SusGren has decided to use a nature-based approach in an effort to mitigate soil erosion on Union Island by introducing the vetiver grass system and tree planting activities.
The Vetiver Grass System (VGS) was first developed for soil and water conservation on farm lands.
On Union Island, this will be done in strategic areas on the Grenadine island to reduce the erosion of topsoil. SusGren says they are pleased to collaborate with Ms. Vonnie Roudette on this initiative.
Roudette, who has been involved in this field for over a decade, recently visited the island to further discuss the project with SusGren’s team and to conduct an assessment of the proposed planting sites.
The project, entitled “Using Vetiver as an Ecosystem-Based Approach to Reduce Soil Erosion on Union Island,” is being implemented through funding from the SGP Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Although Vetiver grass (Vetiveria zizanioides) has been used for land protection purposes for about 50 years, its real impact on soil and water conservation was only started in the late 1980s, following its promotion by the World Bank.
The system has unique morphological, physiological, and ecological characteristics, including its tolerance to highly adverse conditions, and is used in more than 100 countries.
