In honor of Earth Day 2013 and the theme: The Face of Climate Change, IREX is pleased to recognize the work of our Community Solutions [12] leaders in the field of environmental issues. Over the past two years, 18 environmental leaders [13] from 13 countries have come to the US for practical hands on experience and leadership training.
- Mehdi Hasan [14] and Taibur Rahman [15] work in Bangladesh on climate resiliency [16] and managing coastal water resources.
- Essie Parks [17] is introducing new methods of waste management in Tobago [18].
- Mostafa Hussein [19] is making great strides developing sustainable energy efficient technology in Egypt. [20]
- Rodrigo Ponce [21] brings communities together to promote water sustainability in Peru [22].
- Moses Sanga [23] promotes the use of clean cooking fuel [24] made from agricultural waste in Uganda.
While the leaders gain skills and resources to implement change in their home communities, they also contribute greatly to their US host organizations and tackling environmental issues in US communities. Some of these organizations include: Clean Energy Coalition [25], Eco-cycle [26], Great Basin Resource Watch [27], Kansas Water Office [28], and the Sierra Club [29].
We cannot tell all their stories in this short space, but invite you to read more about our Community Solutions leaders [30] and meet the face of climate change.
Community Solutions is a program of the United States Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs [31] and implemented by IREX.