ECO Learning with St Maarten Government & Spaceless Gardens

**PRESS RELEASE** Ministry of Public Health, Social Development & Labor Affairs

Great Bay— In recognition of “World Food Day, observed each year on October 16, the Department of Community Development, Family & Humanitarian Affairs (CDFHA) in partnership with Spaceless Gardens will offer an eight (8) week program on Agro Ecology starting on November 9,2020.

The Agro ecology project is of high priority and special interest to the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development & Labor Affairs and by extension, the Department of Community Development, Family & Humanitarian Affairs (CDFHA) because it underscores its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals 1 “the eradication of poverty & 2 “reduce hunger”. Additionally, the Agro ecology program is a recent addition to and compliments CDFHA’s growing list of key interventions such as the “Social Bank” and the “Backyard Gardening” program in an effort to combat hunger.

Further, the program aims is to “improve the skills and knowledge of targeted registered participants and less fortunate members of the community through a diverse hands-on educational program that focuses on agro-ecology and home gardening”, promote food security and encourage the community to grow what they eat and eat what they grow. For additional information please visit or contact any of the following Help Desks: Cole Bay Help Desk 1721-5203415; St. Peters Community Help Desk 1721-5484633; Dutch Quarter Community Help Desk 1721-5203415.

**END PRESS RELEASE**

In February 2020 we wanted to encourage community members to get more involved in there back yards and community areas. Unfortunately at the beginning of our Agro-Learning sessions, the Corona Virus became a reality and we were forced to hold off on the educational sessions keeping the health of all in mind.

Nevertheless this pandemic stimulated our economy and persons toward being more involved in gardening and now more then ever we are seeing more green as we look over to our neighbors yard spaces..

COVID-19 opened the eyes of many seeking alternatives to safeguard their food and livelihoods when all seemed to be at a halt.

This pandemic also open the eyes of our local government which also encouraged the population to get and keep busy in their backyards. More then ever the concept ECO rings out loud. ECO Educate, Cultivate and Outreach.

Definition: Agroecology is defined by the OECD as “the study of the relation of agricultural crops and environment.” Dalgaard et al. refer to agroecology as the study of the interactions between plants, animals, humans and the environment within agricultural systems.

The hard work and efforts of the people have played a significant role on the possibilities that can lay ahead in the sectors of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries.. Thus, with great pleasure we would like to continue building the awareness as best as we can to the general public at large, keeping in mind those that are less fortunate and may be able to benefit from the implementation of agricultural activities.

In collaboration with Community Development Family & Humanitarian Affairs, Spaceless Gardens and ECO St Maarten Agricultural Research and Development Center we present the ECO-LEARNING program that will focus on gardening education, building awareness, creative positive social capacity building, networking, encouraging skill enhancement and economical diversification in the areas of agriculture and agro-ecology.

The program will run for 8 weeks starting Nov 9, 2020 – 18 January, 2021 (1hr per week) and will cover the following areas:

Week 1 – Climate change

Its important to understand the root of the problem and how we as individuals can play our role towards sustaining life and a better tomorrow for mankind overall . This week we will also prepare soil adjustment for next weeks session.

Week 2 – Seed Germination – This week the focus will be on identifying seed types, propagation of seeds, slip and cloning techniques.

Week 3 – Plant Science & Soil Types – Understanding a plant is important, the functionality of it and best condition for it to thrive in. This will be our focus this week.

Week 4 – Plant Care and Maintenance – Learning traditional and modern approached toward organic and non organic plant care, maintenance and disease control

Week 5 – History Agriculture on SXM – A video documentary archived by Mr Dwight Barran that covers an interesting interview by Mr Lorenzo Matthew caretaker of St Maarten’s first Agricultural Station and documentary done by the students of St Maarten Academy in 1993

Week 6 – Agro-Buisness – For those that may want to focus on commercial farming as an empowerment of entrepreneurship or business venture, this week will cover simple business models that may help create sustainable farming business opportunities.

Week 7 – Nutrition – The importance of a healthy dietary intake, what is truly a balance diet and the healing properties of medicinal plants.

Week 8 – The culinary Art of Harvesting -In this final week we harvest what we grow and get creative with cool way to prepare it for comsumption.

To make it all possible Community Development Family & Humanitarian Affairs & SG have made available 50 slots for interested registered participants to take part in these sessions at no cost. At the end of the 8 week program each participant will receive a certification of participation for taking part in the ECO-Learning Sessions.

This socially interactive experience plans to open the eyes and minds of individuals that seek alternative positive changes and improvement on lifestyle habits. We want you to know that your opinion counts and your say has meaning, there for we also encourage you to take time and fill out the registration survey which will help us to understand your concerns towards seeking sustainable solutions.

Spaceless Gardens is an organization focused on providing sustainable Agricultural Solutions to individuals in need while working along side ECO St Maarten Agricultural Research and Development Foundation to provide sustainable Ecological Solutions to individuals in need. We are proud to collaborate with CDFHA on this venture and look forward to a healthy positive working relationship with the first priority being you and the people of this country in mind..