TVNI provide advise in making clean water at polluted lakes. And help in soil conservation cost effectively using vetiver grass.
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We learned lot about the vetiver systems by the Vetiver Network International website. We practiced to clean the polluted water in public lake with the knowledge gathered from them. It is very interesting that we got online advice through the FB, by posing some pictures (floating wetlands with vetiver plants) of our work.
The Vetiver Network International is an amazing nonprofit organization that has helped me to understand the importance of my environment and the environment surrounding me. TVNI is also touching the untouched and reaching the unreached through its network. It is now spreading its wings here in PNG where it was little known of. The PNG LNG project is a major user of the Vetiver Grass for its environmental protection. In the oil palm plantations where it was first introduced is having an impact in its soil erosion management practices and also at its waste management landfills. Thumbs up to the Vetiver Network International for making me environmentally conscious and making me GREENER than ever.
Robinson Vanoh
Papua New Guinea
Vetiver is literally saving lives in the places where it is used to prevent landslides. Not only does it stabilize slopes that may otherwise slide down (often burying humans and their houses), but it is said to augement crop yield by retaining water under the terraces which we cultivate. Extraordinary benefits from very little investment, (except for the labour involved in lifting a big clump and dividing it into smaller ones to plant a new row).
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I have a small piece of land in a part of Mexico where the climate is tropical/humid. We receive about 1.5 metres of rain a year, usually squeezed into the months of June, July and August. We live in a basin-shaped hollow surrounded by steep slopes, and the soil is mostly clay. We have planted our own plot with vetiver very successfully from techniques learned via TVNI, and we now have some horizontal terraces rather than slopes. However to be really successful we would need to start higher up and as we don't own that land we can not do so. What we can do is spread the word and give vetiver to interested parties. The next challenge will be to plant enough little plantlets to make a nursery for future projects.
This network is the most experienced and educated in water and soil science and application
. Vetiver applications can undo mistakes made with the environment in the past and create a sustainable infrastructure for the future. They are far under funded for their potential and thank you for any continued support
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TVNI continues to be a vast resource for promoting one of the most important dynamics in water and soil quality. A well organized non-profit that is user friendly and extremely informative. Vetiver is a solution to many problems around the world and this network does a great job disseminating it.
The TVNI is an almost unique, successful model of participation and promotion at the global "grassroots" level. The TVNI website is world's repository of information, experience and knowledge on the multiple uses of this remarkable grass species. By openly and freely sharing information, the network and its members have formed a global knowledge network community that begins at the level of the individual or group that has a felt need for what Vetiver Grass Technology (VGT) can do, but have not been able to find an affordable, manageable solution and so become interested, then involved and then, passionate about promotion to others.
International Vetiver Network has greatly impacted on Vietnamese community in a wide range, from natural disaster reduction (flood, landslide, road batter failure, river bank, irrigation canal and coastal erosion, water retaining structure instability etc.), environmental protection (reduction of land and water contamination, treatment of solid and liquid waste, soil improvement etc.), and many other uses. Not only supporting the Government with technical sharing in infrastructure protection, do Experts/Volunteers of Vetiver Network render micro-assistance to local population and tailor assistance to local needs. Such generous supports has kicked a significant climb out of poverty for a large segment of the community and shorten the distance to a secure and happier life. We own them a debt of gratitude!
The Vetiver Network International was established some 20 years ago. Over that time the Vetiver System applied to a number of critical environmental areas has become widely used. Others have recorded the value of this Network; I would like to add that our success has been due to the excellent interaction by users all over the world (via social media, workshops/conferences, and publications). This interaction has assured the sharing of views and new ideas; technical support to new users; encouragement: and of course many success stories. The Network has done this on an all volunteer basis and at very low cost. Those people interested in moving new technologies to communities at what ever economic level, but particularly those that are poor and in rural areas, might have something to learn from The Vetiver Network International
I joined The Vetiver Network International in 2012 when I was working as a civil engineer on a large project. I was enamored by the amazing environmental and social (land rehabilitation and community) work done by members all around the world, and the way all the information about projects and technical expertise is shared so generously.
Since 2013 I left the corporate world and begin a small business startup as well as non-profit work and have benefited from great technical and moral support from the founders, managers and members of this group; and personal networking connections within have been invaluable with helping me to grow professionally as an independent engineer, company and person.
International and regional conferences hosted every year are testimony to the strength of this group and commitment of its members, given the willingness to get together so frequently to share the latest advancements, most often at cost to the attendees. The personal and professional growth and team building and sense of community which comes out of these conferences is humbling and a lot of fun!
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The Vetiver Latina network is a fantastic idea as it has connected many people in the Americas who are after the same thing, which is promotion and continual learning about a specific plant with remarkable characteristics - Chrysopogon zizanioides. This tropical, sub-tropical grass is gaining in popularity and has huge applications in public works, erosion and sediment control, water management, mining site rehabilitation, water quality improvement.. and the list goes on. Only recently have the engineering and construction community started to open up to these natural and less rigorous technologies, and it's so great that so many people are interested - because very often it will be found that these solutions are cheaper, greener and much more effective and reliable in the long term!
The information presented on TVNI website is a gold mine for people seeking an effective, low cost and natural technology for food security, environmental protection, rural employment and poverty amelioration just to name a few. The information is so comprehensive and simple that interested Vetiver user can use it to prepare, implement and monitor the measures they are interested. But most importantly, it is an interactive site so user can get in touch with the experts to discuss and seek further advice. I strongly recommend it to continue to receive top rating
I've been interacting with the network for the past couple of years to provide cutting edge knowledge to several of my projects with the World Bank. My clients in borrowing countries really appreciate the information I can share from the network.
I obtained so much useful information from the vetiver network international both for my research and practical consultancy project. My main area is on use of vetiver for erosion control in civil engineering application
Vetiver Network International brings together people from many nations who work with vetiver grass for soil moisture, ground water recharge, slope stabilization and plant health. There are many research institutions that carry out studies on vetiver for many such applications. Then there are veteran people like Greenfield and Grimshaw who have limelighted vetiver and been the persons leading the vetiver organizations. Even today, I write on the news of vetiver developments, sometimes questioning some points, but the veterens, like Greenfield, counter my questions and seek explanation. The Vetiver Network International brings together veterens, experts, enthusiasts, and practical developers on the important part of vetiver for facing the climate change, and water problems of the world.
I have been a member of TVNI since 1996 when its founder Richard Grimshaw visited Madagascar where I was working. Since that time, I have volunteered to work on promoting vetiver technology around the world. A an international development professional I have lived in 9 countries on long-term assignments and visited many others on short-term assignments. Development activities aimed at relieving poverty, increasing the quality of life for those in underdeveloped countries is hugely important but very hard to sustain. Finding strategies and actions that stand on their own once the development funding ends is truly frustrating in that they are few and far between. It is this point that has vexed the efforts of so many donors, agencies and organizations in transferring technology and information that transforms developing countries into modern ones capable of increasing the health and wealth status of citizens in underdeveloped areas of the world. Vetiver technology has stood the test of time having been in Indian culture for many thousands of years. In the 20th century it has been expanded through research and development to cover many of the issues that must be addressed if societies are to advance. Linking improved productivity on the land to sustainable management of natural resources to improved social development is at the heart of how vetiver technology touches many people. The TVNI as an international NGO harnesses the efforts of volunteers in over 100 countries around the world to demonstrate its merits and implement projects to insure its use. I am a part of that effort and it has changed my life. The most important aspect is that as a technology it is easy to understand, easy to do and lasts a very long time. TVNI has remained a totally volunteer organization over time has is able to operate without any dependence on financial contributions. It is this aspect that is amazing when you consider the plethora of organizations whose overheads financially speaking limit their ability to survive if funding is removed. I am able to communicate with almost anyone anywhere using social media these days and as such can provide advice to a wide range of people. The TVNI website houses all the technical information and serves as a repository of documents, images, videos and links specialists to those who need assistance. Richard Grimshaw maintains the website and does this as a volunteer. At the end of the day, it is gratifying to know that you can help out in a significant way simply by showing a path to those whose quality of life is less than yours. TVNI is a great Non Profit organization.
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I live and breathe vetiver everyday where I live and work in Ghana. It is an ideal environment for vetiver and its use solves a myriad of problems. I currently have projects ranging from protecting a beach resort from coastal erosion, to protecting small village dams to insure that they have water during the dry season, to introducing it to a large gold mining company about to open a 4000 acre mine in S. Ghana that needs to buffer itself from surrounding towns and the watershed as it produces highly toxic byproducts as it mines gold, to introducing vetiver production for renewable fiber production used to weave baskets in N. Ghana, to trimming my plantings in my own garden where they set off a whole host of tropical shrubs and flowers. I learned vetiver technology from the founders of the Vetiver Network International and since the mid 90s it has transformed my life and my ability to provide solutions where none existed before. It is humbling to have this knowledge and see all the misery that poverty and underdevelopment causes where I live and work. Anyone can use vetiver, understand it, touch it, feel it and watch it work all by itself. Due to its multitude of uses to numerous to list here, it can fit into any landscape, into any economy, into any situation where the land is negatively affected either by erosion, pollution, or neglect. In Ghana, hundreds of millions of dollars are being thrown at problems with poor results and little or nothing to show at the end of the day. Vetiver use and its positive impact is the exception to the rule. It can be used incorrectly and thus fail, but it is difficult to mess it up as the rules are so simple. Use the right material, plant it correctly, get it started over a short period of a few months and then let it does its thing over the next 6-10 decades. When you can stop all soil erosion, when you can prevent roads and buildings from falling apart, when you can clean polluted water, when you can transform degraded land into productive sites, when you can give hope where that commodity is always in short supply, then you have a winner. Vetiver technology does not ask much of the user but gives back to the user so much that you have to see it to believe it. I have personally promoted vetiver throughout the world and concentrated on work on the African continent is some very difficult places such as DR Congo. Whether it is in DR Congo or in Morocco or Ghana or Kenya or Burkina Faso or Senegal or S. Africa, it still does the same thing bringing green solutions to problems that have outwitted humans for centuries. It is such a good feeling to be a part of sustainable solutions for so many who desperately need be healthier and wealthier. Improving the land is always a starting point and there is no limit to what you can accomplish.
This network helps the world by preventing the lost of top soil from eroding into the river. Without vetiver grass, there is no better way to preserve this precious top soil which takes thousands of years to restore.
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TVNI was established by a group of volunteered people who want the world to be better by using this unique vetiver grass. Because of TVNI, we have learned that vetiver not only prevent soil loss for farmers but could absorb toxic chemicals in soil and water that are harmful to lives. The grass also help reduce the effect of climate change by absorbing tons of carbon dioxide. Those are just a few benefit we get from vetiver. His Majesty the King of Thailand has realized the benefits through TVNI therefore gave initiatives on using vetiver all over Thailand. With TVNI easily reached on the web, we can access lots of information about how to use vetiver to serve our purpose. From my point of view, the world should admire this volunteer group who work together to save the world.
Conozco el Sistema Vetiver desde 2.005,, y he aprendido de esta tecnología muchísimo, y lo he puesto en practica en obras de Bioingenieria en Colombia en Espinal - Tolima, Florencia - Caqueta, Girardot - Cundinamarca, Chinchina - Caldas, Pereira - Risaralda, Chia - Cundinamarca, Fusagasuga - Cundinamarca, Anapoima - Cundinamarca y otras poblaciones, donde se ha dejado un precedente notorio y para mostrar la eficiencia de un material vegetal excelente par Control de Erosión, Estabilización de taludes, Tratamiento de Aguas Residuales, control de sedimentación, y manejo de lixiviados.
I am a supplier of Vetiver in Texas, USA. TVNI helps my customers learn about the myriad uses and benefits of Vetiver. The organization helps me help my customers better utilize Vetiver in their plans.
We are going thru' the formality of registering a humanitarian site in East Sumba, Indonesia. This island's climate is influenced by the Australian landmass. It is in aid of the poor indigenous people who live in remote villages. Tuberculosis, typhoid and malaria are prevalent in the remote areas. Dr Rani Manu Mesa gives of her time to visit as many areas as possible with a volunteer team from her hospital in Waingapu. This part of Indonesia is dry and desolate so part of her program is to research and improve sustainability and thu' the vetiver site she has begun a program to prove up vetiver beds among rows to catch run off when it rains. Vegetables are grown between hedges. We are hoping the terraced effect will become a feature in all villages as there are countless 'prairie-like hills in this part of the world. Most are barren as a result of the sandalwood forests being depleted over the 19th and 20th century.
TVNI is an amazingly informative and selfless organisation. It has reached nearly all the "corners" of the world with its diverse knowledge for using Vetiver in all sorts of climates, cultures and activities.
TVNI is very informative website. Previously I was Interested in vetiver due to its amazing features and wide range of application in many fields of environmental problems around the world. Its a miracle plant. As i started doing my research using vetiver i was more and more fascinated and wanted to developing my career further in more research and studies about vetiver. The plant is multifunctional and suits over a wide range of environmental condition and also beneficial in every aspects of its features and service it provides to human kind and nature. TVNI and Vetiver Network groups have really contributed alot to spread its application and conducting new and more interesting researches and sharing the ideas through out the world.
By heart i wish TVNI and Vetiver Network to be the best non profit groups
I have never such hard work go into a project that is really beginning to impact the world. More countries need to take stick of vetiver and what it is all about.
It is with TVNI support that in Kenya we were able to set up an NGO (following good example of SLUF in Ethiopia) that promotes sustainable land use and yes: Vetiver System is very much part of that. Our Kenya network is now vibrant - even if I leave this country one day (I am not a national); we have an active network, and increasing capacity to train farmers, promote the technology in the development world keen on catchment protection (no small thing in Kenya where irrigation projects main problems include catchment degradation), and in the world of engineering.
TVNI has character and charm, it is a real informal network, but it really works worldwide !!! !!! !!!
So when I have to fix this steep slope in Kilifi (on the coast) I just call this TVNI friend in South Africa and since he's following every step on the way, and adding advice. Where to use a drill, where to use a hammer, what fertliizer, what to mix in the hydromulch. It demonstrates that the technology promoted by TVNI is truly open-source and accessible.
We also have some measure of solidarity between members.
Does Alain from DRC not get paid by the road project in Uganda? Half a dozen of TVNI people get mobilized to put pressure (some of it from Kenya).
Does Rose from Siaya again not reliable supply as agreed? She'll be blacklisted. Because only good, reliable suppliers should remain (so buyers - many are farmers - should not be duped).
Is one of our members forcefully evicted (tribal)? Several of us contribute to get him relocated.
TRUST is at the core of TVNI values, and that is where it should remain. To guard our quality.
And this TRUST and SOLIDARITY belongs, make no mistake, in an NGO that promotes something really technical. To slow down water speed, keep soil in place, to guard the basis of many farmers' existence.
In that sense, it is life-changing.
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We (our NGO) was greatly helped by TVNI's website, Facebook page and group emails as well as direct emailing, in which we got backstopping on how best to address catchment protection, and deal with rehabilitation of gullies. The technology promoted by TVNI (Vetiver System) is durable, low-cost and very effective; the local communities (farmers) that we work with are happy with the result (even if it takes a bit of training and follow-up to get it right).
In 1993 I was trying to find some way to protect the banks of the dam and reservoir in a large hydro project in South America. I came across the Vetiver System and was immediately impressed and have actively promoted it since then.
After retiring ten years ago I became a volunteer advisor for TVNI, operating primarily in Latin America and the Caribbean. I am constantly amazed about the seemingly endless applications and benefits and how Vetiver is truly the Hedge Against Climate Change that the world urgently needs.
It is one of the only international network platforms where a simple natural system has changed people's lives. The information and support is amazing and the members WANT to support and develop the information base to use Vetiver. As an engineer it makes me happy to be part of something that changes lives. Rudi Scheepers, Cape Town, South Africa.
I am involved in the World Association of Soil and Water Conservation and we utilize this grass to help conserve soil and water and many other things.
In 2007 my wife brought a wall street article to my attention addressing how a plant called Vetiver, (Chrysopogon zizanioides), could be a very useful tool for erosion control on the levies that protect New Orleans, La. In the article it also pointed out how an LSU entomologist had been doing research on the roots of this plant to help control insects, specifically termites. I was immediately "hooked" at this point on the idea of growing Vetiver down on our farm in Texas for experimentation purposes, specifically erosion control, termite control, and strategically placing hedges for tidal surges from hurricanes. The plant is drought resistant, livestock will eat it, and it has a protein content comparable to brome hay. You may burn it to the ground and it will grow back due to the crown,(heart), of the plant is 8-10 inches below ground.
Every time I go down we take " brood plants" divided them and plant more. Currently I have around 12,000 plants growing. Currently Vetiver is a hobby for me but some day my plan is to be a supplier of Vetiver to others!
Through the Vetiver Network International, I have received so much information and education on how important this plant is and can be to the world. The online group discussions of this organization is like an encyclopedia of knowledge and research concerning Vetiver from research scientist, growers,and educators from all over the world.
I came across the Vetiver Network while doing research for a Water Management class in college. I was so inspired by the work that I saw happening around the world, I decided to start my own vetiver project. In 2012, my partner and I started a vetiver nursery on the island of Dominica in the Eastern Caribbean. As the only nursery of its kind on the island, we hope to supply quality plants for use in agriculture, bio-engineering, education, and more.
I have been involved with propagating, planting, and educating about vetiver for over 20 years. Our family farm, Agriflora Tropicals, in Puerto Rico has been a source of quality plants to local and USA projects both on site and online. Publishing the Vetiver Solutions and the Vetiver Puerto Rico blogs has been a very rewarding experience allowing me to share knowledge with people around the world.
Everyone in The Vetiver Network International is a volunteer and, as an Associate Director, I have been trusted to admin the Caribbean and Latin American discussion groups and the TVNI Facebook group. TVNI and its volunteer members and now spreading vetiver knowledge around the world in many different languages. One of the best organized among environmentally consciousness groups.
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In 1989 we aquired a 30-acre farm in the tropical mountains of Puerto Rico. Rain-driven erosion was an immediate concern until we found The Vetiver Network International (TVNI) and its abundant educational material about this amazing plant. Many years and many rains later, vetiver still defends our farm and we have become professional growers and consultants for this technology. TVNI has always provided the educational and teaching tools and the human network to help us make a valuable environmental contribution while providing our small family farm with an additional source of income.
As an International Sustainable Development consultant and Vetiver practitioner I regularly use the resources TVNI provides on their website. TVNI's team of dedicated professionals, available at TVNI's website and their Facebook page, helps co-facilitate many of the vetiver projects I undertake throughout Asia. It's hard to underestimate their contribution and positive impact on my work.
¿Conoce Ud. algún ser viviente, (vegetal o animal) que sea capaz de interactuactar en favor de la naturaleza y del hombre de tantas maneras?
El Vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides) controla la erosión (el cáncer de los suelos agrícolas), filtra sedimentos, estabiliza taludes, recupera suelos y aguas contamidas por hidrocarburos, o por elementos químicos toxicos en alta concentraciones (N2, P), por metales pesados (Cd, Zn, Hg, Ni, Al; etc) y/o por agroquimímicos. Captura importantes cantidades de gases de invernadero. Infiltra agua en el subsuelo (nutre acuíferos). Aumenta los rendimientos de los cultivos y los proteje de plagas. Fabricación de biocombustibles. Fuente de celulosa para elaborar papel. Suministra follaje para usos diversos ( mulch, elaboración de artesanias, techos de viviendas rurales o recreacionales). De sus raíces se extrae aceite esencial para uso en aromaterapia y cosmética. Posee además un sin fin de otras propiedades que enumerarlas extendería este comentario.
Detrás de esa planta hay una organización que preside una Princesa (Tailandia) y varios científicos de primer nivel, además de filántropos. De allí que la TVNI, sea una red de información global que divulga en muchos idiomas las bondades de esta planta, los estudios que se realizan en torno a ella, y las aplicaciones que se hacen en muchos países del mundo.
Nepal Vetiver Network is going to work from 2011 to till and the vetiver plant is so much best for protection of land slide, waste water treatment,river bank protection.
From the TVNI website we learnt about the vetiver grass and it's benefits and with support from PLUS-Kenya our Kenyan organization managed to train 12 farmers in Kenya on the same and now we are looking forward to training more farmers on the same, help them establish vetiver grass systems in their farms and realize the full benefits of the same .
I have been involved with the Vetiver Network International (TVNI) and the promotion of the Vetiver System (VS) as a technology for environmental mitigation over the past 25 years. I have seen the network and the application of the technology spread around the world with some excellent results that impact on natural resources conservation, disaster mitigation, structural stabilization and pollution control. I have seen poor rural people benefit from VS application in better farm incomes, better health, and conserved land assets.. I have seen better and lower cost maintenance of roads. I have seen dirty polluted water and land contaminated by waste products become clean again. I have seen hope where before there was despair.
I have been part of an organization that is totally organized and supported by volunteers, that operates on less than $10,000 a year. I have seen thousands of VS users interacting on many VS focused websites, blogs and social networks (FaceBook) – providing support to each other in the quest of applying and developing new innovative measures that involve the use of Vetiver grass. The networks are truly “for the people and by the people”. TVNI is a knowledge based organization that shares information on the public domain via the Internet. Further over the past year it has expanded its support for workshops and training. It has helped those who are looking for solutions for low cost fuel energy, for cleaning up waste products and subsequent health benefits. It has expanded its support for women in Vetiver.
The network has a philosophy of “Letting a Thousand Flowers Bloom” – the results have been exceptional. The Network is built on trust and respect for everyone involved with the technology. We listen to feedback from the smallest and poorest contributor to large companies all of whom are dealing with similar problems at different scale. Each one is able to learn from the other. TVNI is a truly a giant network both globally, professionally and technically trying to deal with those problems that are generated by climate change, poverty and natural resources conservation. It offers something to everybody who are looking to solve problems relating to activities involving soil and water.
It is incredible how TVNI is growing from strength to strength every year. Just like a vetiver plant that aims to protect, conserve or treat whatever comes its way. As an engineer and researcher it is evident that to protect OUR world with only one plant and the dedicated support from TVNI and its people around the globe, I am sure OUR world has a chance to heal against all odds.
Thank you to the founder and his years of dedication for having the vision to see what possibility TVNI have made thus far to support and guide others in solving problems in their on direct environment. It is truly remarkable how every visitor or member are willing to support in knowledge or experience through the years. I am proud to be a part of it. Rudi Scheepers (Cape Town, South Africa)
Am a Kenyan who got introduced to the TVNI in 2007 by Elise Pinners ( Thanks Elise). I got the interest and started to research on how my country can benefit from the information the network freely provides about Vetiver system. It has been very beneficial because out of that knowledge, i have been able to work on projects that have paid me. I am now a trainer in the vetiver applications and this has brought me income. The network had donated to me the first 2000 slips to start my own nursery in Kitale, Kenya which will soon generate more income for me and my family. Because of Vetiver, i have a roof on my head for me and and my girls! With the nursery i will be able to take my girls to college! Am still being trained in the most complex applications like Roads, railways etc. I will get there with time. I have done nurseries in Lodwar, Bududa Uganda, i have trained farmers in Naivasha and Narok. I have done gully plugging in Kerio Valley. I am looking forward to doing more work until every farmer hears about the wonders of Vetiver Grass!
I'm so thankfull for having found tvni 7 years ago at The web. They gave me more than i needed then. They invited me to The many congres were ofered. I atended them and became member. That is The reason why i know The amaizing work tvni throughout The world to aliviate social and environmental problems.
I am opinion The TVNI organization is really the best I have seen around because it has opened my eyes to a new broad solution in so many areas of engineering as such as slope protection, erosion control,pollution control to mention just a few.
Therefore I am happy and lucky to have their support all the time .
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The TVNI is an organization that made me aware and very much able to help the environment and furthermore having savings in money simultaneously with the solution in actually all the places where I used the Vetiver Grass , a new technology ,plant that is helping the environment.To me served as slope protection against sliding and I hope keep using .All my knowledge came from TVNI members information passed to me FREE.I am in debt with the TVNI.Paulo RRogerio,PE ,geotechnical engineer
I know the Vetiver Network International since 10 years ago, and for this knowledge I appreciatte its works to protect the environmental: soils, water and air. This Network play an special role in dissiminate the state of art of vetiver to every people around the world.
The Vetiver Network International has provided fantastic support to me in my work in establishing a vetiver nursery in Senegal. This network prodides an great example of how an NGO can work with a minimum of resources, 'open source' sharing of information, supportive and sharing of experience between practitoners and professionals, total dedication to the goal of soil preservation, soil improvement, empowerment of rural communities, and sustainable development, without an elite hierarchy of 'aid professionals'.
I started thinking of Vetiver in 2005. At that time, and right upto now, I have received tremendous support, encouragement and expert advice from members of the Vetiver Network International. I wanted to set up a nursery to produce enough plants to clean up a heavily contaminated rivulet in Punjab, India. I had no land of my own. I was offered a piece of land by a friend who was convinced that I was trying something that could succeed, despite lot of resistance from all concerned wings of the government. The land, though was lying waste and nothing worthwhile was growing. Attempts at using it had failed. Within two years the look of the land changed and the quality of topsoil improved. The vetiver flourished and multiplied. I used Vetiver multiplied in this nursery very successfully forteriary treatment of domestic waste-water, for slope stabilisation, soil erosion, prevention of soil migration, river bank stabilisation, revegitation on eroded hillocks, prevention of silt accumulation in water boies through strategic planting of Vetiver, rectification of soil destroyed by saline water.
The TVNI is the type of organization which the world's development would needs: promoting a simple technology and inexpensive but highly effective, through the Vetiver System and its many benefits, for a sustainable development, for a better relationship between man and nature ... Promote this plant that in fact offers a whole range of environmental solutions ... International platform for exchange and promotion of the Vetiver System, bringing together all kinds of users worldwide, non-profit and not return to the classical system of development aid, born and organized from the meeting of a handful of passionates (thank to Dick Grimshaw and John Greenfield in particular) TVNI gave me the chance to be integrated in 2007, following my work with Vetiver, which began in 2003 in Madagascar. TVNI, through its website and thanks to the exceptional dedication of a few enthusiasts, introduced to me this wonderful plant, which has proven in my opinion the best solution offered to fight against the terrible soil erosion in Madagascar, an green island became red island, and all devastating environmental consequences but also economic impacts. Soil erosion is a problem understated yet affecting many sectors. In response, the Vetiver System can offer solutions that impact on all sectors of social and economic life of a country like Madagascar. TVNI gives a recognition for the work done under the technical criteria in the world benefiting the users of the Vetiver System. TVNI is an incredibly rich database, a capitalization of this work, free access to an exchange of experiences and knowledge. TVNI, it is also a rich appreciation thanks to the support of the King and the Princess of Thailand and his foundation. Certificates of Technical Excellence, Certificate for the best web photo album, nomination as Senior Technical Advisor and Vetiver Champion Award have been awarded to me thanks to my work, which awards are a source of encouragement and motivation to persevere, despite difficulties in the way of promotion and application of the Vetiver System. TVNI, it is also many international and regional conferences, where I had the honor of attending many times, and where I learned so much. Also I met very nice, very motivated and very interesting people behind TVNI. In short, I owe a debt of gratitude to TVNI, which was and remains a great support. While hoping that the TVNI can improve its mission until each country takes the example of Thailand in the use of Vetiver System. While wishing a great success in our mission.
The Vetiver Network International has been extremely supportive of my efforts to control erosion, as it has for countless folks, worldwide. Check out: http://www.vetiver.org/ Jack
I have been following the Vetiver Network International for 3 years. The information available about uses of vetiver, advice on working with the plants, etc. is extremely helpful. I have planted a small vetiver hedge myself so I know what a remarkable plant this is. What other plant can be used to protect large areas of hilly terrain against erosion from being burned back to bare dirt, no vegetation at all, by wild fires and then exposed to heavy rains? Not just once but cyclically, over years? This is a major use of vetiver in Southern California, not just in developing countries. How about protecting arable land from rising sea-levels due to climate change? Retaining water in the soil so that other vegetation can get a foothold and stop desertification? There are so many incredible examples of what vetiver can do to help repair the damage we are doing to our environment and to help local communities survive the devastation to our planet. All these gifts from a simple plant and dedicated people sharing their knowledge with others.
The Vetiver Grass Network
We fully support the Vetiver Grass Network as one of the best Non Profit Organizations.
Promoting the use of Vetiver grass for waste water treatment and soil stabilization has greatly reduced the cost of construction of these systems, and made them more affordable in the developing world, thereby improving the lives of many, many people.
T.J. Andrews - Managing Director: PLANNING Systems Services, P. O. Box 188 - 00606, Nairobi, Kenya
I met vetiver while living outside my country, and thanks to TVNI, I was getting a lot more information about this wonderful plant, information that excited me to implement this technology in Argentina, where there was this plant. With a group of entrepreneurs formed a Cooperative Work and begin import procedures and records, and after 2 years as we enter the country meeting all phytosanitary requirements. Today we have 2 nurseries with more than 2 hectares planted, employing 8 people, and we are developing projects with several municipalities and institutions to control pollution from sewage and waste dumps, as well as with private companies to control erosion of slopes and coasts. And a growing interest in a lot of people around the country to develop independent projects in the use of Vetiver System. In short, it opens a huge picture in the country, for the mass dissemination of a system as environmentally friendly and all the benefits this brings to society.
Daniel Latimori
Cooperative agricultural work Juarez ltd.
Vetiver network provides real people with real solutions to real issues. It was a pleasure as the CEO of Ecotourism Kenya to act as a volunteer and provide links between those who needed the projects on the ground and those who provided the expertise.
TVNI is an organization that changed the lives of our family. Thanks to information received from it, we created a company that today has developed multiple projects with environmental solutions to erosion problems in Venezuela, and we co-assisted in the formation of more than 6000 artisans, mostly from poor families in the use of vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides) as basic material.
Papers published by the network are of high professional value, and helps many people in various parts of the world to solve problems of phytoremediation, soil and water protection, mitigation of desatres, crop improvement, home economics, and even health problems.
Rafael Luque M.
President
Vetiver Antierosión, C.A.
Venezuela
vetiver_vzla@yahoo.com
I had the first oppurtunity to attend the international workshop on vetiver at Ernakulam, India in 2007 and learnt the work done by various associates of this group in different countries in protecting the environment from degradation due to floods, rain,discharge of hazards chemicals on land and rivers.The group has used the miracle plant VETIVER WITH COST EFFECTIVE ENVIRONMENT FRIENDLY TECHNOLOGY (Which is very rare) to solve problems of soil erosion and degradation.I would appreciate the work done in Thailand as specific example.I wish the organisation to grow in leaps and bounds all over world in solving the problems of climate change.
The farmers of Tamil Nadu, India suffering to overcome with the infertile soils. I along with my team conducted one work shop on vetiver (when I did my research on this particular plant) in Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, TamilNadu, India. From the group of farmers around 100 numbers, 40% of the persons who participated the workshop, now the practitioners of Vetiver, are started seeing the 'Green' in their fields. Particular example for this is, a farmer from Sivaganga District of TamilNadu, India, is experiencing vetiver when he gained more income from the plant, the soil of his land is regaining its fertility, and because of that reason, the coconut trees around 4 acres started fruiting in a wonderful way. He has intercropped Vetiver plants in between the coconut trees. He understood the value of vetiver when myself and my team went to his place, explained the work of vetiver. Now he is enjoying his farming with vetiver and spreading the news to the nearby areas. This is one example, where as there are other farmers who is practicing vetiver for better agriculture. Thanks for the opportunity given to share my experience about vetiver.
Hi, my name is Fernando C. Pinto, I am in Brazil in the Northeast. I learned trough The Vetiver Network International everything i know about Vetiver .Vetiver is a perenial tropical grass with unique caracteristics . The most important is its role in erosion controle. The ultra profound roots that goes up to 7 m deep in the soil and the extreme density and strenght of the roots make the plant a unique solution for soil erosion controle and water control .Vetiver is also an renewable form of energy higly efficient . It is needeed more studies to confirm the exact amount , but it is for sure and by far the world best and faster CO2 sequester . The plant is higly resistant to all kind of stress cultivation conditions . It supports extrem drought ..or prolonged inundation . It resist to fire and has no pests . Does not need mantainance . The plant is non invasive , the seeds are sterile and is has no rizomes . The plant does need spreading the word . The plant need to arrive to political ears . This plant will save many many lives and many many properties . All the effort put to spread this plant is much much needed. Finally a biiigg word of THANKKSSS for The Vetiver Network International for their amazing job , mainly for its Chairman , Richard Grimshaw. Regards to all , Fernando C. Pinto , Salvador , Bahia , Brazil
Dear Madam / Sir:
Concerning you “Green Awards” in GREAT Nonprofits, I like to inform you about our volunteer work with Vetiver System in Bolivia and Peru. In both Andean countries environmental problems, enforced my climatically changes, like land-slides, soil erosion, high sedimentation in dams and destruction of rural infrastructures, like dams, roads, etc.. are great problems. In Peru we was starting a National Vetiver network years ago with as present 20 members for the extension of the Vetiver technologies in soil and water conservation, etc.. More information about our activities you find in our web-site www.vetiverperu.org -.
Bolivia is one of the few countries in Latin America, where the Vetiver conservation technologies are still on a starting point. To promote the Vetiver technologies here we were starting in 2012 a new still small Bolivian Vetiver network – www.vetiverbolvia.org -.
Both national networks are active members of the Latin American Vetiver network – http://vetiverlatina.blogspot.com/ - and the International Vetiver Network – www.vetiver.org -.
Sincerely yours,
Joaquin Boehnert
Associated director of the Latin American Vetiver network as a volunteer, based in Peru and working at present in Bolivia in the field of integrated watershed – management.
La red del vetiver ha sido muy eficiente en la transferencia tecnológica y sus miembros han demostrado profesionalismo, responsabilidad y un profundo compromiso por el medioambiente. Gracias a la TVN podemos tener la planta vetiver en Chile
PROBLEM AND NEEDS: My field is agriculture and i focus on working with developing countries. I have been disturbed during most of my life about two global issues: a) disappearing soils and their reduced capacity to produce more food and fodder; and b) reduced availability of water, needed to make crops grow and survive. I have had my own small production farms (in three different countries) and saw the degradation of both accessible water and quality soils. I was for five years assigned the management of an agricultural and rural infrastructure project in Madagascar, one of the countries that bleeds so much soil, it is the only place on earth that a satellite picture brings out plumes of brown, mud charged waters coming out the country's river into clear blue Pacific. Among other, the project was tasked to rehabilitate critical farm-to-market infrastructure, and we had to assure the sustainability and durability of all the construction/ rehabilitation work. It included rural roads, bridges, culverts, drains, river embankments, irrigation ditches, railroad, port. etc. that were constantly destroyed by the island's (larger than France in surface) heavy rain storms and annual cyclones. We wanted to find the best and surest system to protect what the US Gov't was paying large amounts to rebuild, but which in the past broke down or disappeared due to cyclones, floods and storms. The project organized a "soil erosion" workshop to which we searched for and invited about ten dozen projects and technical specialists to present their experience in reducing soil erosion, floods and infrastructure protection. Dale Rachmeler, a colleague, suggested inviting a representative from an organization in the US that specialized in erosion control. We managed to have Founder of the organization attend and be part of the workshop (he happened to be in China at the time). After two days of presentation by various practitioners, workshop attendees were asked to vote for technology or system that seemed the most sustainable, efficient and low cost technology. The vote was overwhelmingly The Vetiver Network; the simple, highly effective plant- based technology changed my life. In agriculture, one only has about 25 chances (harvest seasons) "to get it right." After less than several months into learning about the Vetiver system and the plant used, I recall saying: " this is what I have been looking for my adult life, and I am going to help propagate the system world wide." I was additionally motivated by reading a document that described the two major threats to global survival were: are population growth, and "the loss of agricultural land to grow food." The world’s cropland was losing topsoil through erosion faster than new soil could be formed, thereby reducing the land’s inherent capacity to be productive. Where losses are heavy, productive land turns into wasteland or deserts. ONE OF THE BEST SOLUTION: For the past 18 years, The Vetiver Network International (TVNI), a knowledge sharing organization, is composed of fifteen regional and national Vetiver networks around the globe. They have spawned and informed tens of thousands of applications of plant-based soil remediation and climate change adaptation practices now in almost all countries of Central and South America, the Caribbean,Sub-Sahara Africa, Mediterranean countries, South and South-East Asia, China, Australia and parts of Pacific Island States to reverse soil-loss trends. THE PLANT: At the base of the system is a most unusual one in the plant kingdom; it is one of the oldest on the planet, and one that developed adaptation properties over millions of years, being resilient to land slides, droughts, submergence, floods, fires, brackish waters and a variety of soil types, predators and diseases. In addition, the plant is non-fertile and non-invasive. THE APPROACH: The deep and massive roots of the Vetiver plant grow to two to three meters (6-9 feet), stabilizing soils, and through its stiff leaf/stems grow to about to meters, slowing rain water-run off, and filters and traps soil particles on the up-hill side of the plants, creating natural terraces . The "Vetiver system," which is a form of phytoremediation technique is applied through planted hedgerows of closely spaced Vetiver plants (Chrysopogan zizanoides), along the contour of slops and lowlands, retaining upward to 95% of eroding soils in the slopes and open fields. One of the dominant features of the Vetiver System is the simplicity of its application; it requires knowing only a few basic guidelines. It can be applied by anyone who knows how to handle a hoe or shovel, plant plants in rows perpendicular to the slope, and care for the plants for the three months of planting. The plant also retains soil moisture in sloped areas, facilitating reforestation and increasing the option of hillside farming, where usually soils are too dry to farm. OTHER ASPECTS OF VETIVER: The Vetiver plant and system have multiple applications and uses. The leaf/stem part is used as a raw material for "sustainable" handicraft industry, which provides for year-round income generation (developed at a national level in countries such as Thailand, India, Venezuela, Madagascar, China, Indonesia, Mali, Philippines). Vetiver plants are also used extensively to treat solid and liquid wastes; treating waste water and toxic and heavy metal contaminated soils. The applications, requiring more technical know-how and used in most tropical and sub-tropical countries that have contaminated mine tailing and waste water problems; Africa, South America, Madagascar, China, Australia, South East Asia and the US. HOW IS VETIVER SYSTEM TECHNOLOGY PROMOTED: All Vetiver Networks are peopled by volunteers. Globally, the main web site of the Vetiver Network is: www.vetiver.org. There are a 15 Affiliated Vetiver Network web sites, 10 email access affiliated country networks and four Vetiver Blog spaces; all are informed through contributions of research documents, Power Point Presentations, papers presented at International Vetiver Conferences (Five have been held over the last 1 years); in India, Venezuela, China and twice in Thailand; the latter two were under the auspices of the Kind of Thailand, an agronomist who has played an influential role in the research, application and dissemination of the Vetiver System not only in Thailand but neighboring countries and world wide in addition to Regional and Country specific Vetiver Conferences. The Vetiver Network International maintains a Google Picasa shared Photo album site covering some 20 different applications of Vetiver world wide; and a FaceBook site. Affiliates are invited both in a formal and informal manner, and expected to promote quality Vetiver System applications, use non-fertile cultivars (there are over 100 registered Vetiver plant suppliers word wide listed on TVNI's main web site) and contribute to global promotion of the Veitver System by sharing information. The content and the approach have given me much work but most importantly, quantifying satisfaction, as the Vetiver plant has been shown to be one of natures most effective carbon sequestration "system." Four vetiver plants sequester the same about of CO2 in 8 months than a grown tree of 4-5 yrs. Good news for the environment, good news for the farmer! The Vetiver Network International is a low key but high powered global group of several thousand concerned and involved professionals led by a tremendously capable Brit who started the whole process while he was an agriculture Technical Director at the World Bank. He set the NGO corporate culture, which is exemplary. Criss Juliard
I have worked as a volunteer for the vetiver network since the begining of its foundation and I am myself surprised of all the achievements it has acomplished. With many partners and organizations as well as individuals from such different positions "the message" of using vetiver has reached the users from first hand and has been always updated and well supported with documents, technical meetings and uncountable testimonies from users. All this information available on a free base in the TVNI web page. Vetiver system is nowadays a well recognized technology for erosion control, environmental protection and community development. A win-win solution for many environmental problems.
The Vetiver Network International (TVNI) fascinated me as a Roads Engineer and Environmental Practitioner (in Uganda) in the propagation and application of the Vetiver grass in the prevention and mitigation of some adverse environmental effects of road construction.
Review from Guidestar
As a geologist i know Vetiver System for a long time now. But five years ago when i decided to start work and study the plant i asked some advices to The Vetiver Network International and i was promptly supported. TVNI, that has Dick Grimshaw as true leader, is a kind of organization that is only interested in spreading the Vetiver System word for the benefit of others, specially for low income communities affected by natural issues caused by human being interaction.
Great low-cost high impact green engineering solution with high impact for soil erosion, stabilization, water management etc. High professional network dedicated to the Vetiver Grass with a global presence.
I am Ferdinand from Western Kenya and greatful for the Vertiver Network International.Some five years ago I was searching for information on where to source for this grass and got it from their site in Voi.I am now bulking vertiver in our 3/4 of demo garden and practicing sustainable organic farming.We are teaching farmers about vertiver and have found it to be wonderful in soil stabilization and perfect thatching grass.Our demo kitchen has been thathed using this grass.I source more training materials from this network for small holder farmers in our region.We hope to source for more resources from this network in order to reach many more farmers and improve living standards.Thanks Vertiver International for being there.
The Vetiver Network International (TVNI) is a philanthropy that teaches people how to use Vetiver grass to hold their soil in place, clean their water, and decontaminate their soils. Vetiver is a sterile clump grass with dense, fibrous, strong roots 12-15' deep. When grown in a continuous line or row, the grass slows and disperses water that would otherwise dig out gulleys as it speeds from high to low ground. Holding soil on the land where it belongs protects our reefs from silt that suffocates them. This green technology is beautifully simple, economical, and very effective. In addition to anchoring soil, the roots capture heavy metal and other contaminants, including TNT, arsenic, lead, chlordane, and heptachlor. The plant grows in a variety of nasty conditions, and also captures excess herbicides and fertilizers. The founders of TVNI are former World Bank senior agronomists, who served during the period when expertise--not dollars--was exported, realizing the promise "if you give a man a fish, he'll eat a meal; if you teach a man to fish, he'll always eat." One of the early patrons of TVNI was--and remains--the King of Thailand, who recognized Vetiver's utility in the early 1980s. To his credit, he established national nurseries, and planting protocols that preserve Thailand's soils. Rows of Vetiver line Thai freeway cuts. The United States is late to the party, having adopted a "more is better" philosophy that it adapts to remediation. Unlike rigid construction, including cement, rock, reinforced concrete, etc., Vetiver grows stronger with age.
I established the Vetiver Network International in the early 1990s with the objective of sharing a "green" technology with potential users around the world - primarily small and poor farmers in the tropics and semi tropics. We networked information and supported research to expand the technologies application to many new areas. The technology, now known as the "Vetiver System", is based on the use of a unique non invasive long living plant known as Vetiver Grass, that when planted as a thin narrow hedgerow prevents erosion and reduces rainfall runoff. We first used the technology for on farm soil and water conservation, since then the technology has been widely used for slope stabilization, gully control, land reclamation, pollution control, decontamination of polluted land and water, disaster mitigation (landslides, floods, droughts), handicrafts and many other applications. Vetiver with its dense leaf and stems and deep and very strong roots is akin to what engineers call a "Soil Nail". This technology is changing the lives of tens of thousands of small farmers in Africa and Asia in particular. It may turn out to be a key technology for rehabilitating Haiti's ravished soils. The technology is low cost, green and it works. The Vetiver Network International is a knowledge based network - http://www.vetiver.org ; it has a large and comprehensive website that provides detailed technical and other feedback from the field. It is linked to other vetiver networks at regional and country level some of which have very active user forums, that communicate in their local languages. The technology that is scale neutral supports small and large enterprises for example it is impacting on many very small farmers in Ethiopia and Malawi both in protecting their lands and increasing their crop yields and income, The same technology, applied a little differently is protecting some of the largest landfills in China and the USA and is reducing polluting leachates from those landfills. In Brazil it is being used to stabilize land slide areas and beach protection. In Madagascar, China, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and India it is used to stabilize highway, railway and riverbanks. Poor rural people are being taught to use vetiver as a source of material for handicrafts. Communities love the technology because it is low cost and relatively easy to use. Vetiver has changed the lives of many, and will continue doing so for ever.
Review from Guidestar
AAE in the island of La Gonave is desperately trying to plant vetiver along the old, abandoned terraces and trainign the community in the vetiver many uses, including fuel for stoves, thus stopping tree logging and kerosene consumption. Scarcity of water remains an issue, although water tanks are being installed. Once restored and hedged, the terraces would retain water and allow for other crops. AAE has been trained in digging ditches and shales, and is waiting for a donation of some 6,000 vetiver seedlings to start. They need more and need someone to drill for water, especially community water.