DESIGN: Propose selected palm plantation designs integrating cultivated biodiversity

The Design project aims to propose designs (planting devices) for selected palm groves integrating service plants, including pollinating palms and associated crops during the juvenile phase (annual or multi-annual crops) or permanently (crops perennial). This involves proposing a series of palm grove designs corresponding to the expectations of different types of producers in terms of ecosystem services provided and return on investment. This means rethinking the structure of palm grove stands with regard to the different ecosystem services targeted. To design these new designs of palm groves, it is planned to carry out a bibliographic analysis on the subject of palm pollinators, temporary and permanent agroforestry with oil palms, and plants producing other ecosystem services than that of production. It is also planned to visit sites to collect information to be included in the analysis of experiences. In the end, a multidisciplinary group of experts from PalmElit and CIRAD plans to write a technical book presenting existing designs of biodiverse palm groves and design choice keys. This book is intended for farmers and agricultural business managers.