Bringing Green Energy to Lomako

I received this photo from Jef Dupain in the Congo Heartland. He says, “We are incorporating green practices into Lomako Center as much as possible. Because the Center is in the middle of the forest, it’s important that we have low impact. Plus it saves cost too. Bringing fuel and batteries and things all the way out here is too expensive. So we’re trying to be creative to find better solutions.”


These solar torches called BoGo Lights are part of that solution. These were donated to AWF through Mark Bent’s SunLight Solar program.

“Their marketing approach is novel,” said Kurt Redenbo, AWF’s Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations. “When a customer purchases one torch they have the chance to designate AWF to receive a free torch. Buy one, give one.”

“Wherever I go, I see people reacting very positively to these solar lights,” said Jef.


The picture includes part of the team heading to the Lomako Conservation Science Center for the opening. From left to right:
Alfred Zola (AWF officer based in Basankusu), Nady Mpiana (consultant for AWF who is helping to prepare for the release of bonobos here in Basankusu), Ghislain Belembo (ICCN-AWF, monitoring large mammals in Lomako Reserve), Guyguy (Guard…very proud on his solar now), Jolie Okako (videojournalist making documentaries on AWF), Cecilia Julve (consultant helping develop “hunting management plan” in south of Lomako Reserve), Gisèle Kabolle (AWF intern working with Cecilia), Theo Way (AWF officer working on civil society strengthening, based in Basankusu).