In the concrete jungle of downtown Kingston, a rooftop oasis stands tall, bringing life to a previously dead space.

Dedicated to its fight against climate change, the Making An Impact All-Together (MAIA) Foundation installed its first eco garden on the rooftop of ROK Kingston, an initiative that will see the hotel reaping fresh herbs.

This installation was made possible through MAIA’s partnership with ROK and the CB Facey Foundation, the charitable arm of PANJAM.

A space that houses ventilation systems for the hotel is now joined by six beds of vegetable seedings, growing herbs such as basil, parsley and oregano.

Founder and CEO of MAIA, Marvin Campbell told Our Today that, in an effort to make Jamaica carbon neutral, the foundation wants to “give cities a more sustainable angle and a more environmentally friendly touch”.

In keeping with the foundation’s three pillars of repurposing, planting and education, the soils of the eco garden were enriched with biodegradable materials such as food waste that contributes to a rich soil.

The raised bed gardens will also be maintained by the hotel, having received substantial information and advice from Campbell on how to maintain and foster continued growth of the planted herbs.

Though tightlipped about the future plans of the foundation, Campbell was generous enough to give Our Today an exclusive tour of the rooftop garden.