The results of the project thus far are phenomenal. Our volunteers in Haiti are transforming landscapes from barren and eroded, back to the lush green they once were. The volunteers in Haiti are paid a small amount to plant the grass, and in turn use the critical revenue to feed their families and provide their children education. This creates a meaningful and green “win-win” sustainable scenario. A critical component of the project are the grassroots donors needed to achieve this success.
A meaningful statistic…
An acre of grass costs $250. This $250 is used to provide 12 people with green employment for a day. The project pays between $3.50 to $7.00 per person a day. Though this may not seem like much, according to the World Bank, basic commodities in Haiti costs an average of $2.50 a day, and the average salary in Haiti is $2 a day. Your donation can help make both a great environmental and socioeconomic difference in Haiti.
BEFORE PLANTING GRASS AT A COMMUNITY VILLAGE IN HAITI AND THREE MONTHS AFTER.
BEFORE PLANTING THE GRASS AND TWO MONTHS AFTER. (NOTE: AS FUNDING BECOMES AVAILABLE, THE HAITIANS CONTINUE TO PLANT THE REST OF THE AREAS IN THEIR COMMUNITIES.)
WE ARE CREATING A GREAT CULTURE OF LAWNS AROUND HOMES IN HAITI
Grass Nursery in Haiti. Once established, the grass grows faster than Florida due to the high rainfall and temperatures in Haiti.
Education is the first step in environmental conservation. We continue to educate hundreds of locals on conservation in Haiti, and on how they can work to improve Haiti.
The communities harvest the grass in cut and carry operation and feed it to their livestock. The livestock provides, milk, meat, draft power and revenue.
Communities are protecting critical infrastructure from soil erosion
Because of the importance of soil conservation, the message on planting grasses is spreading across the Island. Communities are incorporating grasses in existing programs and working with other international organizations to expand the message.
Haiti has hundreds of acres of eroded lands. We are determined to restore the vegetation of these lands, and prevent future erosion. Partnerships with grassroots donors are critical to the project.