Foundation Receives Letter of Intent from University of Antananarivo: A Major Step Forward in the Garden of Eden Water Infrastructure Initiative
11 September 2024
The Jacquelyn Jestine Sanders Foundation is thrilled to announce a pivotal milestone in our ongoing efforts to address water infrastructure challenges at the University of Antananarivo. The University has officially issued a Letter of Intent, confirming its commitment to support the Foundation’s planning and development of the “Garden of Eden” concept for sustainable water management and infrastructure improvement on its campus.
This collaboration marks an exciting moment in the Foundation’s mission to promote innovative, sustainable infrastructure solutions, not only in Madagascar but across the globe.
The University’s Water Infrastructure Challenges
The University of Antananarivo, like many [educational] institutions in regions facing infrastructure deficits, is struggling with outdated water management systems. These challenges have diverted attention away from the university’s core mission: education. Students and faculty, who should be focused on academic and research pursuits, are often forced to manage basic needs, such as sourcing clean water.
Addressing these issues is not only vital to the university’s long-term success but also represents a broader global challenge. Across Madagascar, particularly in the south, communities struggle daily to access clean, potable water. The problem at the University of Antananarivo serves as a microcosm of these larger issues, making it a critical case study for sustainable water infrastructure solutions that can be scaled globally.
The Garden of Eden Concept
Our “Garden of Eden” proposal is a multifaceted solution to the university’s water infrastructure challenges. Developed in collaboration with students from Polytechnique and the University of Antananarivo, and based on the groundwork laid by ARAFA, this proposal focuses on three key components:
- Subsurface Flowing Constructed Wetlands for wastewater management.
- Surface-Level Free-Flowing Constructed Wetlands for freshwater capture and purification.
- Biological Filtration for Drinking Water
This approach is designed to provide a sustainable source of potable water for university facilities while integrating natural ecosystems into the campus environment. The plan further envisions the wetlands as a hub for agricultural research, where the university could establish a center for rice permaculture, creating opportunities for innovation in both water management and sustainable agriculture.
The “Garden of Eden” approach emphasizes rainwater capture, storage, and purification, creating a self-sustaining water system. Not only will it address immediate water needs, but it could also become a model for future water infrastructure projects across Africa and beyond. With proper planning, the concept could elevate the university’s standing as a research leader in integrated water management and agriculture.
What’s Next?
Receiving the University of Antananarivo’s Letter of Intent is a critical step toward turning this vision into reality. The Foundation, alongside university stakeholders, is now focused on the next phases of the project:
- Prototype Testing in Germany: The Foundation has already begun testing rainwater capture and filtration systems in Germany, where a small-scale prototype is being developed. The results of these tests will provide valuable insights that can be applied to the full-scale implementation at the University of Antananarivo.
- Academic Journal Publication: The 2024 edition of the Sustainable Vision Academic Journal will feature findings from both the University of Antananarivo’s students and international contributors. This publication will serve as a cornerstone for funding applications, showcasing the data and insights gathered from research and pilot projects.
- Funding Applications: Armed with the university’s Letter of Intent and the academic journal, the Foundation will soon begin the process of applying for international funding to support the Garden of Eden project. Securing this funding is essential for the successful implementation of the solution, and the Foundation is confident that the support of the university will help make a compelling case for potential funders.
- Further Planning and Development: As we continue to refine and adapt the Garden of Eden approach, we are also exploring how this concept can be scaled to address water challenges in other regions, particularly in the southern parts of Madagascar, where families spend hours each day collecting low-quality water. By solving the water issues at the University of Antananarivo, we aim to demonstrate a sustainable, scalable solution for communities worldwide.
A Vision for the Future
The Jacquelyn Jestine Sanders Foundation believes that the partnership with the University of Antananarivo represents a unique opportunity to showcase the potential of nature-based water infrastructure solutions. The Garden of Eden approach, through its integration of natural environments and human needs, promises to transform the university’s water systems into a model of sustainability, innovation, and resilience.
We look forward to working closely with the university as we move into the next stages of development, and we will keep our supporters and partners updated on our progress. With perseverance, collaboration, and innovation, we believe that this project will not only benefit the university but also serve as a beacon of hope for those facing similar challenges around the world.
Stay tuned for updates on the Garden of Eden initiative, and join us in our mission to create a sustainable future for education, agriculture, and water management.
Jacquelyn Jestine Sanders Foundation
