CAURA GREEN
PROJECT
OBJECTIVES
• Community based integrated development
initiative
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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
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Computer literacy
Adult literacy program
Small machinery use, maintenance and
repair
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 agroecosystem-analysis
• Various organic mulches: Wood chips, bamboo leaves, cardboard, news paper
Environmental guardianship
CEPEP
 River guardianship
 Solid waste management
 Beautification of the land scape
Jewels of Nature
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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.
Development of a facility for production, training and
propagation
Agro/eco tourism
• Establishment of eco-parks
• Development of mountain trails
• Development of learning centre