Peru’s indigenous Uros people turn to solar power
Peru’s indigenous Uros people turn to solar power
Last updated on 29 December 2014, 8:27 pm
Pic: Sophie Yeo
By Sophie Yeo
By Sophie Yeo
Living on artificial floating islands on Lake Titicaca, Peru’s Uros people lead simple lives of fishing and craftsmanship.
Some say that this indigenous race dates back some 3,700 years to when the central Andes were first settled.
Forced onto the islands of totora reeds by colonising Incas, they have since spent their days rebuilding and replacing the spongy foundations of their homes.
Separated from the mainland, the Uros people have retained many of the habits of their ancestors. But when it came to solar technology, they were early adopters.
Victor Vilca, who lives on Uros Khantati, one of more than 50 floating islands in the lake, says that the islanders started using solar panels to provide electricity around 25 years ago.
He has now installed six solar panels on his own island, where he lives with his wife, children and three other families.
More:
http://www.rtcc.org/2014/12/29/perus-indigenous-uros-people-turn-to-solar-power/
