(Posted 26th November 2015)
In a ground breaking development, worth looking at by African mainland national park bodies, has Reunion’s national park authority now joined hands with local producers to launch a new product line ‘Esprit Parc National‘ or in English ‘The Essence of the National Parks‘.
Launched yesterday was the initiative part of a closer cooperation with private sector partners to make use of harvested substances from within the parks which spread across the centre of the island.
The National Park ‘Essence‘ brand is awarded to products or services and not to companies per se. To qualify, candidates must meet a number of criteria. On the consumer side, the ‘Essence of National Parks‘ will allow them to differentiate organic local products from imported products. With the obligation to cultivate or offer ecofriendly production and harvesting methods can customers be sure to get truly organic products made in a sustainable manner by being respectful of natural environments.
Six beekeepers are producing forest honey, but also royal jelly, propolis, wax and swarms. The Pro-Vanilla cooperative and three of its members, the Sliti farm produce Laurina Bourbon Coffee. They are Reunion’s first ten producers who are now handed the new label under the brand ‘Esprit de Parcs National‘.
Through this brand, Reunion National Park intends to place particular emphasis on the sectors of medicinal and aromatic plants including the vanilla. In time is Esprit de Parc National going to be expanded to another five product categories:
- Handicraft products or from local expertise
- Accommodations
- Outputs discovery of cultural and natural heritage
- Products from tropical agroforestry crops
- Honey and other bee products
