Turn coconut shell into mesh against erosion

A Filipino scientist has turned the coconut shell into a kind of self-destructing mesh. Grids work against erosion for slopes and river banks, stimulate plant growth and create jobs for farmers.

Weaving coconut nets in the Philippines

With the name "coconut net", the product has been used in infrastructure construction projects in this archipelago as well as in China and Sri Lanka.

In addition, the coconut net also won the first prize in the 2005 BBC World Challenge 2005. It passed 456 other products from 90 countries, bringing in Arboleda Justino 20,000 dollars.

Arboleda's initiative stems from a study in the late 1980s. The research was funded by the Asian Development Bank and conducted by Arboleda.

The results of the study show that most farmers in Bicol region (east of Manila) live below the poverty line, unable to earn enough money from their small plots. Copra is the only part of economic value, the raw material for the production of vegetable oil, soap, animal feed and industrial raw materials.

Coconut shells are the largest waste of coconut growing areas. According to Arboleda estimates, the Philippines produces 12 billion coconut husks per year and 75% of them are discarded. "We want to create jobs for farmers, especially women, who are often idle after every coconut harvest ," he said.

So Arboleda found a way to crush coconut husks, turn them into fibers and bring them to farmers' homes. Here, housewives will weave them into a very strong yarn for making nets.

Arboleda said his coconut nets not only prevent soil erosion. It also absorbs water, prevents soil from eroding, and creates a fertile layer for plants to grow. In tests, coconut fiber can last for up to 4 years in submerged conditions.

Coconut grids are currently used to keep exposed land in projects of dams, highways in the Philippines, to prevent landslides in projects of building hillsides, covering landfills . Arboleda has become establish a company specializing in the production of this type of net, create jobs and increase income for farmers in the region.

Minh Son