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Valorization of Bio-resources based on Scientific Evidence in Semi- and Arid Land for Creation of New Industry

Bioresources

Republic of Tunisia Kingdom of Morocco

Finished

Valorization of Bio-resources based on Scientific Evidence in Semi- and Arid Land for Creation of New Industry

Creation of new industry through valorization of bioresources in North Africa

Principal Investigator

- Prof.
  ISODA Hiroko
  Director, The Alliance for Research on the Mediterranean and North Africa / Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba
- General Director
  Rim SAIED
  Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Direction General of Research Valorization
- Director
  Bilal Hajjouji
  Ministry of Agriculture and Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development and Water and Forests, Kingdom of Morocco

ODA Recipient Country

Republic of Tunisia ／Kingdom of Morocco

Research Institutions in Japan

University of Tsukuba / Kyoto University / Kyushu University / AIST

Research Institutions in Counterpart Country

Tunisia: Centre de Biotechnologie Technopole Borj Cédria / Center of Biotechnology of Sfax / The University of Sfax (National Engineering School ) / University of Sousse / The National Agronomic Institute of Tunisia / Institute of Arid Regions
Morocco: Institut Agricole et Vétérinaire Hassan II / Université Cadi Ayyad Marrakech

Adoption fiscal year

FY 2015

Research Period

5 Years

Overview of the Research Project

Basic design for commercialization and process of industrialization
Focusing on the plenty of bioresources found in Tunisia and Morocco, we implement functional analysis and epidemiologic studies to develop seeds of technology for the development of food and cosmetic products, and technologies of authentification of origin of products and their type towards the development of new products. We also conduct ecological studies and analysis of the production, export and consumption i.e. value chain of local products. Through this comprehensive approach, we implement an integrated studies based on scientific evidence for the development of seeds for technology and contribute to develop high value-added functional food and pharmaceutical products. Finally, we aim to create new industries producing materials for development of functional foods and medicinal cosmetics through the collaboration with private sector.
* Bioresources as a part of the dietary culture with the oral tradition of their medicinal effects.

Establishment of scientific evidence to support the medicinal effects of bioresources and construction of a value chain
By implementing research and development of bioresources based on scientific evidence, we aim to upgrade the production capacity of high value-added agricultural products and to improve technical capability of private sector. In line with the governmental policies targeting the food industry, we will contribute to develop a coherent value chain from production to export, and establish bases for supply and export of high value-added agricultural products in Tunisia and Morocco.

Photo gallery

Goats climbing argan trees

Novel biological functions of effective plant extracts have been identified by using various methods for functional food development and drug discovery.