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Florence Reed believes that when people work together, things change for the better. This belief led her to serve as a Peace Corps volunteer in Panama in the early nineties. In 1997, Reed founded Sustainable Harvest International (SHI), a nonprofit organization dedicated to working with rural Central American communities to implement sustainable land-use practices. As president of the organization, Reed divides her time between overseeing programs in Central America and gathering resources in the United States, bringing together farmers and donors to create a better future.
Over the past six years, SHI has helped more than 670 families in Honduras, Panamá, Belize and Nicaragua switch to sustainable land-use practices. SHI participants have planted over 900,000 trees that restore degraded rainforest and because sustainable practices allow farmers to work one piece of land indefinitely, they do not need to destroy any more forest in order to grow food. Organic vegetable gardens improve family nutrition and agro-forestry crops; such as organic coffee and chocolate increase family income. With incomes as much as 2000% higher than before SHI, participants are motivated to continue using sustainable practices.
Florence is equally comfortable speaking to school groups, civic organizations, church congregations and international forums. School children to CEOs of multinational organizations alike are captivated by her gripping accounts, vision, integrity, humor and forthright manner.
An acclaimed speaker for audiences of all ages and backgrounds, Florence Reed brings to her lectures a unique combination of fascinating information, beautiful photography and a warm appreciation of peoples and cultures. Her tales of struggle and hope exemplify what people can accomplish with determination and vision.
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Sustainable
Resources 2004 > Presenters
