Working for a Healthy, Sustainable and Peaceful Sudan
CHALLENGES:
While
international media highlights political conflict fueling the
humanitarian crisis in southern Sudan, the United Nations Environment
Program reports that competition over scarce resources, including
water, timber, oil, and land, could spark more fighting unless
the issues are addressed, and that: "Ignoring these environmental
issues will ensure that some political and social problems remain
unsolvable and [are] even likely to worsen."
OPPORTUNITIES:
While 80% local
communities face extreme poverty, Sudan's rich natural resources
can be used & conserved to create economic security.
While needing
purification for drinking, water is abundant throughout Sudan.
Properly managed into eco-restoration, it can reverse drought
& desertification effects of intensive agriculture.
Displaced people
are encouraged to return to their home lands when conditions
are improved through livelihood creation.
ACTION:
Dr. Suad Sulaiman
is a leading expert in community development, climate change,
waterborne diseases, and environmental health. A founding member
of the Sudanese Environment Conservation Society, Dr Sulaiman
is a proven visionary implementer of comprehensive strategies
addressing Sudan's most pressing social and environmental challenges.
[See
Resume]
Recognizing the
value of her local expertise, Empowerment Works is proud to
partner with Dr. Sulaiman in extending its community-based approach
to the Sudan as Joint Program Director of the following eco-restoration,
health and economic development initiatives:
Village Direct Carbon Offset Program (VDCOP) - Creation of
Sudanese Carbon Credit fund for sustainable agro-forestry, agriculture,
and ecological restoration.
'El Rahad Appropriate Technology & Health Education Center'
sustainable development and integrative medicine capacity building
project, creating jobs & health by honoring traditional
knowledge of medicinal plants.
Beyond Fair Trade (w/ Malaria control module) micro-grants,
capacity building & market access enabling women to support
their families through medicinal plant infused traditional bed
garments and other crafts.
SUSTAINABLE
SUDAN TOUR AUG 4- 20 2007
Meeting a timely
challenge to raise climate change consciousness, and funds to
empower those most affected with the economic, educational and
environmental tools to fight it on the very front lines, Dr.
Sulaiman made a bridge-building tour to the United States from
August 4-20th to inspire hope and solutions for a healthy, peaceful
and sustainable Sudan.
This voyage served
as a catalyst for collaboration for a sustainable Sudan through
a series of inspirational speaking engagements in San Francisco
(w/ Global Exchange), Santa Barbara (w/ Christie Communications)
and Los Angeles (speaking w/ LA Bioneers August 14 & finally
as key note guest of honor in Empowerment Works' 6 year anniversary
event "Art 4 Africa" August
18.
Empowerment Works
thanks all who contributed to this vital effort!
To get involved
in future events or to support vital health, economic development
and eco-restoration programs in the Sudan, please call
310-392-6909 or e-mail: info@empowermentworks.org
Sudan
