Countries and Projects

Vetiver grass can be used to assist with a wide range of soil, water and environmental challenges, and can also be used in many other ways for social and human benefits. These are listed in sections of this website which highlight uses of vetiver grass and The Vetiver System (VS), and range from slope stabilization and erosion control, to the production of essential oils and handicrafts.

The Caribbean small island states in particular stand to gain very much from having a basic level of common public knowledge about vetiver grass and the Vetiver System (VS), as it can be easily and quickly used at a low cost to protect roads, homes, infrastructure, steep and hilly agricultural lands, and coastlines. This is especially important for rural and far-off communities who can be easily disconnected through landslides and road collapse. Members of these communities who adopt knowledge and use of vetiver grass to protect their properties can also supplement their livelihoods through the production of useful handicraft products with vetiver leaves and fragrant roots, such as baskets, mats, soaps and chairs, and can also install hedgerows to treat and mitigate contaminating runoff from entering marine environments they often depend on.

This section provides general background information on the Caribbean islands with regards to historical use of vetiver grass and local conditions which can merit its value; as well as current and recent projects throughout the West Indies which are aimed at education, reintroduction, and environmental rehabilitation using vetiver grass and The Vetiver System (VS).