On Friday, August 14th 2015, the Caribbean Aqua-Terrestrial Solutions (CATS) Programme, operated by Caribbean Public Health’s (CARPHA) Environmental Health and Sustainable Development Department and GIZ, German Development Cooperation, handed over equipment to both the Belle Vue Farmers‘ Cooperative (BVFC) and the Soufriere Marine Management Authority (SMMA).

The CATS-Programme is operating a Ridge-To-Reef-Approach in Saint Lucia – focusing on good agricultural practices in the hinterland of the Soufriere Marine Management Area and measures to improve marine biodiversity in the SMMA directly.

Therefore, the Belle Vue Farmers’ Cooperative received a shredder, Model 75X, which will help to shred organic materials for the production of compost and mulch to reduce the utilization of chemical fertilizers and reduce run-off. Furthermore, a water tank with the capacity of 10,500 gallons, a solar powered water pump, a generator, chainsaw, grass trimmers, sprayers, waders, and safety equipment had been provided to the Belle Vue group.

The SMMA received a Toyota Hilux, office furniture, computer equipment and software, dive gear, safety and VHF, and moorings equipment from the CATS Programme.

The ceremony took place at the Belle Vue Farmers’ Cooperative and ended with a boat excursion into the Soufriere Marine Management Area.