A community environmental initiative that first took root at a landfill during the COVID-19 pandemic has grown into a full-fledged skills-training and sustainable-livelihood program, now entering a new phase in the Fitches Creek community.
According to Antigua Observer, the Gard Center, working in collaboration with the Fitches Creek community, is spearheading this latest phase of the vetiver grass project, which centres on environmental sustainability and economic empowerment for local residents.
The initiative, which originated at a landfill site during the pandemic years, has steadily evolved beyond its origins to encompass broader community development goals, including practical skills training and the creation of sustainable livelihoods for participants.
Vetiver grass is widely recognised for its environmental benefits, including soil stabilisation, erosion control, and water conservation — making it a practical and cost-effective tool for community-led environmental management in the Caribbean region.
The partnership between the Gard Center and the Fitches Creek community represents a model of grassroots collaboration, with the program demonstrating how environmental projects can be leveraged to address both ecological concerns and socioeconomic needs simultaneously.
