Building a value chain with a wild plant: Lessons to be learned from an experiment in French Guiana

Abstract

In the context of implementing the Nagoya Protocol regarding access to genetic resources, diffusing updated BioTrade Principles by UNCTAD, and largely spreading reflections on global value chains (GVC), cosmetic companies involved in corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies are eager to build sustainable and responsible supply chains for their raw materials. In southern countries, the “green gold” assertion brings hope to bioresource valorizations as development opportunities, but also suspicion regarding foreign interest. Building a value chain there requires a clear understanding of local situations. This paper contributes to the field of value-chain analyses through a feedback study of the failed implementation of a plant supply chain in an overseas French territory. Located in South America, French Guiana is a European Union outermost enclave in Amazonia. It has rich biodiversity associated with a wide range of traditional knowledge. Ten years ago, a project to build a sustainable supply chain with Piper marginatum was implemented there. Based on recent interviews with the actors involved in the project, this paper retraces the project chronology, describes the obstacles it met, and analyses its limitations and its perception by those participating in it. This value-chain project was built under the principles of BioTrade, but it still failed. Lack of proper monitoring, quality control, local support and long-term commitment of all partners resulted in its rapid abandonment. This paper outlines recommendations for future value chains in general and more specifically on French Guiana biodiversity.