April 19, 2023 —  The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has partnered with the Circular Bioeconomy Alliance (CBA) - an initiative by King Charles III - and LVMH to launch a project which aims to address the negative impact of climate change on the Lake Chad basin in Central Africa, while supporting sustainable cotton growing which is a major source of income for local communities. 

Approximately 80% of Chadians work in the agricultural sector, which contributes to more than half of the country’s GDP. Cotton is a major cash crop in Chad and is mainly grown in areas bordering Lake Chad since it needs a lot of water to grow. According to FAO, the lake has shrunk by 90% since the 1960s due to reducing rainfall, raising fears that it could disappear 20 years from now. 

In support of the country’s efforts to regenerate land and boost cotton production, the new 4-year program will support sustainable cotton farming in Logone Occidental and Lac provinces, and plant over half a million indigenous trees across 4,800 hectares of land around the lake. Through local farmers’ associations, it will also support other agricultural value chains like timber and fruit farming, while facilitating access to markets.  

David Miliband, the IRC's President and CEO:  "A core component of the global work of the IRC is to develop innovative, scalable, and resilient solutions with local communities most impacted by the growing climate crisis. The IRC is delighted to join hands with CBA, LVMH and partners to restore biodiversity, heal degraded soil and strengthen local livelihoods through sustainable and resilient farming solutions in Chad."

Ali Amadou, the IRC Chad Deputy Director of Programs: ‘’Sustainable cotton growing not only provides a vital source of income for farmers but also has the potential to mitigate the impacts of climate change by promoting responsible land use practices. By adopting these methods in the Logone Occidental and Lac provinces, we can reduce water usage and prevent soil degradation, while also protecting fragile ecosystems. At the same time, we can ensure that local communities have access to markets for their cotton and are able to continue to support themselves and their families."

CBA Chair Marc Palahí: "The program is special to the Alliance as it demonstrates how the need to decarbonise economic sectors like the fashion industry can act as a catalyst to restore degraded landscapes."

Hélène Valade, LVMH Environmental Development Director: “The Group has committed to making the protection of biodiversity and fighting climate change an absolute priority and being an exemplary actor of change, targeting to implement regenerative agriculture in all its strategic supply chains."

About CBA

The Circular Bioeconomy Alliance was established in 2020 by His Majesty King Charles III (when he was the Prince of Wales). It provides knowledge-informed support as well as a learning and networking platform to connect the dots between investors, companies, governmental and non-governmental organizations and local communities to advance the circular bioeconomy while restoring biodiversity globally. The European Forest Institute hosts the Secretariat of the Alliance.

About LVMH

LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton is represented in Wines and Spirits by a portfolio of brands that includes Moët & Chandon, Dom Pérignon, Veuve Clicquot, Krug, Ruinart, Mercier, Château d’Yquem, Domaine du Clos des Lambrays, Château Cheval Blanc, Colgin Cellars, Hennessy, Glenmorangie, Ardbeg, Belvedere, Woodinville, Volcán de Mi Tierra, Chandon, Cloudy Bay, Terrazas de los Andes, Cheval des Andes, Newton, Bodega Numanthia, Ao Yun, Château d’Esclans, Château Galoupet and Joseph Phelps. Its Fashion and Leather Goods division includes Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Celine, Loewe, Kenzo, Givenchy, Fendi, Emilio Pucci, Marc Jacobs, Berluti, Loro Piana, RIMOWA, Patou. LVMH is present in the Perfumes and Cosmetics sector with Parfums Christian Dior, Guerlain, Parfums Givenchy, Kenzo Parfums, Perfumes Loewe, Benefit Cosmetics, Make Up For Ever, Acqua di Parma, Fresh, Fenty Beauty by Rihanna, Maison Francis Kurkdjian and Officine Universelle Buly. LVMH’s Watches and Jewelry division comprises Bulgari, Tiffany & Co., TAG Heuer, Chaumet, Zenith, Fred and Hublot. LVMH is also active in selective retailing as well as in other activities through DFS, Sephora, Le Bon Marché, La Samaritaine, Groupe Les Echos, Cova, Le Jardin d’Acclimatation, Royal Van Lent, Belmond and Cheval Blanc hotels.