Launch of the TrétZerbaj project, Reunion biodiversity serving health

France 2030 winner of the overseas innovation plan (PIOM), TrétZerbaj, is a project led by the University of Reunion which aims to promote Reunion's biodiversity in order to fight infectious diseases (dengue, chikungunya, Zika ..) which can occur locally.
The partners of this project with a scientific aim and strong economic and societal benefits gathered this Friday, April 19 on the Moufia campus for its official launch.

The “TrétZerbaj – Biodiversity and innovation in Reunion Island for the treatment of diseases” project
infectious" consists of the valorization of Reunion's biodiversity through the generation of bioproducts with proven pharmacological effectiveness against diseases specifically affecting the Reunion Island territory, in particular arboviruses. Through actions such as the identification of plants of interest, the installation of specialized equipment, the cultivation of pilot plants and the transfer of knowledge, TrétZerbaj aspires to create effective pharmaceutical products, while preserving the environment. and stimulating the local economy.

Supported by the State as part of France 2030 and the PIOM action to the tune of €1,6M, this operation is entering the execution phase for a period of 4 years and has the main objectives:

• The establishment of an extract bank (extract library) in Reunion Island 
• The establishment of a high-throughput screening platform to study the therapeutic potential of natural extracts against emerging diseases
• The cultivation and production of plants of interest, in close interaction with the agricultural sector
  producers: contribution to the structuring of the Perfume Plants sector (PAPAM) 
• The transfer of knowledge to local professionals and the population

The partners of the TrétZerbarj project

National and international project partners : CNRS, INSERM, IRD, CIRAD, SATT_AXLR, VIROMOL, FIOCRUZ.
Local project partners : CYROI, Region and Department of Reunion, QUALITROPIC, Research units at the University of Reunion (PIMIT, CHEMBIOPRO, PVBMT, DéTROI, ICARE, CEMOI), CHU, ARS, CAHEB, APLAMEDOM, Mutualité de La Réunion, Armeflhor, Forma'Terra, PAT Zerbaz, CBNM, ARBRE, AUF, ARB, National park.

About the Overseas Innovation Plan (PIOM)

The “Overseas Innovation Plan” Action was created as part of the National Development Fund, “Pôles d’excellence” in 2019 and amounts to €16M from France 2030. It is part of the continuity of the Assises des Overseas and in the “Overseas 5.0” trajectory strategy for the transformation of French overseas territories.
It aims to finance innovative projects which take into account local needs and specificities and which are likely to have a significant social, environmental and economic impact.
As an operator on behalf of the State and mobilizing its regional departments, the Banque des Territoires managed the two phases of the Overseas Innovation Plan (PIOM), the engineering phase (AMI) followed by the construction phase. call for projects, piloted the instruction and contracting process and ensures project monitoring.

About France 2030

• Reflects a dual ambition: to sustainably transform key sectors of our economy (health, energy, automotive, aeronautics and even space) through technological innovation, and to position France not just as a player, but as a leader in the world of tomorrow. From fundamental research, to the emergence of an idea to the production of a new product or service, France 2030 supports the entire life cycle of innovation until its industrialization.
• Is unprecedented in its scale: €54 billion will be invested so that our companies, our universities, our research organizations, fully succeed in their transitions in these strategic sectors. The challenge: to enable them to respond competitively to the ecological and attractiveness challenges of the coming world, and to bring out the future leaders of our sectors of excellence. France 2030 is defined by two transversal objectives consisting of devoting 50% of its expenditure to the decarbonization of the economy, and 50% to emerging players, carriers of innovation without expenditure unfavorable to the environment.
• Is implemented collectively: designed and deployed in consultation with economic, academic, local and European stakeholders to determine the strategic orientations and key actions. Project leaders are invited to submit their application via open, demanding and selective procedures to benefit from State support.
• Is managed by the General Secretariat for Investment on behalf of the Prime Minister and implemented by the Ecological Transition Agency (ADEME), the National Research Agency (ANR), Bpifrance and the Banque des Territoires.

More information on : france2030.gouv.fr | @SGPI_avenir

About the Banque des Territoires

Banque des Territoires is one of the Caisse des Dépôts’ businesses. It brings together the expertise
internal to the territories. A unique gateway for its clients, it works alongside
all territorial stakeholders: local authorities, local public companies, public sector organizations
social housing, legal professions, businesses and financial players. She accompanies them in the
carrying out their projects of general interest by offering a continuum of solutions: advice, loans,
equity investments, consignments and banking services. It is aimed at all
territories, from rural areas to metropolises, with the ambition of supporting them in
their projects for ecological transformation and social and territorial cohesion. The 37 locations
local offices of the Banque des Territoires ensure the deployment of its action across all
metropolitan and overseas territories.
Acting together to develop greener and more united territories

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