As the authoritative, global voice for LP Gas, the WLPGA promotes the use of LP Gas globally to foster a cleaner, healthier and more prosperous world. We are currently working with UNDP on a partnership entitled The Rural LP Gas Challenge which among other things, seeks to promote the use of LP Gas in poor rural communities in developing and least developed countries to mitigate health problems associated with indoor air pollution from traditional cooking fuels.
Contact Information
The LP Gas Rural Chanllenge initiative is currently active in China, Vietnam, Honduras, Morocco, Ghana, South Africa and Turkey. In Morocco there is a microfinance and LP Gas pilot initiative that has been very successful and that we hope to roll out to other countries. We target mainly poor rural communities in developing and least developed nations although we have had excellent progress on a programme in South Africa that is targetting peri-urban township communities.
Our Experience And Interest In The Four PCIA Central Focus Areas
No input
We have been working closely with UNDP and local companies to try and change attitudes towards LP Gas use, particularly the issue of Gas being perceived as dangerous which is why safety standards and best practices are such a huge element of our work. The fact that LP Gas is accessible, affordable, clean and portable, means that it is ideal for bringing modern energy to the poor who have no access to an energy grid.
LP Gas was cited by the 2006 WHO study Fuel for Life as one of the ways to mitigate the scourge of indoor air pollution as well as to address the opportunity costs associated, particularly for women and girls, with firewood collection. We are currently conducting a study on the impacts of LP Gas on Women in Rural communities in Eastern Turkey and would like to make the indoor air pollution issue one of the pillars of the study.
Relevant Publications or Studies
Household Fuel and Ill health in Developing Countries Improved health as a result of reduced indoor air pollution is one of the key benefits of using LP Gas, rather than traditional household fuels such as firewood or coal, in a domestic environment. As well as addressing health, this study also discusses co-benefits of a switch to LP Gas such as reduced pressure on natural forests and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Our Contribution to the Partnership
We are happy to participate actively by offering the Industry's point of view on what is and what is not feasible as well as offering our experience and our global network. We will be holding our 20th annual World LP Gas Forum in Cape Town, October 24 - 26, 2007 (www.wlpgasforum2007.com). One element of this Forum will be a one day conference entitled LP Gas for African Development which will feature workshops and discussions on the indoor air pollution issue.
