Our model of collaboration between universities, NGOs, and Indigenous communities catalyzes local green economies and a sustainable transportation system featuring electric canoes with solar-powered charging stations. This initiative fosters biocultural development and conservation in riverine and fishing communities.
Our canoe model incorporates design modifications from the roll-out of our prototype in Ecuador, including data on performance, economic/social viability, and users’ feedback.
The system maximizes locally-available components, reducing costs and increasing repairability and resilience. Partnering with university leaders in innovation grants Amazon’s forest defenders access to cutting-edge technologies like 3D printing and numerical control, further empowering these communities.
The upfront costs can be offset in 3-5 years through savings on gas and lubricants. The recharging stations also provide internet access, opening opportunities for green jobs in ecosystem services, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable food production.
The project extends to training local forest stewards, providing higher education services based on their intimate knowledge of the forest. Study abroad programs offer income to local communities and transformative experiences for students. Our focus on reciprocity and sustainability contributes to new paradigms of conservation aligned with ASU’s mission to create scalable, socially inclusive solutions.
With your investment, we can scale this system across the Amazon and beyond, bringing communities closer together through a resource-sharing economy. This will improve living conditions, provide better access to health and education, and support the transition to renewable energy infrastructure.
