The island of Bonaire continues on its path toward becoming the first Caribbean island powered by 100% sustainable energy.

In 2007, the island government, which takes pride in the islands beauty and nature preservation, agreed to a multi-faceted project to reduce its dependence on fossil fuel energy by developing an energy system comprised of an 11MW wind farm, 14MW biodiesel plant, and a 3MW backup battery. Ecopower Bonaire BV, a consortium consisting of Evelop, Enercon, and MAN, is spearheading this project that is expected to complete its first phase by the end of 2009.

The project developers have already completed the installation of a pilot 330KW wind turbine, whose current energy production exceeds any initial expectations. Accordingly, 12 additional 990 KW wind turbines are being installed on the north coast of the island, where wind and surf conditions are most ideal. By the end of 2009, these wind turbines should produce 44% of the islands energy. The remaining 56% will be produced by the planned 14MW biodiesel generators, utilizing fuel derived from algae, which will enable the island to shift to 100% sustainable energy supply within five years.

All electricity generated will be delivered to WEB (Water and Energy Bonaire). After completion of the entire project, Ecopower Bonaire BV will remain owner of the wind-biodiesel system. (more…)

Mojito (pronounced moe-hee-toe) is Cuba’s most famous cocktail, and is reputedly a favorite of author Earnest Hemingway. It is important that the blackberries and mint are gently muddled – never crushed – to release their flavors but not release harsh or bitter tannins into the beverage. A wooden spoon or firm silicone spatula can be used in place of a muddler to crush the berries and mint.

Presenting a healthy and beautiful Organic Caribbean Summer Raspberry Avocado Salad.

This is easy and fast to make, looks nice enough for a dressy dinner, but is also fine for casual dining, and the fresh raspberries brighten this salad with tropical flavors and color. The raspberry dressing alone is versatile enough for fish, chicken or mixed greens. Drscoll’s Berries offers organic berries via loads of stores, so this is also pesticide free dinner.

Prep time: 20 minutes
Makes 4 servings (more…)

$10.2 million FAO/IFAD seed scheme yields results

The current session of the Commission on Sustainable Development is taking place during an unprecedented global economic crisis unraveling before us. That’s what Grenada’s representative Ambassador Dessima Williams told the Commission this week as it opened a two-week session attempting to chart a sustainable course of action to strengthen long-neglected agricultural sectors and ensure that more food could be grown in a smarter and greener way, especially in Africa. Speaking on behalf of the Alliance of Small Island States – AOSIS, Ms. Williams says (more…)

Water Footprint

PRES: The city of Stockholm, often called beauty on water, hosted the annual World Water Week that ended last Friday. The conference brought together global leaders and thinkers to discuss water-related issues. The United Nations predicts that almost half of the world’s population will face shortages by 2030. Jocelyne Sambira reports on the concept of water footprints, the notion of measuring how much water we use. INTRO: We consume water for most of our daily activities like drinking, eating showering. We also consume water in the products that we buy. Because of the rise in the global population, the human consumption of water has tripled and it is putting a strain on our freshwater supplies. As a result, water footprint is emerging as a new concept. Hannah Studdard of the Global Public Policy Network on Water Management breaks it down for us. (more…)