Habitat for Humanity Tajikistan becomes finalist nominee in World Bank
international competition
DUSHANBE, TAJIKISTAN (May 20, 2011) - Habitat Tajikistan Reinforcement Technology was nominated a finalists in a World Bank international innovation competition. It was showcased at the World Reconstruction Conference innovation Competition Forum, the first large]scale global conference focused on natural disaster recovery and reconstruction, organized by the World Bank, Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) and the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR)in Geneva, Switzerland in May 10 - 13, 2011.
Over 2,000 people participated in the Conference. WRC received an impressive 71 entries from 32 countries from a vast array of topics including the use of solar‐power in recovery, seismic‐resistant vernacular architecture and medical analysis using cell phones and many more. A panel of five judges representing World Vision International, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), ACT Alliance, Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre (ADPC) and Shelter Centre reviewed each of the projects and announced the top three nominates among whom Habitat became a finalist in the competition.
Habitat Tajikistan represented its Mullberry Twig Reinforcement Project which is developed in partnership with Institute of Seismology of Republic of Tajikistan. The technology is based on the native mulberry tree which grows in abundance across the country and offers low‐income communities the opportunity to reinforce their homes against earthquake damage with an innovative, affordable, low‐tech and environmentally sustainable solution. Mulberry twigs can simply be harvested, coupled into grids and attached to internal mud walls using a plaster mixed with straw and wool. As a result, this seismically stabilizes the walls and thus provides much needed structural protection for the inhabitants.
“Invest Today for a Safer Tomorrow – the overall theme around which The Global Platform and it’s key feature World Reconstruction Conference was organized. As it was noted for every US$ 1 invested in resilience and prevention, between US$ 4‐7 are saved in response. It has been a privilege to participate in this event to share HFHT experience in Disaster Response and Risk Reduction and present safe housing technology that has been awarded as one of the most innovative submission. This gave us a unique chance to showcase this solution and project, develop awareness and network to build partnerships. It’s both acknowledgement of what has been done and inspiration for more action and innovative solutions” – said Behruz Dadoboev, Program Development Manager of Habitat Tajikistan
World Reconstruction Conference and the Global Platform brought together over 2,000 leaders, experts, policy makers, and practitioners, from government, international organizations, NGOs, academia, and the private sector from both developing and developed countries collected, assessed, and shared disaster reconstruction and recovery experiences and took forward the policy dialogue for an effective international disaster recovery and reconstruction framework.
About Habitat for Humanity Tajikistan
Habitat for Humanity Tajikistan was established in 1999. To date, more than 530 housing interventions have been done, ranging from new house builds, completion of half]build homes, renovations and remodeling of apartment block buildings, together with volunteers and homeowners. Almost 5,500 families have been served. Find out more at www.habitat.tj
About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has built, rehabilitated, repaired or improved more than 350,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 1.75 million people. For more information, or to donate or volunteer, visit www.habitateurope.org.
CONTACTS:
Farhod Nabiyulloev
Resource Development & Communications Officer
Habitat for Humanity Tajikistan
Tel: +992 37 227 74 48
e‐mail: farhod@habitat.tj
