Fondes Amandes Community Reforestation Project

The Fondes Amandes Community Reforestation Project (FACRP) is a widely recognized and highly regarded environmental initiative located on the island of Trinidad. In the early 1980's, the area was settled illegally by landless farmers on land owned by the governments Water and Sewage Authority (WASA). As a result of annual fire damage in the existing grassland, the WASA began an effort to secure its holdings to protect the water supply. The Fondes Amandes hillside community secured verbal permission to remain on their land and protect the critical portion of the watershed through agro-forestry and fire protection activities. Working with the assistance of the Tropical Re-Leaf Foundation, they have been successful at planting hardwood and fruit tree species throughout the watershed. These activities provide employment opportunities for the residents. There are additional opportunities for implementing ecotourism ventures that are currently being explored.