How to plant a platano tree for the best platanos ever!
Biodigestors
CASM builds biodigestors in select homes in the communities where we work that use clean technology to convert animal manure and plant waste into methane for cooking. You don't need much animal manure to produce 2 or 3 hours worth of methane a day - a valuable commodity in a country where other forms of fuel are costly.
Eco-stoves
Many rural Hondurans rely on wood stoves for cooking. CASM builds eco-stoves that burn less wood and vent the smoke outside, reducing respiratory problems. These stoves burn 45 per cent less firewood - very important in a country with many problems due to deforestation.
Street fairs
CASM organizes public fairs and partners with other groups doing similar events that feature exhibitions on a variety of themes - agricultural and artisan production, human rights, food security, the environment. Here is a model of a watershed CASM built for display in 2012 at the first environmental fair in Copan Ruinas.
Improved agricultural practices
CASM works with small farmers to improve practices, diversify and increase their harvest, and develop more knowledge around the use and production of organic compost.
Risk reduction
CASM brings together organizations, institutions, local authorities and producers to prevent, reduce and resolve problems caused by natural disasters, climate change and deforestation. CASM is currently doing much work on strategies to protect watersheds.
Developing leadership in children and youth
CASM has supported a children's leadership council in Copan Ruinas, Cabildo Infantil, since 2002. The leadership council is open to children between the ages of 9 and 12. The young members of the council have been involved in many types of projects in Copan - from building school classrooms to buying sports equipment for children's sports teams. Many young community leaders trace their roots back to their time in the Cabildo.
Human-rights schools
CASM puts on human rights schools for children, youth and women to better understand their rights in Honduras (and internationally) and how to exercise them. CASM also works to increase political participation among citizens.
Caring for animals
CASM works with families to increase the availability, production and health of backyard animals like chickens, rabbits, pigs and cows. It also supports animal health program in coordination with the U.S.-based Christian Veterinary Mission.