ALKENA and selected Chinese partners launched a biodynamic project under the name SABA in the Chinese province of Szechuan. The project is located in the eastern foothills of the Himalayas near the county seat of Jiangyou at 500m elevation. Surrounding peaks reach 4000m and the bamboo forests below are home to panda bears.

The goal of the project was to create a reliable source of high-quality silk while at the same time encouraging local farmers and authorities to consider new forms of agriculture.

The project covers 200 hectares, producing about 30,000 kg of cocoons per year. This requires approximately 900,000kg mulberry leaves which are produced on site.