High-quality desert dates are what make Toogga’s natural beauty products so effective. But sustainable sourcing is about more than just choosing excellent ingredients. With the help of the Badely Cooperative, we are also able to ensure that our growing and harvesting practices benefit the local environment.

As one of several plant species growing in the dry, desert climate of the region, desert date trees have often been used for firewood by local populations, who may have no other source for heating or cooking fuel. At times, trees have suffered from excessive cutting, causing their numbers to dwindle.

The members of the Badely Cooperative know that the date trees must be protected and carefully looked after to avoid overharvesting and deforestation. Through collaboration with Toogga, Badely’s members have received specialized training in proper harvesting and processing techniques in line with ECOCERT organic certification guidelines.

Going forward, the Badely Cooperative will continue to play an important role in protecting and nurturing the date trees—to the benefit of both the local environment and economy. A tree planting program was initiated with a tree nursery of 1000 local tree species such as Balanites Aegyptiaca, Ziziphus, acacia senegal, Vachellia tortilis.