Hemp4World: The Floating Think Tank
Hi, everybody! Welcome to another episode of Gaia Gossip On the Move. My name is Alicia Fall. I am the founder and vision holder for Her Many Voices Foundation. Today’s episode is particularly exciting, though we are missing Aisla Lewis, my usual partner in crime. Aisla is dealing with some severe weather that has left her without power. So, it's just me, but we still have a fantastic show lined up!
An Unexpected Storm
Our guest today, Marin, is calling in from Austria. Marin had to relocate from the mountain to the valley because of a massive snowstorm. Talking about climate change, right? This connects well with our special guest, Pierre, who has plenty to share about facing storms and climate impacts as well.
Pierre: "Weather patterns are getting unpredictable everywhere, from Florida’s waves to Austria’s snowstorms. Mother Nature is definitely speaking."Introducing Pierre and the Hemp4World Project
Pierre is one of the visionaries behind the Hemp4World project. Based in France, Pierre and his partner Fred Chenu, conceived this fabulous initiative during the Covid-19 pandemic. Both are avid sailors and decided to merge their love for sailing with their advocacy for hemp.
Pierre and Fred returned to France in 2020. That’s when they started reimagining the potential of hemp, specifically in nautical settings. They transformed their 41ft sailboat into a sort of floating ambassador for hemp-based products.
Meet Fred Chenu
Fred Chenu's journey is fascinating. Born in France, Fred spent years traveling across Africa with his family before settling in Cape Town. In addition to his extensive travel experience, Fred developed a disposable ashtray concept aimed at reducing cigarette litter. This was a huge success in France, particularly in tourist spots and mountain regions.
Pierre: "Fred's background in environmental products has deeply influenced our project."Pierre's Story
Pierre, on the other hand, moved to Cape Town in 1994, intrigued by South Africa’s socio-political landscape post-apartheid. He joined community relief efforts and has extensive experience performing in refugee camps and disadvantaged communities.
Marin: "I was deeply moved by Pierre’s dedication to Ubuntu—‘I exist because you exist.’ It’s a principle that has shaped our interactions."Hemp4World: A Visionary Project
The Idea Behind Hemp4World
The main idea behind Hemp4World is to integrate as much hemp material as possible into their sailboat. From ropes and insulation to fabrics, hemp serves as a versatile, sustainable material. Besides, their unique concept includes transforming sponsors into active partners. In turn, these partnerships help fund their mission of promoting hemp.
Floating Think Tank
One brilliant outcome of their project is the concept of a "Floating Think Tank." Imagine being on a boat, discussing climate solutions, product designs, and more—all while surrounded by hemp-based innovations. Eddie, a guest on the boat, coined this term during one of their brainstorming sessions. He felt the synergy aboard was palpable.
Pierre: "Being on that boat with creative minds felt like pure magic. Eddie called it a 'Floating Think Tank,' and it stuck."Sponsor Partnerships
Pierre and Fred aim to secure sponsorships, but they are very particular about who they partner with. They seek long-term collaborators who share their vision for a sustainable future.
They already have partners like:
Technihemp
Haull
Nunisonia
Corderie Palus for ropes
Terr de Cham for clothing
The Sailing Journey
Pierre and Fred’s sailing expeditions serve dual purposes:
Testing hemp products on the boat in real-life conditions.
Raising awareness about the hemp industry.
Marin: "It was insane how conversations went from lighthearted jokes to deep discussions on climate crisis solutions."
Onboard Experiences: From Pesto to Oysters
One of the highlights of their trips includes culinary experiments with hemp. They’ve made everything from hemp pesto to oysters, making their journey quite literally a feast for the senses.
A Glimpse Into the Future
Hemp4World’s Vision
Pierre and Fred have grand plans for Hemp4World. They hope to sail around Europe for the next two years and eventually go global. One of their most ambitious projects is to build a dinghy made entirely of hemp fiber.
Pierre: "We’re talking to shipyards and planning to come up with a prototype made from hemp."Advocacy and Education
A significant part of their mission involves educating people. Whenever they dock, they set up pop-up exhibitions showcasing the versatility of hemp. From textiles to bio-composites, they aim to enlighten the public.
Marin: "Their educational approach is both engaging and informative. They’re not selling products; they’re selling a vision."Conclusion
Hemp4World's journey is a testament to what can be achieved when passion meets purpose. Pierre, Fred, and their collaborators are steadily steering towards a future where hemp plays a central role in sustainable living.
Pierre: "It’s all about Ubuntu. We exist because you exist. Together, we can make a difference."Stay tuned for more updates and stories from Hemp4World and Gaia Gossip on the Move!
Connect with us:
