Paul Altaffer & Grant Washington-Smith03.01.06
Madagascar: Opportunity and Sustainability
Madagascar’s biodiversity offers a rich source of nutraceutical opportunities.
By Paul Altaffer & Grant Washington-Smith
Even though Madagascar has been the subject of numerous books, articles and a famous animated movie, very few people know much about this island nation. Madagascar, however, has many natural wonders to offer, including some of the most unique flora and fauna remaining on the planet.
Madagascar, located across the Mozambique Channel from the African continent on the Indian Ocean, is the fourth largest island in the world. The island nation has evolved independently of the African, Asian and European continents for the past 80 to 140 million years. This geographic and evolutionary isolation has resulted in an 80% or above rate of endemism—that is, the flora and fauna exists there and nowhere else in the world. In addition to its high rate of endemism, Madagascar has tremendous biodiversity1. It has been estimated that Madagascar’s flora contain up to 14,000 species of plant life, a tremendous number when considering the size of the island2. Most of these plants have not been studied, so their economic value or potential is mostly un-known. Unfortunately, Madagascar, like many other developing nations, has suffered tremendously from devastation to its environment. As a result, the country is considered among the most important conservation priorities in the world. If sustainable development practices aren’t urgently followed, Madagascar may lose its tremendous legacy of unique biodiversity.
Partly because of the urgency for conservation, as well as an interest in developing the economy and re-sources of Madagascar, the USAID (U.S. Agency for International Development) has targeted Madagascar for developmental support (see side baron page 38 on a program called BAMEX). As a result, product development and trading opportunities are becoming available to U.S. and European companies. The time is excellent for companies looking at partnering programs in supply, manufacturing, conservation and sustainable development.
Madagascar is a significant producer and global supplier of a wide range of natural products that are considered to be of the highest quality, including spices, essential oils and botanicals. Some of the notable spices and specialty food crops produced in the country are vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, pepper, sweet basil, coffee and cocoa. Most of these are also extracted as essential oils, as Madagascar is a major producer of essential oil products. The list below describes some of the best known current and possible trading opportunities from Madagascar:
Major Export Products:
• Vanilla and vanilla extracts
• Clove oil and fresh cloves (Syzygium aromaticum)
• Cinnamon oil, extract and whole bark (Cinnamomum verum)
• Ginger oil and ginger rhizome (Zingiber officinale)
• Niaouli oil (Melaleuca quinquenervia or M. viridifolia)
• Malagasy ravintsara or camphor oil (Cinnamomum camphora)
• Sweet basil oil (Ocimum basilicum)
• Pepper oils (Piper nigrum)
• Lemongrass oil (Cymbopogon flexuosus)
• Ylang-Ylang oil (Cananga odorata)
• Fair trade, organic and specialty coffee and cocoa
Potential Export Products:
• Ravensara (Agathophyllum aromaticum)
• Foraha or tamanu oil (Calophyllum inophyllum)
• Katrafay EO (Cedrelopsis grevei)
• Palmarosa oil (Cymbopogon martinii)
• Geranium (Pelargonium capitatum or P. Radens)
• Patchouli (Pogostemon patchouli)
• Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanoides)
• Radriaka (Lantana camara)
• Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus critriodora)
Endemic/Indigenous Species with Economic Potential:
• Rambiazina (Helichrysum bracteiferum)
• Manitranzety (Vepris madagascarica)
• Anzety (Croton anisatum)
• Hazomalany (Hernandia voyronii) 1,2
Madagascar’s Traditional Medicine History
Madagascar is also home to a traditional medicine philosophy that incorporates botanical medicine, aromatherapy, homeopathy and massage as integral aspects to healing. Even villagers found in the most remote areas regularly get massage as a part of their healing regimen. Unfortunately there is not much information published about Malagasy traditional medicine. Its history is often passed on through oral tradition. Malagasy traditional medicine, along with its varied and unique flora merits in-depth study in an attempt to preserve the traditional knowledge and develop new economically significant natural resources.
Madagascar is environmentally a very clean country, as it produces almost no energy and has almost no heavy (polluting) industry. The country is poor and many opportunities exist to build fairly traded and sustainable economic models. This translates into a tremendous opportunity for developing certified organic, sustainable and fairly traded products. Madagascar also has diverse ecosystems and microclimates, with much of the country being of a tropical nature and significant rainfall. With clean soil, sun, water, warm weather and a labor force with a rich tradition in natural products manufacturing (essential oils and spices), the opportunity for developing organic and sustainable agriculture are significant.
The French were early colonizers of Madagascar and still have a tremendous amount of economic, cultural and artistic influence in the country. This influence has blended with an abundance of natural resources and a talented labor force. The combination of influence and resources make Malagasy arts and crafts products highly regarded around the world. Madagascar produces exotic wood products, semi-precious stones, and a variety of craft products made from various different natural materials (bamboo, rattan, sisal, cloth and so on).
And then there is Ecotourism. Ecotourism is quickly becoming a major source of revenue for many countries who use it as a means for protecting sensitive resources as well as educating the public. Surely there must be some interesting developmental possibilities when one blends Malagasy ecotourism with its natural wealth in aromatic and essential oils, botanicals, and even arts and crafts.
The Need to Partner
Madagascar must develop partnership programs with communities, government, universities and the private sector. The timing is excellent right now as it has already developed some partnership programs with governmental and non-governmental agencies, as well as universities. Rutgers University (New Brunswick, NJ), for example, participates in several development and assistance programs in Madagascar. It may be time now for the private sector to take a closer look at the developmental opportunities as well.
For those interested in an adventure, rich with exotic fruits, spices, aromas, botanical treasures and a variety of development opportunities, Madagascar is certainly worth the consideration!NW
References:
1. Rasoanaivo, Philippe and De La Gorce, Philippe, “Essential Oils of Economic Value in Madagascar: Present State of Knowledge,” HerbalGram No. 43, Summer 1998.
2. Halpern, Georges and Weverka, Peter, “The Healing Trail: Essential Oils of Madagascar,” Basic Health Publications, 2003.