On August 11, 2021, The ICCF Group organized for parliamentary representatives of the Caribbean a field mission on nature-based solutions, at the vetiver grass planting site in the Canaries.
Day 1
The project team conducted a field mission with the RSPB, FFI, and Durrell to the racer breeding facility in Castries and the Castries Waterwork Reserve (Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy designation in Saint Lucia) to discuss relevant biodiversity conservation projects with partners and stakeholders and explore opportunities for support and collaboration between Saint Lucia and the United Kingdom.
Day 2
The team participated in a field mission to Canaries to visit the Canaries Community Improvement Foundation (CCIF) site of a vetiver grass planting in a CCIF project funded by the British High Commission and co-implemented by IICA.
The vetiver grass provided an example of a nature-based solution to reduce erosion, improve water flow and quality for the community, and support sustainable livelihoods through a crafting initiative with the harvested grass. The mission was also attended by the Constituency’s representative, Hon. Wayne D. Girard, Minister of Finance, Economic Development, and Youth Economy. The team visited the site and planted cinnamon and mango trees to increase the biodiversity of the planting site. The team also had an opportunity to visit the Canaries Community to witness the livelihood support element of the project.
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