Aryana Libris

Author : Foale Mike
Title : The coconut odyssey The bounteous possibilities of the tree of life
Year : 2003

Link download : Foale_Mike_-_The_coconut_odyssey.zip

Foreword. Coconut is a tree of great versatility. It provides food, drink, clothing and shelter, as well as a source of income from its products. Coconut can grow in fragile environments, on coasts and coral atolls where few other species survive. In extreme weather, the coconut provides refuge and sustenance to coastal and island communities. The health-promoting properties of coconut are increasingly being recognised. Yet coconut is too often seen as a ‘sunset crop’, with little future, unable to compete in export markets with palm kernel oil and, more recently, with genetically modified rapeseed oil. This timely publication summarises the case for coconut. It describes ways in which the full potential of coconut and its benefits may be realised for better health, food and the environment. Its publication by ACIAR in 2003 is also noteworthy, in that ACIAR’s support for coconut research and development in Asia and the Pacific began in 1983, and was amongst the first areas of activity in ACIAR’s portfolio of collaborative research projects. This support continues today, with a new ACIAR coconut project commencing at the University of Queensland. This publication also comes at a time when the International Coconut Genetic Resources Network (COGENT) is determining its future strategy to ensure the long- term conservation of coconut genetic resources, and their use through a global program of coconut research and development activities. I congratulate Mike Foale on his efforts in writing this important publication, and in assembling its comprehensive set of illustrations. I commend it to all interested to learn more about the 'tree of life'. Gabrielle J. Persley. Chair, International Coconut Support Group. ...