Coconets(RP) tops BBC World Challenge 2005

It's a bit late but this is a great honor for the Philippines. Coconet, made from waste coconut husk is abundant in my hometown because copra is the primary source of income of the people there.

Agricultural engineer Justino Arboleda of the Philippines won the first prize in the First World Challenge contest sponsored by BBC World television in London on Nov. 17 for his soil erosion control net or coconet.

Coconet, made from waste coconut husk, was adjudged the best environmental grassroots project in the world. It was among 456 entries from 90 countries.

Malta, which introduced a biodiesel product, took the second prize, while Vanuatu was in third place for its rechargeable battery.[INQ7]

The World Challenge, brought to you by BBC World & Newsweek, in association with Shell, is a competition aimed at finding individuals or groups from around the world who have shown enterprise and innovation at a grass roots level. This competition is all about finding entrepreneurs whose projects are making a difference to communities.