Project Detail

Adopt a River - A Tree Planting Project to Restore and Rehabilitate River Banks, Improve Water Quality and Quantity in the Isnare/Talvern River

The project's goal is to "halt and revert degradation of the Isnare/Talvern River" and the objectives are: (i) "Stabilization of the riverbank and re-vegetation of riparian strips (ca 20 metres) on both sides along 1.5 to 2 miles of the river course; (ii) reduction of dumping, pollution and other unsustainable activities in and near the river course; (iii) lead farmers adopt good agricultural practices; (iv) regular cooperation and coordination of management activities between, inter alia, BYS, Forestry Department, WASCO, Environmental Health, Extension Unit of the Ministry of Agriculture etc., - in addressing community and watershed needs; (v) Increased level of formal protection of Isnare/Talvern/Marquis Watershed; (vi) Rejuvenation of population dedicated to a rural livelihood in the Isnare/Talvern/Marquis Watershed; and (vii) Improve project management skills of BYS." Once completed this project will contribute to the LD outcome in the OP 5 CPS which states "Sustainable land management principles in use by communities as a means of protecting ecosystems services".

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Project Snapshot

Grantee:

Babbonneau Youth Synergy

Country:

Saint Lucia

Area Of Work:

Land Degradation

Operational Phase:

OP5 (Extended Period)

Grant Amount:

US$ 45,926.00

Co-Financing Cash:

US$ 2,407.00

Co-Financing in-Kind:

US$ 59,348.00

Project Number:

STL/SGP/OP5/Y4/CORE/LD/15/08

Start Date:

12/2015

End Date:

10/2017

Status:

Satisfactorily Completed

Project Characteristics and Results

Policy Impact

As we are using an inductive approach to the project, it is difficult to say at this time if there is a definitive possibility for policy change. We are however always looking for such opportunities.

Policy Influence

No policy was influenced.

Planning non gef grant

No.

Planning gef grant

Not at this time.

Capacity - Building Component

The grantee has limited capacity and capability in project management, as well as a shortage of leaders, and a deficit of skills in advocacy, and community awareness and education. The project has identified these deficiencies and will address them through an action learning approach and specific workshops.

Inovative Financial Mechanisms

The grantee will use various knowledge products to inform, educate and contribute to behavioural change, id est, reports, manuals, case study, social media, workshops, and will participate in a KM Fair which SGP will organise in 2016.

Replication of project activities

The group has been able to advice other groups on riverine reforestation and to help them avoid the mistakes they had made.

Promoting Public Awareness of Global Environment

The local media will be used as well as periodic community meetings. There will also be field consultations with farmers and land owners.

Project sustainability

The project was co-funded through the Iyanola Medium Sized Project. Specifically, funds are outstanding to help the group to complete the construction of a nursery. Once completed, we expect the chances of project sustainability to increase exponentially.

Emphasis on Sustainable Livelihoods

The project will focus on improving soil and water conservation through agroforestry techniques and the introduction of cocoa production and processing. A feasibility study will be undertaken on chocolate making in the Fond Assau area. The project will also explore the potential of nature based livelihoods and ecotourism activities, such as kayaking, horseback riding and bird-watching.

Gender Focus

There appear to be no unbalance between men and women in project roles and benefits to be derived. Careful observation and documentation will determine whether this continues during the project cycle.

Significant Participation of Indigenous Peoples

There are no indigenous peoples in the project area. All project activities will be conducted in the two national languages of Saint Lucia, i.e., English and Kwéyòl.

Notable Community Participation

This project was conceived by a group of young people with assistance from the GOSL and a consultant/facilitator. These young people will now be responsible for project management and implementation while being mentored. An action learning approach will be used.

Linkages gef projects

Was strongly connected with the GEF IYANOLA Project. That project will be funding the completion of a nursery for the group, which will enhance the impact of the project.

Project Results

The project was able to reforest 1.2 miles of either banks of the Isnare River but because of the lack of sustained cooperation from land owners only about 50% of planted trees were standing by the end of the project.

There was significant collaboration and assistance from the Department of Forestry, but this did not increase the project implementation rate which was seriously affected by the fluctuating capacity of the group as members joined and left at regular intervals.

The grantee reported that the level of education undertaken resulted in a 20% reduction in land degradation and there appeared to be more consciousness among community members.

Approximately 15 persons were employed in short term employment activities through various consultancies and catering for workshops.

Lesson Learned: The grantee noted that only legally binding agreements will ensure that such forms of deforestation could be sustainable, because farmers will promise and not fulfill these promises.

One general conclusion is that projects of this kind, in high unemployment areas need a viable and sustained livelihoods component that can help to employ people beyond the short term.

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