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A biological agent that would most effectively reduce risk of dengue transmission would act against the adult stage of the vector mosquito. Beyond anecdotal references to swallows, dragonflies and ants, however, no biological agent has yet been developed specifically for use against a domestic vector of an arbovirus.

Location:

many locations, Pantropical

Problem Overview:

Human populations subject seek sustainable and environmentally friendly relief from dengue outbreaks.

Background:

INTRODUCTION

Forests and tree plantations are seen as part of the solution since they store carbon at a rate 20 to 100 times more per acre than pastures and croplands. The substitution of composting and other organic techniques for fertilizers and pesticides on tree plantations also allows for increased carbon storage.

Location:

Several countries, Central America

Problem Overview:

Carbon dioxide emissions

Carbon dioxide emissions are the principal component of the "so-called" greenhouse gases.

In recent years the shea tree has gained importance as an economic crop because of the heavy demand for its butter, both locally and internationally. In recognition of the need to find substitutes for the rather expensive cocoa products, and to maximize economic exploitation of the vast shea resource in Ghana, the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG) initiated scientific research into the cultivation and processing of shea nuts.

Production of shea butter from nuts of karite trees used in cosmetics, food and as a coating to protect houses is providing economic opportunities for girls and women while helping protect the environment.

Sewage discharge from illegal drainage pipes caused pervasive coastal and water pollution in the city of Santos, Brazil. Erosion of the local tourist industry then caused a deep recession in the 1970s.

Location:

Santos, State of Sao Paulo, Brazil

Problem Overview:

Coastal and water pollution due to sewage discharge from illegal drainage pipes

Sewage discharge from illegal drainage pipes caused pervasive coastal and water pollution in the city of Santos, Brazil. Erosion of the local tourist industry then caused a deep recession in the 1970s.

Background:

In Bagadadji, one of the oldest areas of Bamako, Mali, a project entitled "Improved Cesspools" was designed and is carried out on the basic premise that the local population should be involved in managing their own environment.

Location:

Bamako, Mali

Summary:

 

In 1993, The ReSource Institute for Low Entropy Systems (ReSource) started a sanitation and pollution prevention project in Puerto Morelos, Mexico that has composting toilets as its technological centerpiece.

Location:

Puerto Morelos, Mexico

Problem Overview:

Pollution due to human excreta

Worldwide, about a million people are poisoned by pesticides each year; ten thousand of these victims die from such poisonings. The risks are greatest in developing countries. Ninety-nine percent of the deaths caused by agricultural chemicals occur in those countries.