ERD supports environmental sustainability and development through its food security and primary health programs worldwide, assisting communities through forestry projects such as planting trees, creating tree nurseries, and maintaining woodlots. Farmers are taught new agricultural training techniques that help to correct poor farming practices that cause degradation to vast amounts of land, leaving it barren.

In Haiti, only 2 percent of the country is forested and 6,000 hectares of once-arable land is destroyed annually due to soil erosion. ERD's partnership with the Episcopal Diocese of Haiti and the Haiti Fund has managed the Comprehensive Development Project (CODEP), a reforestation and agricultural training center. In response to deforestation in Haiti's mountain regions, the partnership has established more than 870,000 meters of hedgerows, 60,000 meters of contour canals, and planted more than 2 million forest trees and 105,000 fruit trees since 2000.

In the Philippines, ERD is working with the Diocese of Central Philippines in the Rizal Province to teach farmers of the dangers of "kaingin," a type of farming where mountain sides are burned and planted with cash crops. In response to community concerns, ERD is assisting the diocese in creating a community farm. Coffee and fruit from the mountainous Central region of the country are in high demand due to better taste and quality. Bananas, coffee, and fruit will be planted on the farm and will serve as a source of income for farmers and help stop the practice of "kaingin" farming.

"Careful stewardship of land and water resources is a central component of ERD's agricultural programs," said Abagail Nelson, ERD's vice president for Programs. "Crop rotation, reforestation, and other integrated efforts have both a positive influence on the environment and help to sustain the lives that depend on that environment."

ERD's programs help to save lives and teach people how to appreciate and value planet Earth.

To make a contribution to Episcopal Relief and Development, please visit http://www.er-d.org/ or call 1-800-334-7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to: Episcopal Relief and Development, PO Box 7058, Merrifield, VA 22116-7058.