1. THE IDEA
H2OS is a co-development experiment promoted by Senegalese immigrants in the Italy created to spread information about how to implement and construct employing local building material and techniques in compliance with the rural Saharan natural environment. The experimental model will promote community and sustainability.
2. THE PROJECT
H2OS is to become an ecovillage prototype tailored to technical, economical, self-sufficient agricultural capacities of local communities: a prototype house that can harvest and store water supplies for all domestic uses (drinking, cooking, washing, irrigation) and to integrate the scarce water resources in a few artificial walls.
3. THE COMMUNITY
Senegalese immigrants were involved in the planning to ensure that the building would meet their needs. Thanks to the implementation of its inhabitants and local authorities, the project was located in Keur Bakar Diahité, a village 200 kms South of Dakar in the Fatik region close to the natural park of Sine Saloum.
4. THE CONSTRUCTION
The initial building will be the Civic Centre of the village and a research laboratory for sustainable techniques that includes a space for teaching and learning activities and an eco-info-point.
5. THE TRAINING SCHOOL
The construction is an opportunity to train local staff through a site school: we have formed a cooperative of young villagers lead by the village chief.
6. THE WOMEN COOPERATIVE
The local women’s association is organizing itself to improve agricultural capacity and know-how.
7. THE COMMUNITY GARDEN
