04/08/2026
COMMUNITY TURNS INVASIVE SPECIES INTO AN OPPORTUNITY
We conducted a hands-on training on the sustainable utilization of Ipomoea carnea by demonstrating how this invasive plant can be converted into organic compost manure with the support from G20 GLI United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification. For many years, Ipomoea carnea has spread aggressively across the Masibinta Wetland, suppressing native vegetation, degrading wetland ecosystems, and posing a serious threat to livestock because of its poisonous nature.
Rather than viewing this invasive species only as a problem, the community is now equipped with practical knowledge to transform it into a valuable resource. The compost produced from Ipomoea carnea will help restore degraded soils, improve soil fertility, increase crop productivity, and reduce dependence on expensive chemical fertilizers. This approach also creates opportunities for households to generate income through improved agricultural production while contributing to wetland restoration.
The training brought together community members who actively participated in the compost-making process and discussed how they can apply these skills in their homesteads and gardens. By removing invasive plants and converting them into organic manure, the community is turning an environmental challenge into a practical solution that benefits both nature and livelihoods.
GEF Small Grants Programme WOCAT - World Overview of Conservation Approaches and Technologies United Nations Biodiversity
