Swapping illegal aphrodisiacs, for a natural sustainable one.
Story
A fruit that can protect endangered species New plant-based products created to stem demand for illegal aphrodisiacs Wildlife trafficking for aphrodisiacs has prevailed for centuries. Today it’s the second largest black market in the world after the drug trade, with an estimated value of $20 billion USD. Obsession for aphrodisiacs has led to poaching of endangered animals and plants, many of which risk extinction. China is the world’s largest consumer of illegal wildlife ingredients and they are sourced all over the world. The Colombian Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development was well aware of the problem and wanted to stop the illegal trading of Colombian wildlife. So they came to Geometry Global - their partner agency since 2014 – who came up with a novel approach: redirect the demand for aphrodisiacs towards a sustainable and environmentally friendly products, giving consumers what they want while saving countless endangered animals. But these products did not exist, so we had to create them. And Colombia has the perfect ingredient: the Chontadura fruit, known as “Nature’s Viagra,” is believed to have powerful aphrodisiac powers and has been used for centuries by amongst the Afro-Colombian communities of the Pacific Coast of Colombia. Working in partnership with Geometry Hong Kong and WildBond HongKong, a conservation group dedicated to protecting endangered species, a new brand was created targeting the typical Chinese aphrodisiac consumer. Multiple products were created from the fruit, including massage oil, candles, and an energy drink and are now available in adult stores in Hong Kong and Shenzhen, China. Given a provocative name, the products have a compelling packaging design and format, specially designed to attract local shoppers and indirectly save endangered animals while supporting local Colombian farmers. Gabriel Vallejo, Colombian Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development, said “On the fauna traffic matter, we are attacking the source of the problem by eradicating the behavior” Edwin Pineda, ECD Geometry Global Hong Kong commented: “We are thrilled to work with Colombia’s Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development and WildBond Hong Kong on a new brand that aims to reduce demand for protected species”. To date, energy drinks and massage oil are sold mainly at adult shops and massage shops in Hong Kong and Shenzhen and online.
Philosophy
Flora For Fauna aims to redirect the demand for illegal aphrodisiacs of animal origin towards sustainable and environmentally friendly products, giving consumers what they want while saving countless endangered animals.
Problem
China is the world’s largest consumer of illegal wildlife ingredients and they are sourced all over the world. The Colombian Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development was well aware of the problem and wanted to fight the illegal trading of wildlife in Colombia and abroad.
Result
SALES: Since March 2016, over 500 kilos of Chontaduro-based products have been delivered to venues in Shenzhen, China, and Hong Kong. After a year in the market, our products now available online in Southern China. SOCIAL IMPACT: The Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development is helping hundreds of small producers in Colombia access the world's biggest aphrodisiac market. CULTURAL IMPACT: We help China boost its mojo with a legal and sustainable solution that comes right on time, since China ended its one-child policy in 2015. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: Due to its illegal nature, Year On Year figures of the illegal wildlife trade are unavailable. But according to calculations done in partnership with WildBond Hong Kong, for every kilo of product sold, an endangered animal was given a fighting chance: 1 rhino horn: 2,3k 1 bear testicle: 500grams 1 tiger penis: 900grams 1 sea cucumber: 300grams