Swiss Partners
CEAS Centre Ecologique Albert Schweitzer, Neuchâtel
www.ceas.ch
Niels Bourquin
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Swiss Contribution
CEAS is a non-governmental organization that has been active in development cooperation since 1980. CEAS is a recognized, benevolent organization which implements innovative and sustainable solutions in cooperation with local populations and established research institutes. CEAS aims to promote sustainable development with an ethical approach that is line with Albert Schweitzer’s “Reverence for Life”.
Description
The production of essential oils in Madagascar using very inefficient manufacturing techniques consumes extremely large amounts of firewood. As part of the REPIC project, an efficient pilot distillation plant is being implemented as part of a sustainable production chain for processing ginger into essential oil in the Mandialaza community; located on the edge of the protected Anjozorobe-Angavo region. Preparation for multiplication and replication of the innovative facilities on a larger scale is an important part of the project. In a first step, the project focuses on the rural community of Mandialaza. Later, the activities will be concentrated on Atsinanana and Analanjirofo; both regions with large production capacities for essential oils.
Results
Fireforce Technology developed a 1:10 prototype in Switzerland. A bigger prototype (1:3) has been built and tested in Mandialaza to save some time. The distillation boiler was adapted to local conditions. The partners decided to distil 2 tonnes of fresh ginger daily using two 2000L units and to dry 1.3 tonnes of fresh ginger using four boxes. Eucalyptus is grown on a large scale for the long-term supply of firewood.