FAQ
About VSF and our mission
Q: What is Vetiver Sans Frontieres (VSF)?
A: VSF is a Canadian nonprofit — formally "Vétiver Sans Frontières / Vetiver Without Borders," corporation number 1410193-6 — that helps communities understand and apply vetiver-based solutions for soil, water, and land protection.
Q: What countries does VSF work in?
A: VSF has active or recent field projects in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Costa Rica, and Colombia. We work with local partners in each region and support new projects where vetiver is a practical fit.
Q: What does VSF actually do in the field?
A: VSF provides site assessment, planting guidance, contour design, nursery support, local training, and public project documentation. We work alongside communities and NGOs rather than acting as a top-down implementing agency.
Q: Is vetiver invasive? Is it safe to plant?
A: The non-seeding, sterile accessions of vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides) used for soil conservation are not considered invasive under upland rainfed conditions and have been planted in over 100 countries without documented spread. VSF only recommends sterile or non-seeding cultivars.
Q: What is the difference between vetiver and vetiver oil?
A: Vetiver oil is an aromatic essential oil extracted from vetiver roots and used in perfumery and cosmetics. VSF's work is entirely separate — we focus on the living grass plant as a soil and water conservation tool, not on oil production.
Q: How does VSF explain impact?
A: We use working references, public project pages, and field stories. When a number is shown publicly, we treat it as a reference point until it is sourced and reviewed.
Donation information
Q: How can I donate to VSF?
A: You can make a secure donation through Zeffy. Zeffy covers its own platform fees, so 100% of your donation reaches VSF. If the form is unavailable, email info@vetiversansfrontieres.org.
Q: How are my donations used?
A: Donations support project follow-through, training, site support, public project pages, and related environmental work.
Q: Do I get a tax receipt for my donation?
A: VSF is incorporated as a Canadian nonprofit. For questions about receipts or the tax treatment of your donation in your country, please email info@vetiversansfrontieres.org.
Impact and accountability
Q: How do I know my donation makes a difference?
A: VSF shares project updates, field stories, and proof pages so supporters can see what the work is doing. We keep the language cautious until claims are validated and documented.
Projects and partnerships
Q: How do I propose a project with VSF?
A: Email info@vetiversansfrontieres.org with your location, a description of the land challenge, what you are trying to achieve, and any resources or constraints already in place. VSF reviews proposals on a rolling basis.
Q: Can VSF help with slope stabilisation or infrastructure?
A: VSF can provide general guidance and site assessment support for farm-scale erosion and slope challenges. For high-risk infrastructure — roads, bridges, riverbanks, dams, or public works — we recommend involving a qualified local engineer or geotechnical practitioner in addition to any vetiver application.
Q: What does VSF not do?
A: VSF does not certify engineering designs, guarantee specific erosion-reduction figures, or promise yield outcomes. We explain what vetiver can do in general, assess sites, and support implementation — but every field situation is different and results depend on local conditions, planting quality, and maintenance.