The goal of the project is to enhance the sustainable use and management of environmental
resources in and around the Rio Blanco National Park. Rio Blanco National Park is a tourist destination, but management has no access to telecommunications because the site is remote. An Internet connection would offer access to the World Wide Web. Satellite dish technology is readily available, and the group could hire a designer for a web site.
The Association foresees a twelve-month project with two main objectives: to strengthen park management with training and infrastructure; also to amplify the solar power systems in the two primary schools and add enough laptop computers so that students could begin using them.
Proposed Outputs - 1.0: Improved management of the Park through training and institutional strengthening
1.1: Capacity building workshops in computer use ? BoD RBMA
1.2: Park Management Mentorship
1.3: Intensive Training in Climate Change and Solar Technology (6 members of each village ? one week at MMRF)
1.4: Improved solar System, light system, laptop at Visitors Center
2.0: Improved marketing of RBNP by establishing Internet access
2.1: Install satellite internet access at RBNP
2.2: Post a website for RBNP and the two communities
3.0: Improved relations with communities by establishing computer labs at two village primary schools
3.1: Install two solar systems (2,500 Watt-hours/day 24v.)
3.2: Establish 5-laptop computer labs at two schools with printers (labs located in libraries ? both separate buildings )
3.3: Train PTA members to manage computer labs (12 sessions computer, 10 sessions business)
3.4 Begin training upper-division students
4.0: A well-managed project
4.1: Contract a Project Coordinator
4.2: Establish good communications (office supplies, telecommunications)
4.3: final project evaluation