Practical Action chosen for prestigious New York museum exhibition

Press release, 13th May 2010

Development charity Practical Action has been recognised for its work in Sudan this week as one of the charity's innovative Improved Clay Stoves which is saving lives and the rainforest, goes on display at the renowned Smithsonian Institution in New York - the world's largest museum complex.

The clay stove has been selected by the Smithsonian institution to go on display as part of its National Design Triennial: Why Design Now? exhibition which presents the most innovative designs addressing human and environmental problems, and will run from May 14th 2010 - January 9th 2011.

Traditional cooking methods and equipment used in Sudanese communities causes 13 million acres of forest to be cut down for fuel every year, which contributes to climate change and as wood becomes more difficult to find, particularly in densely-populated areas, women and children run the risk of attacks and abuse when they travel further afield looking for it.

Practical Action's stove has revolutionised the lives of many Sudanese communities as it not only uses less wood, and can be easily manufactured by individuals within the communities, it also reduces gas emissions that can be damaging to people's health. smoke from cooking stoves actually kills more people in developing countries than Malaria and it's responsible for 1.6 million deaths every year.

Mohamed Majzoub Fidiel of Practical Action said: "To be selected by the Smithsonian Institute is a fantastic achievement for Practical Action and a great way of highlighting some of the work we are currently involved with in Sudan. The implementation of the stoves will, we hope, dramatically reduce deforestation and improve the day-to-day lives of those living in displaced people camps following civil conflict."

Practical Action employs 100 people at its headquarters in Bourton-on-Dunsmore, Rugby and has offices in a number of countries around the world including Sudan, Bangladesh, Peru and Nepal.

Read more about our stove work

For more information, please contact:

Abbie Upton, Practical Action Media Officer
Tel: 01926 634510
Out of Hours: 07714 205342
E-mail: abbie.upton@practicalaction.org.uk