Receipt #95 to Caribbean Agroforestry Institute

Having Josh Kearns teach a Biochar Water Filtration course in Puerto Rico provides an exceptional opportunity to bring world-class expertise in decentralized water treatment to communities that can directly benefit from resilient, low-cost solutions. Dr. Kearns is internationally recognized for his work on biochar-based filtration systems that remove pathogens, heavy metals, and organic contaminants from drinking water. His approach emphasizes practical, locally adaptable technologies that can be constructed and maintained using accessible materials—making them particularly well suited for island communities where centralized infrastructure can be vulnerable to disruption from storms, power outages, and economic constraints. For Puerto Rico, where many rural and agricultural communities rely on rainwater catchment, wells, and small-scale water systems, training in biochar filtration provides both immediate and long-term benefits. Participants gain hands-on skills to build and maintain filtration units capable of producing safe drinking water while also learning how biochar production can be integrated with agroforestry, waste biomass management, and climate-resilient land stewardship. By equipping farmers, homesteaders, educators, and community leaders with these tools, the course helps strengthen local capacity for water security, environmental health, and disaster preparedness while fostering practical knowledge that can be shared and replicated across the island. 🌿