The Honnold Foundation
Honnold Foundation
Solar energy for a more equitable world
Since 2020, the Honnold Foundation has partnered with ATAIC to bring solar-powered electricity to over 50 families in the remote Brazilian Amazon, enhancing social, economic, and food security through solar home systems, food processors, and water systems. The project's success has led other communities to seek similar solutions, and with new funding from the Honnold Foundation, ATAIC plans to replicate this community-driven model in up to four neighboring communities, paving the way for a solar-powered future across the region.
My two passions in life are cycling and environmentalism. When I set out to break the Pan-American world record I wanted to use my platform to advance a cause I truly believe in. After working closely with the Honnold Foundation, I have chosen to raise money for Kara Solar and ATAIC. In honor of my attempt, I hope to make an impact through my fundraising efforts. Please join me in my mission of promoting solar energy for a more equitable world by making a contribution today.
Donations support the installation of solar panels in indigenous communities of the Amazonia in Ecuador and Brazil. Since becoming a Honnold Foundation Partner in 2020, Kara Solar has been developing a network of solar canoe ports, connecting nine Achuar communities across 67 km of the Pastaza and Capahuari Rivers, facilitating commerce and exchange. Kara Solar is expanding this model to other Amazonian communities, including a partnership with Size of Wales and the Wampís nation. With ongoing support from the Honnold Foundation, Kara Solar aims to create a future where 100 Indigenous-owned solar transportation hubs connect five countries across the Amazon, while continuously advancing their technology.
Kara Solar
For the Achuar community, consisting of about 6,000 people living along the Amazon River Basin at the Ecuador-Peru border, the idea of a silent, efficient boat represents the realization of a long-held dream, symbolizing a new era aligned with the jungle's spirit. Canoes are vital for transportation in the rainforest, where thick forests and complex terrain make travel by foot or car nearly impossible, and diesel-powered canoes are problematic due to frequent repairs, oil leaks, and costly fuel. Solar-powered canoes offer a clean, quiet alternative, freeing the Achuar from dependence on imported fuel and allowing daylong travel at speeds up to 9 miles per hour, with enough battery power for several hours of night travel.
