Layou Valley Rivers Institute
(Dominica)
© Gabriel J. Christian, Esq.
The economic and environmental challenges of Dominica’s rivers and valleys are closely linked. The availability of land suitable for agriculture and water resources form the foundation of our economic activity and if our land and water systems are degraded it becomes increasingly difficult to draw in new business, retain workers, and sustain an economically viable community.
Destruction of our valleys and rivers will spur unemployment and discourage the young from engaging agriculture as a viable career youth. We aim to make agriculture an attractive and viable career choice. The simple truth is our economy is dependent on boosting agriculture; having access to arable land and clean water is key to accomplishing that objective.
This effort has attained a degree of urgency due to the destruction of the Layou Valley in recent times by floods and landslides. Such has compelled the formation of this non-profit institute. The non-profit will base its headquarters at the eco-education inn located at Alwen’s Promise development in the Layou Valley (see www.natureislander.com).
Layou Valley and Rivers Institute (LVRI) of Dominica’s mission is to ensure our region has healthy streams — a critical economic engine for rural communities and the growth of our agriculture sector. LVRI’s approach to ensuring clean and healthy rivers is particularly important because our work creates positive results environmentally and spurs economic activity.
We are dedicated to:
-Vibrant communities where people want to work, live, and play
-Educational programs and networks that teach our young people, giving them the knowledge and skills they need to compete in the workforce;
-Crafting innovative anti erosion and landslide systems.
Our programs will derive:
• healthy streams and rivers that serve as a vital resource in our quest to attract businesses from agriculture to manufacturing
• sustainable tourism businesses that depend on water-based recreation opportunities.
1. Renewable energy
2. Revived local agriculture and agro industry; to include rebuilding of our cocoa farms and related agro industry
3. Global academic partnerships to assist the growth of local research and development in river course and valley management and preservation
The expertise and partnerships we will foster via the Layou Valley and Rivers Institute will help stimulate community discussion and innovative enterprise by providing the tools – scientific and human – needed to encourage healthy, vibrant, and sustainable economies. We have focused our expertise into four programs:
A. Stream restoration and protection to protect property, infrastructure, boost agriculture and enhance recreation
B. Sustainable agriculture-cultivation of viable crops such as cocoa and linking them to agro industry initiatives.
C. Renewable energy
D. Education directed at Maintaining a Healthy Environment- we aim to improve student and farmer achievement and proper stewardship of our rivers and valleys through encouraging productive student/farmer engagement to build livable and prosperous communities
LVRI’s greatest asset is our human resource; a dedicated and diverse group of individuals who firmly believe that local people can make a difference in solving their communities' concerns - particularly in agriculture. Our technology is cutting edge, our expertise unparalleled and accessible, and our commitment 100 percent. Together we can move forward to maintain productive valleys, maintain our rivers and so sustain arable land and clean water today and better opportunities for our people tomorrow.
