ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: Field and laboratory studies indicate that utilization of biogeotextile mats constructed from palm-leaves and other selected organic materials are an effective, sustainable and economically-viable soil conservation technique. The EU-funded BORASSUS Project evaluated the long-term effectiveness of biogeotextile mats in controlling soil erosion and assessing their sustainability and economic viability. These studies progressed in 10 countries, both in the ‘industrial north’ (in Europe) and in the ‘developing south’ (Africa, South America and South-East Asia). The studied countries in the ‘developing south’ included Brazil, China, The Gambia, South Africa, Thailand and Vietnam. The ‘industrial north’ countries included Belgium, Hungary, Lithuania and the UK.
