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Guinea - 2006
Land Reuse Project Brings Sustainable Income, Environmental Protection to Guinea Community
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Cashew trees planted on the site of an abandoned sand quarry will bring sustainable income to the women of a rural Guinea community while also providing protection for both the land and its inhabitants.
In late 2005, Alcoa Foundation presented a US$20,000 grant to the Association of Women in Mining and Environmental Protection, also known as AFEME, to restore 10 hectares (25 acres) of the quarry. The quarry had been created by the local community to provide sand for housing and other construction.
"The sand quarry contributed to the deforestation of the area and caused land degradation," said Mariama Cire Diallo, vice president of AFEME. "The open pits were also dangerous for both humans and cattle. Many accidents were recorded because of these pits, and some were fatal."
Planting trees on the site will not only restore the vegetation and protect the environment but also provide the community with a sustainable income stream through the sale of the cashew nuts. The Community Women's Group of Bintimodia is responsible for tending to the trees and harvesting the nuts each year. The income generated will be dispersed among the group's participating members.
"This project will help me take better care of my family," said Mariama Cire Barry, a member of the group. "With the income I may get through the harvest each year, I can buy school uniforms and other items for my children."
In late 2006, Alcoa employees in Guinea volunteered to participate in an AFEME-led clearing activity at the cashew plantation as part of the Alcoa's 2006 Month of Service.
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