Sourcing ingredients sustainably

Published: 15-Jun-2018

Nexira, the specialist manufacturer of natural innovative ingredients for the food, nutrition and health industries, tells Nutraceutical Business Review about its partnership with the Acacia Project and how its sourcing acia gum the right way

Nexira is committed to sustainable development and has taken special care to preserve the raw materials it sources from nature, every day.

This is a daily commitment, especially when it comes to acacia gum. Since 2009, Nexira has been a key partner in the Acacia Project conducted by NGO SOS Sahel. The aim of the project is to build a long term partnerships with the local communities to support the acacia gum sector, thereby improving the living conditions of the local population.

Prevention against deforestation & desertification

Acacia trees help to prevent desertification in arid and semi-arid zones. Through dune stabilisation and by acting as a windbreak, they prevent land degradation and migration.

Environmental awareness has resulted in tree protection. Thanks to the Acacia Project, firewood consumption has been reduced by 30% and 7,840 hectares of lost forests have been restored. Last but not least, 1,500,000 trees have been planted.

Soil fertilisation and biodiversity

Acacia trees are leguminous, and as such, they nourish the soil by fixing nitrogen and restoring fertility. This natural fertilisation of the soil enables grasses, grains, or other plants to grow between the trees and supplies forage for cattle.

Economic & social development

The harvest of acacia gum has a very positive impact on economic and social development. In rural areas, the harvest minises depopulation of acaia trees, whilst also providing a source of regular income for local community.

Acacia gum harvesting enables 29,500 producers to diversify their economic resources and to add value to their crops in a weak ecosystem.

Watch the video below "The gold trees of Sahel" to find out more.

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