The living fence; a green solution gaining ground
Early last year, SEED began reducing the carbon emissions of our school infrastructure projects. Led by the communities we work with, Project Sekoly Maintso plants trees to capture the carbon produced during construction and repair of schools. Fruit trees are additionally planted near the schools to provide students with a healthy snack. Rigorous monitoring showed that the trees were growing well, however, the team also encountered some issues... zebu and other domestic animals would occasionally wander into the planting sites and trample the seedlings, plus the odd football from the nearby playground ended up knocking over the fruit trees. To better protect the seedlings, the team came up with the idea to plant a living fence: a natural barrier constructed from plants and trees, ensuring the seedlings develop into fully grown trees.
The living fence proved to be an ideal solution: it protects the seedlings from any disturbances, whilst also maintaining the green character of the planting sites. As the fence grows stronger over time, there is no need for replacement, painting, or repairing, meaning it is low cost and requires little maintenance once it has been planted. A living fence also contributes to the biodiversity of the area, improving soil quality, providing forage or refuge for insects and small animals, and creating a micro-ecosystem for indigenous organisms. This makes the living fence is a green, sustainable, and durable solution, beneficial for the insects, birds, bees, and the trees.
The living fence is an inexpensive alternative. After you plant it, it will remain for a very long time. A normal fence would need to be repaired every year
- Gerard Haussmann, Project Coordinator Sekoly Maintso
The living fence was first trialled around the planting sites near the schools in Emagnevy and Mandiso, using regenerative species. To create a living fence, branches of a full-grown tree are cut and planted around the planting site, where they continue to grow and produce new offshoots. Eight suitable regenerative species were identified in Emagnevy and three in Mandiso, each with their own distinctive benefits. For example, Albizia lebbeck (woman’s tongue) is a fast-growing species, used in coffee, cardamom, vanilla, and cocoa plantations. Due to its extensive, shallow root system, the tree is a good soil binder and recommended for erosion control. Jatropha curcas (physic nut) is often used as a living fence in tropical climates and provides support for vanilla and other climbing crops. Ficus reflexa, locally known as “Nonoka” or “tambavim-behivavy” (women's herbal tea), is known to provide health-benefits for nursing mothers. Only one month after planting, the fences in Emagnevy and Mandiso started to grow and flower.
Given its success, the same idea was implemented in Project Mahampy, a woman’s livelihood project, a couple months later. In November 2022, The Mahampy Weavers’ Workshop in Sainte Luce was expanded to provide additional space to weave. After completion of the new outdoor shelter, the weavers decided to plant a living fence around the Workshop. The weavers chose to plant pink peppercorn (Schinus terebinthifolia), a tree known to grow well in this area. Growing up to 15 meters tall, its dried berries are a cash crop that can be sold or used in cooking. Pink peppercorn is also known to be beneficial for local bee populations. After the weavers had gathered the branches, they collectively planted the fence, commemorating the opening of their new weaving space.
In a short space of time, the living fence has provided a green, inexpensive, and low maintenance solution not only for the seedlings in Project Sekoly Maintso, but also for the weavers in Project Mahampy. Over the next few months, the growth of the living fence in different environments will continue to be monitored.
Given the success of the living fences, SEED will now be looking to incorporate more fences into its projects going forward – just one of the ways which SEED is looking for green solutions to everyday challenges.