Once in awhile a bright new face arrives in town that isn't here for long, but does some really great things. One of these is Erica Gwynn, a Rotary International Ambassadorial Research Scholar from Detroit, Michigan. With the support of Rotary International's Scholarship program, Erica has already made her ecological footprint known. In conjunction with ACA Eco Training Center and Jocotepec Rotary she initiated a long overdue toxicology study and Eco health survey. This pilot study is the platform for continued research to assess current levels of mercury in various environmental media in and around Lake Chapala. The purpose of the study is to assess the health risk of mercury levels found in the lake and measure its effect on villagers. As an environmental toxicologist, Erica headed up the biological and social aspects of this initial pilot research assessment. Her soil samples in each area are now being tested and will give us some long awaited answers to toxicology issues in this area.
Shortly after her arrival, Erica partnered with ACÁ (Associacion Comunitaria de Autosuficiencia A.C.) to assess six lakeside villages. An extensive survey questionnaire was designed targeting rural villages, particularly in marginalized areas. The survey takes approximately 25 minutes to complete and pertains to health, diet and identifies environmental needs specific to each village. Throughout the last three months, students who conducted the survey have already learned much about establishing sound research metrics, and conducting complete interviews for the database. Erica Gwinn and ACÁ's CETAC interns are administering the survey to 50 men and women in six towns: San Juan Cosala, Mescala, Ocotlan, San Luis Soyatlan, San Cristobol, and Tizapan del Alto. So far they've completed the water and soil samples in each village and surveyed San Juan Cosala, Jocotepec and Tizapan
Even though this pilot project is unfunded, the power of networking has done amazing things, by joining forces with ACÁ and its Student Internship Program; we tapped into a key natural resource, national students. Taking advantage of this educational partnership with ACA and CETAC (Centro de Estudios Tecnológicos en Aguas Continentales) in Jocotepec, this mutually beneficial partnership allows CETAC interns to do a professional practicum for school credit at the ACÁ Eco Training Center. ACA interns gain real experience in eco research as they learn about sustainable natural resource management, organic farming, and they also participate in developing inspirational eco activities. The goal is training leaders for future Eco Clubs.
ACÁ is looking to secure volunteers to provide rides to help move around the interns, man the organic market store in Jaltepec or expedite the survey process by rounding up groups of area Mexican villagers willing to answer the questionnaire. Please contact Wendee Hill, the Project Co-coordinator at 01-387- 763-1568, or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to find out more about and this fascinating Lakeside study.
Ultimately this research will identify important factors relating to diet, health, eco and cultural demographics and will give us a glimpse of complex ecological issues that differ in each of the six villages. Not only a baseline study, it will be a springboard to a long overdue research toxicology study and be a valuable tool and roadmap for ACÁ's future program planning. Erica recently presented the pilot study preliminary findings to Rotary International and was successful in her bid for funding to return to the lakeside in June to continue this research for her PHD.
You can learn more about ACÁ Eco Training Center, tour the ecological farm and the vermiculture, construction of grey water management, soil enrichment, and other demonstration models. The Center has over 70 diversified species of organic herbs, ornamentals, edible plants, ground covers, ethnic and local organically grown vegetables, small fruits and small animal breeds. There is truly something for everyone, schools, educators and students of all ages, including your gardeners and area farmers. It's a short scenic tour, only 3.5 kilometers west of San Juan Cosala. You'll find the Eco Training Center on the mountainside, at the Jaltepec corner turnoff. Or go to www.greatgreens.org to find out more. and make your 2008 pledge ( via the Pay Pal button) For the continuation of this important toxicology research study, the six village needs assessment survey, and the Eco Club leadership training of national interns. Your Support is Vital! Help ACA meet the growing demand for a more sustainable future through sustainable Eco- training.
