Algae aquaculture in Lake Chad Biosphere Reserve

Spirulina or dihe is an algae rich in protein... 15g of spirulina contain as much protein as 100g of beef . . . In Chad, this foodstuff, which is particularly interesting for combating malnutrition, is produced in the "natron" ponds of the Lake Chad basin... in the oasis (wadi) water around the lake. 200 women from the village Artomossi [. . .] traditionally harvest and process it. Every day, the water from the ponds is collected in iron containers and poured into a spherical tank in the sand. This filters the water and leaves the algae deposits. These deposits are then poured into the sand and formed into cakes of about 2cm. Once dried by the sun, the patties are cut into pieces and the sand is removed. They are sold on the local market or exported to neighbouring countries . . . The [previous] UNESCO Director-General, Ms Audrey Azoulay, underlines that 'Biosphere reserves are laboratories of harmonious interaction between people and nature, allowing for advances in the sciences and in traditional knowledge. They facilitate the sharing of knowledge, promote the interaction between science and society and help bring concrete improvements to the lives of local populations'. [Spirulina production in Chad is a great] example of nature-based solutions contributing to biodiversity conservation, poverty reduction and sustainable development [. . .] where the livelihoods and security of communities are intimately linked to their surrounding biological resources."