B2 First · Multiple Matching · Cambridge English First 3, Cambridge University Press
You are going to read an article about four people who set up local environmental projects. For questions 1–10, choose from the people (A-D). The people may be chosen more than once.
Evans Wadongo
Like many Kenyans, Evans Wadongo grew up studying by the light of a kerosene lamp. Bad for his eyes, the lamps also produced harmful fumes that made him cough. So, Evans designed a cleaner sun-powered alternative. Instead of importing solar technology from a mass-producing country, he set up the Use Solar Initiative, which trained youngsters to manufacture special solar-powered lamps, using locally-sourced scrap metal and fragments of solar panels. A USB port, built into the base, offered an easy way to charge phones and radios. The lamps were then given to local groups, who used the money they saved on kerosene to set up small businesses such as poultry farming or beekeeping. Evans says that getting finance for the project was a challenge due to its long-term nature. Each lamp costs
5, which covers materials, training and distribution. The groups used money from their successful businesses to buy more lamps.
Alasdair Harris
Coastal communities in south-western Madagascar have lived by fishing for more than a thousand years. But when biologist Alasdair Harris visited the region, he found them struggling to sustain themselves because population increases had diminished local fish stocks. Unsurprisingly, people had mixed feelings when he suggested closing one of the local fishing grounds, but agreed to a three-month trial. When it was reopened, they caught a staggering 1,200 kg of octopus in one day and the community could see the benefit of looking after their resources. Others soon took up the model and the country now boasts hundreds of marine areas, monitored and protected by local people. Organisations in neighbouring countries have begun to replicate the model, as recognition grows for the importance of locally initiated conservation. 'We need a radically new approach,' Alasdair says, 'that's why we do this work.'
Nam Nguyen
Although much of Vietnam's population lives in rural areas, its two major cities are increasingly affected by traffic and pollution. Ride-sharing was a relatively new concept when Nam Nguyen founded his Hana-based ride-sharing website. Initially, he intended to make a free network where people could share vehicles and contribute to protecting the environment. 'I tried to learn the model from European schemes, but they didn't really work here. Private vehicles are a source of pride for many city dwellers, who rely on them to visit their families in the provinces. They wouldn't give them up easily.' He realised he'd have to form a business plan to help finance and promote the idea. So, Nam designed a taxi-sharing service whose profits could support the ride-sharing enterprise he had initially imagined. 'The taxi service has become our main revenue stream. It allows the ride-sharing network to continue to grow.'
Bernice Dapaah
About to graduate with a business administration degree but facing a tough job market in Ghana, Bernice Dapaah joined forces with some engineering students to create an innovative product from bamboo, an abundant crop in Ghana. They make strong, lightweight and durable bikes out of bamboo, using an ever-growing team of young people specially trained for the role. The project has serious green credentials, too: not only are the bikes an affordable, environmentally sound alternative to cars, but bamboo is fast-growing, produces up to 35% more oxygen than other trees and helps to prevent soil erosion, a significant cause of concern for farmers. It's an idea so brilliant the team went on to win ten international awards. The initiative had soon sold over a thousand bikes, including exports, allowing new workshops to be set up. The idea is that each employee, once trained, can train and employ five others and bikes can be produced on a small scale all over Ghana.
Local environmental heroes
Four innovators who founded local conservation projects
accepted that the attitudes of local people might be impossible to change?
included a useful additional feature on a product?
co-operated with others to develop the initial idea?
had to convince local people to take part in an experiment?
managed to get products sold in other countries?
received formal recognition for a project's achievements?
realised that it wasn't possible to use ideas that had worked elsewhere?
saw that a traditional way of life was under threat?
created an example that people in different places were able to follow?
used materials that they recycled?
Which person
Available as a free printable PDF worksheet with an optional answer key.