TVNI WEBINARS (and "public disscussions")

#1WEBINAR (completed) - Webinar Video at: https://youtu.be/p4OM9Vm1IqE and pdf
-- Embedding Vetiver Grass Technology into Farm Systems at various scales under tropical and semi-tropical conditions. Presented by Dick Grimshaw and Jim Smyle

#2 WEBINAR (completed) Webinar video at: https://youtu.be/dqb3os89sYQ
-- Developing, marketing and social impact of vetiver grass based handicrafts.
Videos of individual presentations: Jacob Jose (india); Paula Leao Pereira (Brazil); Vonnie Roudette (St Vincent and The Grenadines); June Slinger (Grenada); Oswaldo Luque (Venezuela)

#3 DISCUSSION (completed) discussion video at: https://youtu.be/W90OOgFJa70

Can the Vetiver System be used for coastal protection in West Bengal's Sundarbans?

This video comprises of a presentation by Samir Patitunda and Syed Samsun Nabi describing some of the physical and social problems as a result of extreme weather events in the Sundarbans of West Bengal. This is followed by presentations from Tran Van, Tran Man and Paul Truong describe how the Vetiver System has been effectively used since the late 1990's for coastal sea dyke and estuarine river bank stabilization in north and central Vietnam and the Mekong Delta under not dissimilar conditions to those in the Sundarbans. Mohammad Shariful Islam describes his 20 years of vetiver research and development in successful applications for coastal infrastructure stabilization in areas contiguous to West Bengal's Sundarbans. These presentations are followed by an open discussion. Some interesting points emerge including the need for full community acceptance and participation; the need for quality plant and site applications; the potential use of jute fiber matting in conjunction with vetiver to enhance stability in the first year of vetiver establishment especially on sandy and "liquid" soils; the value of well planted vetiver hedges of sufficient density and number that reduces wave run up damage to the embankments and is equivalent to approximately a 10% saving in dyke/embankment height - significant saving in construction costs. Also the importance of planting vetiver on the inside slopes of dykes to prevent erosion from over topping storm surges. Post application maintenance is relatively simple and low cost and important for long term durability. Rules have to be agreed with local communities as to how the dykes are used, and once agreed need to be adhered to.