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Heifer International is working to protect the environment through agroecology.

And, just what is "agroecology"?

It's the sustainable use and management of natural resources, accomplished by using social, cultural, economic, political and ecological methods that work together to achieve sustainable agriculture production. That means everything is working together to help save the environment. It's a healing touch for our planet that helps reduce our environmental footprint or the impact each one of us makes.

And how is Heifer working to save the environment? We give animals to people in communities that are appropriate for the land. We use zero grazing techniques to keep the land from being further depleted. We teach people how to grow fodder so they don't have to destroy the land. We teach people how to use farm manure to heat their homes and improve their soil.

Each step makes a difference and helps reduce the size of our footprint.

Through an integrated system of plant and animal production practices, Heifer is working carefully to:

• Satisfy human food needs
• Enhance environmental quality and natural resources
• Make the most of nonrenewable resources and on-farm resources
• Integrate natural biological cycles and controls
• Sustain the economic viability of farm operations and livelihoods
• Improve the quality of life for farmers and society as a whole

Heifer is committed to and recognized for its contribution to sustaining life on Earth through agroecological actions worldwide. We support men and women farmers in their stewardship of the environment. We value their knowledge and holistic approaches as the foundation for sustainable production and improved livelihoods.

We also recognize the importance and diversity of beliefs and cultures that nurture and sustain agricultural biodiversity. Right now, for example, Heifer is helping plant trees in Peru and Nepal to curb erosion and reverse deforestation; clean up garbage in Romania; preserve traditional medicine plants in Cameroon; and test water purity in the Philippines.

These are small steps that will, taken together, make a big difference in reducing our environmental footprint.

By establishing an agroecology endowment, you will be investing in a better world for generations who have yet to be born.

Current Agroecology Endowments.

• Agroecology Endowment
• Bayer Animal Health Division Endowment
• Eliana Sara Jacobson Memorial Endowment
• Buddy Maughn Animal Health Endowment
• Rector and Neill Families Urban Agricultural Endowment
• James B. and Faith M. Temple Family Agroecology Endowment