An Initiative Promoting Environmental, Economic, and Cultural Growth
In many indigenous communities the environment provides a means for living. Keeping the environment clean is especially important for those communities, while at the same time adds to the value of life for all people. The UN’s declaration on rights of indigenous people explains they have the right to maintain and strengthen their culture, and pursue their development according to their aspirations and needs. Providing Nokero light bulbs, which does not infringe on indigenous culture but rather helps preserve a traditional culture by bringing a service such as un-polluting light, and it helps maintain a lifestyle of living off the land without the environmental impacts that an on-grid electrical system would produce. This project focuses on bringing a sustainably designed product to a community where the bulb would benefit three-fold.
Background on Indigenous Moroccans
The Berber people are indigenous to Morocco. Their origins are likely in south-west Asia, from second millennium B.C. They are united by linguistic rather than by genetic features. There are several types of Berbers throughout North Africa but the Moroccan Berbers live in the Atlas Mountains. In 40 A.D. and the following 500 years the Moroccan Berbers were annexed by the Romans which left a faint cultural imprint. As the Roman Empire faded the pastoral life of the Berbers continued. They established trade posts with whoever passed their way; often times taking on and letting fall away traditions of invaders and passers-by. By the end of the seventh century the Arab people had reached Morocco bringing Islam and as the settlers before them they welcomed their culture and protection. From time to time the Berbers resisted the Arabs attempts to govern for example the Arabs wanted to administer taxes. The economic advantages were few so any attempts by the Arabs fall to the waste side. In 15th century Morocco became an interest to European countries wanting control of the coastal regions. By the 19th century Morocco was essentially controlled by the Europeans. The Treaty of Fez granted France the permission to establish civil order in Morocco and as such Morocco became a French colony. By 1930 the Berbers and Arabs were under the French administration and for the first time under one rule. In 1956 sovereignty was restored and Morocco was an independent united country.
Who is receiving the solar light bulbs?
Presently Morocco is a developing country. While many highly populated areas are growing and becoming or are established as cities other terrain areas are not. Nokero is a Colorado based company which has a product unlike any in Morocco. While some communities in Morocco can afford to purchase these bulbs, the Tafert community does not. They currently are not serviced for electricity or running water. Most of the region is used to extract resources, which has provided roads some distance away from the community, about 5 kilometers away from Tafert. The population estimate is 30 individuals. Providing more than one light bulb to each individual is ideal. One to use while the other charges or for back up purposes. Meaning a total minimum of 60 bulbs needed. Other communities in this region will want the light bulbs as well so donations are not capped. The more bulbs we have the more we can give not only to the Tafert village but surrounding ones too. Nokero light bulbs will be provided to the Berber village of Tafert at no cost.