CAURA GREEN PROJECT

OBJECTIVES Community based integrated development initiative –Development of a viable community –Creation and maintenance of sustainable livelihoods. –Enhancement of environmental sensitivity –Management of threats to the stability of the ecology –Capacity building

PROGRAM COMPONENTS development of an ecological crop management model environmental guardianship development of an organic art, craft and musical instrument industry establishment of an agro/eco tourism centre

ECOLOGICAL STATUS OF THE CAURA VALLEY A relatively unspoiled state 80% forested, Abundant supply of reasonably high quality water Soil in different stages of degradation relative to the type and intensity of crop production Forest fires in severely dry seasons land-slides among major roadways and trails

Threats to the stability of the ecology increasing popularity for recreation and residential development unsustainable farm management practices

Impact of traditional farm management practices Biodegradation Farmer and farm family health: medical evidence indicating a high incidence of chemical poisoning and high levels of pesticide in farmers’ blood. Consumer health: maximum residual limits of harvested products off times exceeded Farm profitability: increasing use of higher levels of toxic products and escalating input prices has led to spiraling increases in production cost (In some instances as much as 200%).

Community responses to ecological threats Research on the development of alternative management systems Environmental guardianship Development of alternative recreational activities Development of alternative art craft and musical instrument industry

R&D on ECM approaches Ecological Crop Management (ECM) is a sustainable crop production strategy that emphasizes a collaborative approach among relevant stake-holders with the farmer as the central figure. This crop management system involves the selection and integration of environmentally compatible tactics to reduce pest damage below an economic threshold

Historical Perspective Master trainers program Training of trainers program in the Caura Valley Caura Valley Farmers Association Integrated Development Initiative

CVFAIDI Further the development of environmentally friendly methods of crop production and protection which are less risky to farmers’ health and the environment. Continue the promotion of the Farmer Field School training methodology through the establishment of appropriate facilities Promotion of the adoption of eco-friendly crop production strategies within the Caura Valley and beyond Provide information/indicators which can be used by policymakers in the transformation of the sector

CAPACITY BUILDING PROGRAM Computer literacy Computer literacy Adult literacy program Adult literacy program Small machinery use, maintenance and repair Small machinery use, maintenance and repair The use of audio-visuals (still and moving cameras, projectors etc.) The use of audio-visuals (still and moving cameras, projectors etc.)

Basic tenets of the program Border crops: usually taller quick growing food crops such as the cassava and bananas. This was of particular significance considering that the project was taking place in an area where conventional pest management was practiced Companion plants: Usually legumes were incorporated to enhance soil fertility. Different storied crops were also used to maximize space utilization. Insect repelling plants: The marigold was a popular choice. Various types of basil were also used and Allium sp. Natural soil ameliorants: To improve soil structure, soil reaction and fertility. Limestone, compost and pen manure were used. Bio pesticides: Mainly neem and always based on agro- ecosystem-analysis Various organic mulches: Wood chips, bamboo leaves, card- board, news paper

Environmental guardianship CEPEP  River guardianship  Solid waste management  Beautification of the land scape

Jewels of Nature Development and propagation of eco-music which can be described as conscious music intended to inform, to educate and to transform. It is about philosophy, spiritual awakening, and the promotion of healthy lifestyles, nation building and the preservation of the natural environment. Development and propagation of eco-music which can be described as conscious music intended to inform, to educate and to transform. It is about philosophy, spiritual awakening, and the promotion of healthy lifestyles, nation building and the preservation of the natural environment. Manufacture of art, craft and musical instruments from natural materials. Manufacture of art, craft and musical instruments from natural materials. Development of a facility for production, training and propagation Development of a facility for production, training and propagation

Agro/eco tourism Establishment of eco-parks Development of mountain trails Development of learning centre