Mission and Project

The Trinidad Conservation Project provides farming families near Trinidad, Honduras with the training and tools to
overcome poverty while restoring our planet’s tropical forests.

In 2007, the Episcopal Diocese of Washington (EDOW), St. Mark’s and St. Columba’s churches organized the
Trinidad Conservation Project (TCP) to support various environmental and economic sustainability projects
near the city of Trinidad in Western Honduras. Recently, St. Thomas’ Parish became a sponsor. The Episcopal
Diocese of Honduras also supports this project.

The project embraces the idea that there is an inextricable link between environmental stewardship and poverty
reduction, particularly in the tropics. Specifically, by teaching people simple and inexpensive ways to conserve and
protect the soil and forest in their communities, they can pull themselves out of poverty, improve nutrition for their
families and live healthier lives.

In central Honduras, this philosophy found its champion in Roy Lara — a trained agronomist and active Episcopalian
who has served as senior warden of Eglesia Episcopal de la Trinidad (Trinity Episcopal) in this historic city.

Tree Conservation/Reforestation:

Roy works with students, families and communities on tree planting and protection projects that help preserve and
restore local forests. Participants learn to appreciate how the forest cover is essential to protecting the natural water
supply, preserving soil quality, and preventing erosion.

Sustainable Agriculture Projects:

Roy teaches peasant farmers sustainable, organic farming techniques that involve crop rotation on single plots;
organic fertilizers, native seed varieties, and terracing – techniques that are inexpensive and highly effective.

The initial focus is on subsistence farming. Later, farmers learn to market their produce for profit. As a result,
families move from "slash-and-burn" agriculture to more sustainable, environmentally-responsible farming.