectives of the project.
IMAGINE LIGHT is based on the self-formulated vision of the indigenous peoples in Central and South America to strengthen their self-determined movement for the survival of their cultures and the protection of the rainforest. Access to energy enables new and sustainable development opportunities for communities – and thus the long-term survival of families, the fulfilment of their rights and the preservation of their ancestral home territories.
IMAGINE LIGHT trains local women and men to become solar technicians. They independently install, operate, maintain and repair the solar systems in their communities. This way, self-determination and empowerment are core objectives of the project.
Mike Kollöffel/LOVE FOR LIFE
Secluded in the rainforest: The project villages’ access to renewable energy is a feat of strength – which is worthwhile for the people and nature.
Our support
Access to electricity opens up new opportunities for sustainable development and income-generating activities. This significantly contributes to reducing poverty. In addition, the project actively supports rainforest conservation, which is the indigenous peoples' 'life insurance'. The rainforest is their home, their supermarket, their university, their pharmacy – it is their life.
Alex Mundt/LOVE FOR LIFE
Education is an important indicator of the project's impact.
The shelf life of food increases decisively through the use of refrigerators. Previously, people hunted and sold the meat to be able to afford diesel to run a generator. Access to solar energy allows people to feed themselves from their hunting prey.
Clean energy replaces dangerous and harmful paraffin lamps and candles, as well as expensive and polluting diesel generators. This has immediate benefits for people, too: Indoor air quality improves, and respiratory health and eyesight are preserved. Births at night can be accompanied by light, measurably increasing the life expectancy of both mother and child. People can refrigerate life-sustaining medicines, thereby make them last longer.
Clean energy replaces dangerous and harmful paraffin lamps and candles, as well as expensive and polluting diesel generators. This has immediate benefits for people, too: Indoor air quality improves, and respiratory health and eyesight are preserved. Births at night can be accompanied by light, measurably increasing the life expectancy of both mother and child. People can refrigerate life-sustaining medicines, thereby make them last longer.
Even after dark – in the tropics the sun sets early all year round – the energy can, for example, be used for further education. In particular, it allows children to still play, draw and learn even in the evening. Studies have shown that one hour of more light per day significantly increases educational opportunities. Education is a key factor for new opportunities and sustainable poverty reduction!
Women, in particular, benefit from the fact that the days become longer with light from renewable energy. They can use their time for work at home more flexibly. Their home becomes a healthier, safer and more comfortable place. And they can open up new economic and social development opportunities. In addition, the project specifically strengthens women's organisations and offers women workshops and training.
Better communication and information opportunities, less dependency and increased self-confidence support the indigenous communities in their fight against the overexploitation of the rainforest. Protecting the forests sustains life and reduces CO2 emissions.
Women, in particular, benefit from the fact that the days become longer with light from renewable energy. They can use their time for work at home more flexibly. Their home becomes a healthier, safer and more comfortable place. And they can open up new economic and social development opportunities. In addition, the project specifically strengthens women's organisations and offers women workshops and training.
Better communication and information opportunities, less dependency and increased self-confidence support the indigenous communities in their fight against the overexploitation of the rainforest. Protecting the forests sustains life and reduces CO2 emissions.
Nicole León/LOVE FOR LIFE
The early evening hours throughout the year can also be utilised.
Overview of our previous support
Support from Rapunzel Naturkost and RAPUNZEL One World Organic Foundation
- 2023 Imagine Light, renewable energy for the indigenous peoples of the Cabécar, Bribri and Embera (Costa Rica and Panama)
- 2022 Imagine Light, renewable energy for the indigenous peoples of the Cabecar, Bribri and Embera (Costa Rica and Panama)
- 2021 Corona crisis aid for the Mitume slums (Costa Rica)
- 2020 Imagine Light, renewable energy for the indigenous Cabecar people (Costa Rica)
- 2018 Imagine Light, renewable energy for the indigenous Cabécar people (Costa Rica)
- 2016 Imagine Light, renewable energy for indigenous peoples of the Amazon region (Ecuador)
- 2015 Imagine Light, renewable energy for indigenous peoples of the Amazon region (Ecuador)
Rapunzel Naturkost has also supported projects in Costa Rica:
- 2020 Fundación Corcovado, protection of sea turtles, Península de Osa
- 2019 Fundación Corcovado, protection of sea turtles, Península de Osa
- 2018 Tropica Verde e.V., “Colours of Identity” – biodiversity and environmental education, Guanacaste
- 2016 Latin American Sea Turtles, protection of sea turtles, Playa Pacuare2012 Tropica Verde e.V., environmental education and forest protection, Monte Alto
- 2010 Tropica Verde e.V., environmental education and forest protection, Monte Alto
- 2009 Pro Regenwald e.V., Creation of an agroforestry garden by the indigenous population, Santa Rosa de Conte
- 2009 Tropica Verde e.V., environmental education and forest protection, Monte Alto
- 2006 Tropica Verde e.V., environmental education and forest protection, Monte Alto
Donation account of the
RAPUNZEL One World Organic Foundation
Landesbank Baden-Württemberg
IBAN: DE44 6005 0101 0004 1028 49
SWIFT/BIC: SOLADEST600
Name and address in the reason for payment
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