In 2009, we created an co-operation area for working for local development in southern countries, promoting (among other actions) integrated education, conservation of the natural environment and encouraging sustainable development.
Currently, Amics de la Terra is working on three co-operation projects: two in central America (Nicaragua and El Salvador) and a third project related to Nigeria.
Nigeria: 'Poisonous Fire'
This is an awareness-raising project about the situation in Nigeria caused by multinationals (especially Shell) burning gas during petroleum extraction in the Niger river delta.
In addition to producing a document of the same name, it involved collecting signatures to pressure the Nigerian government into ending this practice, which is very harmful to local populations.
El Salvador: Sustainable management of solid waste on the island of Meanguera, Fonseca Gulf
This projects aims to help improve the quality of life for islanders through the use of resources and specifically contributing to the improvement of solid waste treatment with the installation of a compressor plant, set in a waste collection and separation 'eco-station'. The local community will also be taught to home compost organic waste.
Nicaragua: Community and environment-based rural tourism on the protected island of Ometepe
The aim is to promote sustainable tourism on Ometepe, improving local capacity to create community-based tourism, natural resource management and equal opportunities for both men and women.
Specific actions include improving the infrastructure for community-based rural tourism and increasing the island's nursery production for reforestation with native trees.
All of our co-operation projects count on the support of the Direcció General de Cooperació de la Conselleria d’Afers Social, Promoció i Immigració of the Govern de les Illes Balears.