Frequently Asked Questions – TerraVita Foundation
1. What exactly does TerraVita Foundation do?
We stop the cycle of mercury poisoning caused by artisanal gold mining in Ghana. We protect pregnant women and children through prenatal testing and treatment (Womb to Water), clean poisoned rivers, monitor water and child health in real time (TerraEcho), and help miners switch to mercury-free methods while creating ethical gold supply chains that fund the entire mission.
2. Where do you work?
Currently in the Ashanti Region of Ghana (Obuasi, Konongo, and surrounding communities). We focus on the most heavily contaminated river systems and mining towns first, with plans to expand nationwide.
3. Is TerraVita a registered charity?
Yes. We are a UK-registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), charity number 16868056, regulated by the Charity Commission for England & Wales.
4. How is mercury from mining harming people?
Mercury vapour and methylated mercury enter rivers, fish, rice, and drinking water. It crosses the placenta and damages developing brains, causing lower IQ, developmental delays, cerebral palsy-like symptoms, and higher rates of miscarriage.
5. Why focus on pregnant women and children?*
The developing brain is 10 times more sensitive to mercury than an adult brain. Damage done in the womb is permanent and irreversible. Protecting mothers protects the next generation.
6. Is the work evidence-based?
Yes. We work with the University of Lancaster, Ghana Health Service, and accredited laboratories. All health interventions follow WHO and Ghana FDA protocols for mercury poisoning.
7. How can I be sure my donation is used properly?
- We are committed to maximising the impact of every gift: with a goal of 85–92% of unrestricted donations go directly to field programmes in Ghana (river restoration, health screening, miner training, and monitoring).
- The remainder covers essential costs such as UK/Ghana compliance, auditing, banking fees, insurance, staff travel to project sites, and fundraising so we can continue and grow the work.
- All restricted/project-specific donations are ring-fenced and used 100% for the chosen cause.
- Full audited accounts are filed annually with the Charity Commission and available on our website.
8. What does “clean origin gold” mean?
Gold produced without mercury or cyanide, independently audited, fully traceable from mine site to refiner, and sold at a fair-trade premium that is returned to miners’ health funds and land restoration.
9. Can I visit the projects in Ghana?
Yes, we organise small, responsible volunteer and donor trips twice a year. Contact hello@terravita.org.uk for upcoming dates.
10. Are you partnered with the Ghanaian government?
Yes. We have formal MoUs with the Minerals Commission, Environmental Protection Agency, and Ghana Health Service to ensure alignment and long-term handover.
11. Is my donation tax-deductible?
UK taxpayers: yes, we reclaim Gift Aid (adding 25p for every £1 you give).
US donors: we are in the process of obtaining 501(c)(3) equivalency via Transnational Giving Europe.
Other countries: check your local tax rules or contact us.
12. How do I know the rivers are actually getting cleaner?
All water data from our TerraEcho sensors is public in real time at terravita.org.uk/live. Independent laboratories verify results quarterly.
13. Still have questions?
Email info@terravitainitiative.org or call +233 55 518 5584. We reply within 24 hours.