Sustainable Living in San Francisco de Opalaca:
The Impact of Justa 3D Stoves
By Carlos Florian, Communications Consultant, AHDESA.
In the heart of the Opalaca Biological Reserve, nestled between the departments of Intibucá and Lempira in Honduras, Indigenous communities are making significant contributions to conservation through the adoption of the Justa 3D Stove. This initiative, supported by AHDESA and Trees, Water & People (TWP), not only transforms daily cooking practices but also reinforces the communities' role as stewards of this land.
The Reserve encompasses an extensive and narrow mountainous region, rich in biodiversity and cultural importance. It serves as habitat for many endangered species and as a crucial source of water for hundreds of communities in Honduras. It is currently a protected area under the Cloud Forest Decree 87-87 and its population mostly belongs to the Lenca ethnic group.
The adoption of the Justa 3D stoves has ushered in a new era of sustainable and dignified living in the communities of the region. By providing efficient stoves, AHDESA and TWP empower communities to reduce environmental impact while improving their daily lives.
Voices of the community
José Ernesto Sánchez: President of the Pro construction board of the community energy project in the community Plan de Barrios, José highlights the positive impact of the stoves on the community. The initiative not only addresses environmental and health concerns, thanks to the reduction of firewood use and the smoke it generates, but also creates employment opportunities for the youth.
María Purificación Vásquez Rodríguez: A dedicated homemaker from Plan de Barrios, María shares how the 3D stove has made cooking more efficient and healthier: “I think it's good because it's a very important benefit for women because with these stoves we avoid the smoke to bother us, we cook better, with less firewood.”
Cándida Gómez: Cándida, another resident of Plan de Barrios, praises the stove for its firewood-saving capabilities, quick cooking, and positive impact on health. She expresses gratitude for the support and hopes for additional assistance in the community.
María Juana Vázquez: Widowed and supporting her children, María Juana appreciates the economic and health benefits of the 3D stove: “It heats quickly, reduces costs and also eliminates smoke that is harmful to the health of the children”.
The community of San Francisco de Opalaca demonstrates remarkable resilience and solidarity in the face of economic hardship, as well as a strong attachment to their cultural traditions and values.The harmony between the preservation of Opalaca and the sustainable use of local resources demonstrates that, with the right tools and a collective approach, communities can not only be beneficiaries but also active defenders of their natural environment.
This initiative serves as a testament to the positive impact that innovations can have when embraced by communities dedicated to protecting their home and heritage.
