In September 2010, the UN's year of Bio-Diversity, Raleigh pioneered a new project - constructing Bio Gas units in Southern India.

Since then Raleigh teams have constructed 15 Bio Gas plants in Southern India and it has become one of Raleigh's principle community projects in rural areas. The projects are being run in partnership with the Indian Ministry of Environment and Forests, the UNDP Small Grants Programme and Raleigh's project partner the CTRD Trust. The groups work in the Nilgiri District in Tamil Nadu, it is avery rich bio diverse area and our projects are delivered in the rural communities of marginalised tribal groups. Raleigh, and its partners are committed to sending many more groups of volunteers on expedition to continue with bio gas construction.

The Project - What is a Bio Gas Unit and what are its benefits?

A bio gas unit provides a totally sustainable and natural source of energy in rural region where there is little or no alternative source of power. The methane produced by cow manure is captured and stored to be used as a source of gas for cooking:

The use of the biogas unit will dramatically reduce the need for the local community to take wood from the forest to use as fire wood. This process itself is hazardous as the locals are exposed to the dangers of the forest wildlife.

The forest wood is often taken from protected areas - Bio Gas helps to protect natural habitats.

By-product of a Bio Gas Plant is high quality manure that improves crop yields and replenishes fast decreasing resources of productive soils.

The biogas plant will also provide a source of income from selling the milk that is produced by the cows that will be provided as part of the programme.

It also improve the health and well being of the community as they no longer have to cook over open fires on their homes.

What are Raleigh groups doing?

Working with local community and fellow Raleigh volunteers participants to complete a cow shed and the bio gas unit:

-Digging a large area in which to place the main underground bio gas chamber

Support and funding for this project is so important so that more communities can benefit from these biogas projects around the world.