BELASO

The arid Androy region is home to an underprivileged population, primarily made up of farmers, whose main energy source is firewood—a resource that is rapidly becoming scarce. Project BELASO aims to promote algae farming in this part of Madagascar as a sustainable solution. Unlike terrestrial crops, which are limited by factors such as low air density and gravity, algae have the advantage of growing in three dimensions, making them up to ten times more productive per unit of surface area. Furthermore, algae farming is not affected by drought. Beyond edible algae farming, the project seeks to develop the use algae for methane production, offering an alternative energy source to firewood.

The project has two main objectives. The first is to conduct applied research within a sustainability framework, carrying out experiments while expanding and disseminating expertise in algaculture and methane production. The second is to promote education and training for specialists from Madagascar and Switzerland by creating advanced university programs based on the scientific knowledge and innovations derived from the research. 

Five biogas digesters have been constructed at two sites as part of the project. Students, their families, and local communities have been taught to replicate the construction of these digesters and apply algaculture techniques. By unlocking a new energy source for cooking and artisanal work, the project hopes to reduce the rate of deforestation in the region significantly.