Launched four years ago, the Irokko application has already made it possible to plant nearly 7,000 trees. The Guinean Saliou Diallo challenged himself to act for the environment and to show that it might be done within the framework of a viable business plan.
In his thirties, a graduate in law and international relations, Saliou Diallo wanted to combine technology and action for the climate.
“The environment is cheap. We can make a living from it and do good for the planet and that is really the message that must be remembered. The environment is not inevitable, we can do good for the planet and make a living from it and I think it is this paradigm shift that we must have even at the level of the States. The idea behind it is to demonstrate that outside of governments, there is a possibility for climate action by companies and citizens. And I think the real power is in us. Our slogan is “We are eight billion solutions” because we believe that the power of the masses, the volume, can change the current trend. That’s why the first thing we did was to develop a mobile application. »
Extend these projects to companies
On the app, you calculate your carbon footprint and compensate by planting trees. Count around thirty euros for a Canadian or a French lambda.
“We have ten forestry partners, we have a dozen reforestation sites and that also allows us to work with planters, to employ people, to generate income at the local level. And these projects are in the process of being certified precisely in order to be able to market these carbon credits to companies that have not yet reached the technological level to be net zero in the very short term, so we are helping them precisely in this process. »
And a little satisfaction for the business manager: “It has already happened that the cooperative in Quebec said to me: “Ah, there is a user from Irokko who came to see the plantations” and I find that interesting because it brings still people from the acts they do”.
Develop strategies to reduce carbon emissions
Today used mainly by individuals in Canada, France and Guinea, Saliou Diallo hopes in the coming months to attract more companies.
“With the ‘gold standard’ certification, we will seek larger volumes because we will be with the companies. And once more, it’s not to clear their conscience. The idea behind it is precisely so that they have a strategy for reducing their greenhouse gas emissions. That’s why we’ve just developed new software for them that allows them to calculate their emissions and find ways to reduce greenhouse gases. »
Currently, trees can be planted in France, Canada, Guatemala or Peru. Saliou Diallo works on land issues in various African countries in order to also develop plantation activities there.
