Newsletter March-April 2002

PRODUCTION & ENVIRONMENT PROGRAM

Two projects began on March 1st, the Wetlands Reforestation Project and the Construction of Improved Kitchens for Isla de Mendez. The first project will restore 85 acres of mangrove forest while the second will result in the construction of 50 energy-efficient stoves, reducing the use of firewood (and therefore pressures on the existing mangrove forests). These projects are financed by FIAES (Fondo Iniciative para las Americas El Salvador).

CREDIT PROJECT The Coordinadora-Mangrove Association continues awarding credit for agricultural production, particularly in the support of diversified agriculture and irrigation. To date, 120 families have benefited from approximately $154,818.56 in loans.

Papayas grown with drip irrigation, made possible with a loan from the Coordinadora-Mangrove Association.

COMMERCIALIZATION

The Coordinadora-Mangrove Association's Commercialization Unit is working to sell the papaya and bell peppers grown by 10 farmers who are participating in the Production Program. Presently, their products are being sold in the La Tiendona bulk market.

These products add to the growing list of crops that are now being sold outside the region beginning over a year ago, including sesame, corn, sorghum, and white beans.

INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEERS

In March, more than 50 Jewish students from seven universities and colleges have used their Spring Break to visit our communities and do volunteer work through a program organized by the American Jewish World Service. They represented Columbia University, Dartmouth, Goucher, Johns Hopkins, Tufts, Northeastern, and Wellesley.

Students at the Potrero Rural School during the innauguration of the Perimeter Wall constructed with financing from the American Friends Service Committee.

TO MAKE DEVELOPMENT VIABLE, YOU HAVE TO SEE THE ENVIRONMENT AS A KEY ELEMENT FOR HUMAN SURVIVAL