There is a new book out - SEED MONEY -- by Barton Elmore
Which is Very Important READING
for anyone in the government who is interested in developing Constanza as a tourist area... (which it should be)
Because the farmers are using heavy pesticide
Since the town is in a mountain valley - there is a dome inversion which keeps the toxic fumes enclosed (think - Mexico City)
My piece on Constanza --from October, 2008
..."The price of gasoline is now at 197.5 (5.80 dollars) pesos per gallon which affects the cost of production. "All the water must be pumped from the canals or holding ponds," said Rosado, pointing to the small pumps at the side of one pond.
Asked about gravity-fed systems, Rosado said, "Some farmers have installed some systems for that but not many. You still have to pump the water. And the price of oil also affects the price of fertiliser and transportation."
Hugo Arriasa Morales, of NRECA International, an NGO which works on installing rural energy systems, says that solar energy can help reduce the costs of production.
"We are working to install a small hydroelectric system in Constanza. And if a group of farmers, perhaps 20, combine for a solar system, we can help them greatly reduce costs of production," he said. "...
But I think I omitted the issue of the agricultural fumes -- since I was there for a week, and most tourists are only there for a overnight - so I decided I could leave it out and still have an authentic piece.
It would be GREAT if someone could add to this thread!! (there were at least 2 lovely hotels -I am confident they are both there.
Anyway - PLEASE PASS THIS INFORMATION to some agronomist in the Government - since there are a LOT of them and the DR is doing a stunning job so far in preserving nature..... BUT - ALL the people who have to live there are being poisoned,
So - there is that issue,
(yes, I do spend my day with BOOK TALK on CSPAN2)
Which is Very Important READING
for anyone in the government who is interested in developing Constanza as a tourist area... (which it should be)
Because the farmers are using heavy pesticide
Since the town is in a mountain valley - there is a dome inversion which keeps the toxic fumes enclosed (think - Mexico City)
My piece on Constanza --from October, 2008
..."The price of gasoline is now at 197.5 (5.80 dollars) pesos per gallon which affects the cost of production. "All the water must be pumped from the canals or holding ponds," said Rosado, pointing to the small pumps at the side of one pond.
Asked about gravity-fed systems, Rosado said, "Some farmers have installed some systems for that but not many. You still have to pump the water. And the price of oil also affects the price of fertiliser and transportation."
Hugo Arriasa Morales, of NRECA International, an NGO which works on installing rural energy systems, says that solar energy can help reduce the costs of production.
"We are working to install a small hydroelectric system in Constanza. And if a group of farmers, perhaps 20, combine for a solar system, we can help them greatly reduce costs of production," he said. "...

But I think I omitted the issue of the agricultural fumes -- since I was there for a week, and most tourists are only there for a overnight - so I decided I could leave it out and still have an authentic piece.
It would be GREAT if someone could add to this thread!! (there were at least 2 lovely hotels -I am confident they are both there.
Anyway - PLEASE PASS THIS INFORMATION to some agronomist in the Government - since there are a LOT of them and the DR is doing a stunning job so far in preserving nature..... BUT - ALL the people who have to live there are being poisoned,
So - there is that issue,
(yes, I do spend my day with BOOK TALK on CSPAN2)