French manufacturer of acacia gum Alland & Robert has teamed up with TREE AID, a UK-based charity specialized in reforesting the African drylands.

This partnership will, it says, draw on the unique properties of acacia trees to help protect land and livelihoods in Africa.

As an international Acacia gum specialist, Alland & Robert says it has been committed to developing sustainable natural products since 1884. Now, the company is going one step further to launch “Let’s plant acacias together!”, a reforestation program in partnership with TREE AID who plant three varieties of acacias trees in Mali, Niger and Ethiopia wher gum is sourced. 

based on the volume of acacia gum sold, Alland & Robert will work with TREE AID throughout 2020 to support planting acacia trees in Mali, Niger and Ethiopia. With the aim of reaching at least 3,400 trees, Alland & Robert will help support the reforestation of degraded land in six different locations from the Meki River to Park W National Reserve. 

The African Sahel region is one of the most vulnerable to climate change, Alland & Robert notes. With the campaign, the company hopes to highlight the positive impact of acacia gum and acacia trees on the environment.

“Our customers will know how many trees were planted thanks to their business. We want to be as transparent as possible and share our expertise in this field,” said CEO Frédéric Alland, who has developed durable partnerships with local producers and cooperatives over more than 30 years. 

Acacia gum is said to be a tremendous economic resource for the populations of the Sahel and the livelihood of more than 3 million people. Perfectly adapted to the dry, desert ecosystem, acacia trees are also a great environmental asset for local communities. 

‘‘It’s fascinating that such an efficient tool for climate resilience exists in nature. Acacias trees have been proven to help regulate water cycles and restore degraded lands. The benefits are far-reaching, from nourishing the soil by fixing nitrogen to restoring fertility, favouring intercropping, and providing shelter and shade. With a deep root system, the trees help prevent desertification without degrading the soil. The grass carpet they create also prevents water run-off and contributes to reconstructing the water table. In periods of drought, acacias provide a much needed water supply to wildlife and domestic species, thus protecting biodiversity,” said Alland & Robert Marketing Manager Violaine Fauvarque. 

“Alland & Robert has been involved in Africa for a long time with an ambitious policy of social, environmental and economic responsibility. In 2020, we’re excited that this new initiative will reflect our commitment to do concrete work in supporting acacia communities and protecting their environment through reforestation,” said Alland & Robert General Director Charles Alland.