Although self-actualization is often considered a need to be met after more basic needs are fulfilled, experience with a development project in four impoverished and isolated Colombian communities indicates that development of human potential can be an integral part of overall development. An environment that supports the development of human potential also has the ability to fulfill basic biological needs. The people in the four communities where Project PROMESA operated lived in an environment that met some of those needs, among them freedom from fear and opportunities for affiliation and love, but which did not satisfy basic biological requirements for a healthy environment or opportunities for self-actualization. The development projects designed to improve the health of young children by providing latrines, garbage disposal, clean water, and medical care were also designed to provide opportunities for adult community members to participate in planning and implementation and to develop their leadership abilities. This enabled community members to maintain and improve the environment after the project ended. (IS)