Following a rigorous international competitive process, researchers from UNICARIBE have, for the first time, been awarded action-research funding from the international funding agency Impulsouth, which is financed by Fundación Avina. Research and innovation represent a key institutional strategy that UNICARIBE is advancing through its research center, CAYEI. The funds will be used to catalyze social entrepreneurship in renewable energy within communities in Monte Plata. The project is supported by UNICARIBE Lab, which brings together efforts in creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication—recognized as essential 21st-century competencies.
The objectives of the project are:
- To share knowledge about entrepreneurship and innovation with the aim of empowering rural communities and promoting sustainable development.
- To train a rural community in Monte Plata, Dominican Republic, in the design, installation, and maintenance of solar energy systems while ensuring equity.
- To promote the economic, social, and inclusive development of the Municipality of Monte Plata by fostering sustainable energy-based entrepreneurship and strengthening local technical and entrepreneurial capacities.
Alignment with National and Global Strategies
This project supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) by promoting inclusive and accessible training opportunities, and SDG 5 (Gender Equality) by encouraging the active participation of women in the energy sector. It also reinforces SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and aligns with the Dominican Republic’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which emphasize access to renewable energy. It complements national rural development goals led by the Ministry of Energy and Mines and the National Energy Commission (Climate Policy Database, 2020).
In line with SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), the initiative targets underserved communities to ensure equitable access to knowledge and sustainable solutions. Furthermore, it contributes to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by fostering local capacities that support resilient and energy-efficient community development.
Our project aims to seek collaboration with the local government. Their role will be crucial in identifying relevant foundations and community groups that can be involved in the initiative. By partnering with local authorities, we ensure that the project aligns with community needs and supports inclusive participation.
This collaboration contributes to the country’s broader agenda for a just energy transition by empowering local stakeholders and promoting equitable access to renewable energy education and opportunities.
Target Audience:
The beneficiaries of this initiative are residents of rural areas in the Municipality of Monte Plata, Dominican Republic. The program aims to engage at least 40 participants, with at least 50% being women. These communities face significant challenges in accessing reliable, safe, and sustainable electricity. To address this issue, they require training in renewable energy technologies, which will also empower them to pursue entrepreneurship and drive innovation within their communities.