Environment

Watershed Preservation

CARE's watershed management activities are designed to secure water both in quality and quantity for improved agricultural productivity, as well as for drinking and sanitation. Activities include mapping of the watershed area, and planting of trees and grasses around the area to prevent water contamination, torrents or landslides. CARE watershed management activities also comprehend infrastructure development activities, such as the construction of micro catchments for water harvesting, and irrigation and drinking water systems. In 2000, CARE has 12 large watershed management projects throughout the world.

In Guatemala, CARE's Integrated Watershed Management Project, MICUENCA, works with families living around 30 small to medium sized watersheds in highlands and eastern regions of Guatemala, helping them to preserve the areas around their water source while simultaneously increasing their food, wood and income. Key project components include environmental education, environmental inventories and monitoring, training in sustainable agricultural methodologies, forestry and environmentally sound income generation activities.