By Desrine McTair. Updated 7:20 a.m., Thursday, November 2nd, 2023, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
As part of the April 2021 volcanic eruptions recovery efforts, the Economic Planning Division (Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Information Technology) and the Forestry Department (Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Rural Transformation, Industry and Labour) are collaborating on a programme that will focus on forest biodiversity conservation and watershed management – targeting the northern forested areas of Saint Vincent.
According to a press release, the Volcanic Eruption Emergency Project said, the five-month forestry programme – which is a sub-component of the World Bank financed (VEEP) – will be recruiting approximately 190 experienced forestry workers, who reside in the North Windward and North Leeward communities.
The application period will run from October 31 to November 7, 2023.
The overall aim is to protect the country’s biodiversity, maintain the habitat of endemic species
and reduce the impact of climate change through specific activities which include Forestry
Management (removal of fallen/broken trees, vines and other debris), Soil and Water Conservation (planting of vegetation, reforestation and construction of contour drains), wildlife
conflict management, and environmental education and training, said the Volcanic Eruption Emergency Project.
Participants must meet the following general criteria:
- A minimum of one (1) year involved in forestation/conservation or agricultural field
work or any other related sustainable land management practices - Experience with sustainable practices such as Soil and Water Conservation, Forest/Tree
Management, Reforestation/Enrichment Plantation, Argo-Forestry and Nursery
Management - Be willing and able to walk long distances and at high elevations in the forest
It is also expected that the selected workers will have knowledge of the usage of appropriate
tools and light machinery; and be physically able and willing to endure working conditions that
involve being exposed to the sun and rain in unsheltered areas, walking/hiking in remote areas
that are not accessible by vehicle, and working in sloping areas along waterways and rivers, further stated the press release.
The VEEP will like to notify the public that Interested persons can register at the following locations: Orange Hill Agriculture Biotechnology Centre, New Grounds Agriculture Station, Forestry Headquarters – Campden Park, Wallilabou Agriculture Station and the Ministry of Agriculture Kingstown Office or call (784) 457-8594.
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