Yoga Aid
Yoga Aid Challenge: Guatemala
at the Mystical Yoga Farm, Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
September 9, 2012
10:00-11:30 AM Yoga Class
12:00 PM Lunch
1:00-2:00 PM Farm Tour
2:30-4:00 PM Yoga Class
Everything is on a donation basis to raise money for the projects around the lake.
Mystical Yoga Farm and SchoolYoga Institute are partnering with Yoga Aid and G-22 in a fund-raising effort to support the local people, economy and environment of the Lake Atitlan Region in Guatemala. This project will support education in the use of biodegradable soaps and detergents and reforestation programs in the highlands of Guatemala.
100% of the funds go to the non-profit, G-22, and will be used for education in the use of biodegradable soaps and detergents’ and reforestation programs in Guatemala. Specifically around lake Atitlan, Sololá, Guatemala.
The Issue
Lake Atitlan, which is one of the world’s most beautiful lakes, is presently facing increasing water pollution problems. Without remediation, this may present a serious threat to the Mayan community dependent on the lake for their livelihood.
The problem at Lake Atitlan is termed eutrophication and means nutrient enrichment of aqueous bodies. Lake Atitlan is a caldera with no outlet hence everything in the basin accumulates in the lake. Years of uncontrolled nutrient input into Lake Atitlan has led to high nitrate and phosphorus levels, initiating the formation of cyanobacterial blooms that produce various toxins, which have impacted residents via drinking water and accumulation along the food chain.
Satellite images from November 2009 revealed that 40% of the lakes’ surface was affected by cyanobacteria Lyngbya Hyronimusii. As temperature declined in December the cyanobacteria receded.
Lack of adequate waste water management and lack of sustainable farming have been identified as the major causes of the eutrophication process which is amplified by the growing population. Additionally, multiple sources of erosion, destruction of wetlands, use of non-biodegradable phosphate-rich detergents and soaps and lack of adequate garbage disposal are also contributing to the eutrophication process.
The impact on the region
- The precious ecosystem with many endemic species is endangered as cyanobacterial blooms deplete oxygen and block sunlight which affects other organisms.
- Increased occurrence of health problems were registered including skin rashes and 5% of the population suffering from diarrhea.
- The economy is suffering as the regions predominant revenue is derived from tourism which in turn relies on the esthetic beauty and clarity of the lake.
- 180,000 people are dire ctly or indirectly dependent on the health of the lake for their livelihood.DONATE NOW
The Solution
The consensus amongst scien
tists and experts for Lake Atitlan is to implement programs that reduce the nutrient input of the lake such a:
- Introduction of biodegradable soaps, detergents and plastics
- Erosion prevention incentives
- Promote sustainable farming
- Waste water management
- Construction of wetlands
- Prohibition of sand extraction from river beds and shorelines for construction.
G-22: Guatemala’s Environmental Education NGO
G-22 believes that Environmental Education in Guatemala starts at home and should be taught using real solutions applied in rural and urban settings. Using rural and urban centers, G-22 is accomplishing this goal by inviting groups no larger than 22 to experience the power of learning by using the five senses to understand environmental awareness. The centers have living quarters, bathrooms, waste management, rainwater harvesting, applied renewable energies and more facilities to showcase solutions to current problems. G-22 also has a media outreach
Yoga Aid World Challenge
Learn More about Yoga Aid.
Yoga Aid Foundation, an international nonprofit that raises funds for charities through philanthropic yoga events, will host the first-ever, one day, around the world yoga tour benefiting 15 humanitarian-based charities internationally. On September 9, 2012, The Yoga Aid World Challenge will unite yogis around the globe in an effort to raise $1million with 100% percent of the proceeds going directly to the selected charitable organizations.
Starting in Sydney, the 24-hour yoga relay will travel around the world and end at sundown in Los Angeles. The Yoga Aid challenge will bring together renowned teachers, studios and students in over 20 countries, creating a united community, while focusing on raising money for charity. During these events, yogi participants will embark on a 2-hour yoga practice as a way to celebrate the funds they raised for the charity partners.
Unlike any other event, all expenses are supported privately – ensuring 100% of donations go straight to the charities.
“The Yoga Aid family is calling on the entire international yoga community to band together and help us host at least 200 events in 20 countries and raise more than $1 million for charities during the 2012 Challenge,” said Clive Mayhew, Co-founder, Yoga Aid Foundation. “We could not be more excited for the 2012 Yoga Aid World Challenge, as we hope to raise more money through yoga than ever before.”
Those individuals who are inspired by The Yoga Aid World Challenge are encouraged to signup and become Community Ambassadors. Ambassadors bring The Yoga Aid World Challenge home to their communities by creating, organizing and hosting a local event, whether the venue be a nearby park, studio or community center. Furthering Yoga Aid’s commitment to giving, the Foundation will provide all of the necessary event tools and funding for the creation of any local event scheduled during the September 9th 24-hour global yoga-relay.
“The Yoga Aid World Challenge is more than just our way to give back – it is an international charitable platform uniting all yogis for the greater good and activating a sense of joy in giving back to the world.” Eriko Kinoshita, Co-founder, Yoga Aid Foundation.
For more information on Yoga Aid or to become a Community Ambassador, please visit: http://www.yogaaid.com/
About Yoga Aid FoundationYoga Aid began in 2006 with knowledge so beautifully summed up in MC Yogi’s words: “When we live to give love, there’s no greater feeling”. Two yoga enthusiasts; Clive and Eriko, set out to put their yoga practice into action by creating Yoga Aid: an international non-profit supported by a small group of yoga and global change advocates. Here, yoga and charity find a connection, enabling the ‘giving’ mentality cultivated in yoga practice to take action across the world in supporting a variety of charities and community projects.
About Yoga Aid ChallengeThe Challenge is the way this giving community comes together; through special, two-hour yoga practices held in hundreds of locations worldwide. The Challenge is lead by a series of 12 teachers, many of whom are internationally renowned. Hundreds of yogis take part in these unique events in every location, raising money along the way for selected charity partners.
