Thirty-eight thousand hillside farm families adopted environmentally sustainable cultivation practices. As a result, soil erosion losses on steep slopes were reduced from thirty-seven tons per acre to less than half a ton, saving an estimated five million tons of topsoil annually. Farmers increased their income by more than fifty percent. LUPE's effectiveness was vividly demonstrated during Hurricane Mitch. Although soil erosion and landslides destroyed many farms, adjacent LUPE sites withstood the ravages of the storm.
Industrial pollution impairs human health and degrades economically important ecosystems.
Our pilot projects have introduced pollution-prevention technologies that reduce the consumption of water, energy, and raw materials, and thus improve efficiency and reduce costs. Partnership with others Because the challenge is beyond the means of any one actor, partnerships are essential. Accordingly, We build local capacity and commitment so programs will continue and have the opportunity to expand and engage the resources and creativity of the host country. We develop models that others adopt. Practical, simple, and culturally appropriate models have the best opportunity for being disseminated.