Comité de Emergencia Garífuna (CEGAH, Garífuna Emergency Committee)
This women-led initiative arose in 1998 in response to the devastating effects of Hurricane Mitch on sixteen agrarian Garifuna communities. These peoples of Afro-indigenous descent have traditionally been socioeconomically marginalized in Honduras, and their agricultural livelihoods were hard hit by the loss of 70% of the country's crops due to heavy flooding.
Beyond initial disaster relief efforts, the initiative has sought to improve local resilience to future environmental disasters. By conserving forests, incorporating sustainable agricultural practices for hillside farming, adopting appropriate technologies, rehabilitating beaches, and supporting the land reform efforts of disenfranchised Garifuna communities, Comité de Emergencia Garífuna (CEGAH, Garífuna Emergency Committee) is helping to ensure that future generations of Garifuna are able to live prosperously and in balance with healthy ecosystems.
Key Facts
Equator Prize Winner: 2004
Founded: 1998
Location: Colón
Beneficiaries: 16 GARIFUNA COMMUNITIES
Biodiversity: COASTAL HUMID-TROPICAL FOREST
Case Study
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Related Multimedia Resources
Comité de Emergencia Garifuna (CEGAH) - Honduras (ES)
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Equator Prize 2004
Latin America And The Caribbean
Biodiversity Conservation
Ecoagriculture and Food Security
Sustainable Forestry
Community-Based Adaptation to Climate Change
Marine and Coastal Resource Management
Freshwater Management
Sustainable Energy
Contact Information
Martín Martinez
Comite de Emergencia Garifuna de Honduras
A.P. No. 67
Trujillo, Colon
Honduras
Tel: 504-9713-31-00
Fax: 504-434-2518
Email: marcali2004@yahoo.es
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