Syrian Bedouins get solar powered lights to preserve desert environment

An experiment conducted by the the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) aims at encouraging local Bedouins (nomads) to use solar power within the context of conservation efforts to maintain the Syrian desert seems to be making progress.

The project is a joint venture sponsored by the Syrian government and the Italian government and is technically implemented by the FAO.

The new solar-powered system will replace the old gasoline lamps that are usually used by Bedouins. After charging the new lamps with solar energy, they can illuminate the tent for four hours or double the time if only one of the two lamps in the system is used.

The new solar system has been well-received by the Bedouins because it works under all weather conditions, prevents pollution and its price is relatively cheap; costing no more that 2,000 Syrian pounds.