In May 2017, our founder, Sylvie Méliet returned to Guinea. This is where we source our Carapa procera oil (1). This oil is the main ingredient in our natural treatments against psoriasis,acne and eczema. Let's take a look at the adventure roadmap together.
The purpose of this trip to Guinea
We decided to do everything to highlight the treasure that Carapa procera oil represents. To do this, we are reactivating the NGO Gnon Kany, which was dormant. Indeed, we have decided, in partnership with the University of N'Zérékoré, to carry out the world's first plantation of Carapa procera. Carapa procera oil will be the Argan oil of tomorrow. At least, that's what the world Carapa specialist and professor at the National Museum of Natural History says.
Until now, the trees that we exploit are wild trees found in a natural environment making the working conditions difficult and laborious. With a plantation close to the village, women, traditionally in charge of harvesting and pressing the oil, will have less distance to travel, so they will be able to produce more with less fatigue.
This is why Sylvie had to go there to see the inhabitants of the village again. As well as to manage the plantation with the help of the University's teacher-researchers.
Several stages through Guinea to meet Carapa procera oil
– Conakry, the capital, to meet the players in the management of the transportation of oil to the LM Natura laboratories in Mauritius.
– The University of N'Zérékoré to meet the teacher-researchers as well as the rector, stakeholders in the Carapa procera oil valorization project.
– The village of Guinea Forest where we source our oil.
Day 1 – Arrival in Conakry, capital of Guinea
Sylvie has planned a day to meet the people involved in the oil expedition. We transport the oil by truck from the village to the capital, then by boat from Conakry to Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius. We then store it in our laboratory located in Mauritius to then be able to manufacture the Akno Natura Regulatory Complex and the Pso Natura Regenerative Complex on site. See our customer testimonials. For other LM Natura treatments, we ship oil to our laboratory in France. Learn more about the different manifestations of acne.
Day 2 – On the way to Forest Guinea, to plant the Carapa procera
The roads are sometimes impassable in Guinea. This involves crossing the country, the Forest Guinea region being the most southerly of the country. The road is long from Conakry to N'Zérékoré, first stop in Guinée Forestière before going to the village. It is aboard a 4×4 that Sylvie embarks on this journey, accompanied by a teacher-researcher from N'Zérékoré who came to pick her up.
These are also reunions between the two people. Indeed, Sylvie had met Molière at the beginning of the laboratories. They had kept meager contacts but when Sylvie proposed the partnership with the University, he immediately responded. This time, thanks to resurfaced roads, the journey only took one day compared to almost three the last time.
Day 3 – Meeting of project partners at the University of N’Zérékoré
First of all, when she presented the Carapa Procera development project, Sylvie had immediate and unconditional support from the University of N'Zérékoré. Meeting the teacher-researchers now involved alongside him was an important step.
Thus, this meeting took place in joy and good humor. Both sides are convinced of the importance of the project and committed to bringing it to fruition. Involved: the rector and five teacher-researchers in the fields of agroforestry, botany, environment and biodiversity.
Day 4 – Return to the village where it all began
It's time to go to the village and see faces again that Sylvie feared she had forgotten. Sylvie is welcomed by village women whom she had already had the opportunity to meet during her previous trips. But also by new people concerned about the well-being of their village and motivated to be part of this adventure.
Guinea is a predominantly Muslim country and religion plays an important role in the lives of its inhabitants and in institutions. It is therefore essential, when setting up a project in this country, to have the consent of the religious authorities in place. The founding of the NGO Gnon Kany was encouraged by the Imam in place at the time.
It was even he who suggested the name of the association to Sylvie, Gnon Kany meaning “let us love each other”.
Today, this man has unfortunately disappeared, carried away by the Ebola virus which has wreaked so much havoc in Guinea and in particular in the remote provinces in the south of the country. It was his son who took over. Sylvie met him and he also gives full support to the project. This is also the case for the Mayor of the village, he believes in this common project and wishes for its success.
Day 5 – Identification of land to plant Carapa procera
During Sylvie's last visit, the Imam donated 2 hectares to the NGO Gnon Kany with the future and encouraging desire to plant Carapa procera trees. For more than 5 years, nothing has been done to exploit these lands. Due to limited resources, time constraints and geographical distance.
2017 marks a major turning point for Laboratoires LM Natura and the NGO Gnon Kany
As mentioned previously, the Carapa Procera tree development project is relaunching the association's activity.
The 2 hectares generously offered by the Imam were therefore recognized. Then GPS marking by the men of the village and by a botanist from the University. It is on this plot that the experimental plantation was launched. Indeed, this area is perfect since it is located at the mouth of two rivers, optimal conditions for the good growth of plants.
The son of the village, in the same spirit of generosity as his father, entrusts the NGO with an additional 5 to 6 hectares. GPS tracking and marking are also carried out on this plot.
With the aim of preserving the environment and listing endemic species, we are implementing a procedure. University researchers carry out identifications and surveys of the plant species present. A herbarium is created.
Day 6 – Carapa procera plants and wildlings
To carry out a plantation, you must create a nursery. This therefore requires obtaining plants from seeds. We did not yet know if this was possible, whether or not the Carapa tree was docile to grow when planted by man.
While going to see the forest which is home to the wild Carapa procera trees, Sylvie and the team of botanists find young Carapa plants as well as wildlings (the barely germinated seed). In these conditions, rather than waiting for the plants to grow in the nursery, they already have what they need to start planting!
In total, 310 plants were taken from the forest to be replanted on the experimental site. This was cleared beforehand.
Day 7 – An eco-forest for an organic and environmentally friendly oil
On the good advice of a French researcher and specialist, the team from the University of N'Zérékoré set up a planting program with techniques adapted to the plant, the soil and the location. In a single day, some 74 plants of Carapa procera are planted, each guided by stakes.
No fertilizers or chemicals are present for this world's first plantation of Carapa procera. In this regard, our common wish is to create an eco-forest with the aim of producing organic oil. So that it is respectful of the environment and health.
At the same time, a local team is completing the planting of the remaining plants and creating a nursery for future plants in a shaded area. The Imam's son becomes head of the local team, in charge of finishing the planting, ensuring watering and the good growth of the plants.
At the end of this last day in the village, a meeting was held with the managers and women of the NGO Gnon Kany to summarize the work accomplished and develop what remains to be done. The women ensure that the watering is carried out properly by the Imam's teams.
sources:
(1) Carapa procera, www.carapaprocera.com
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