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SEL, the local exchange system, has existed in Caledonia for more than ten years. It’s another way to buy, with a concept that is very similar to that of barter. A solidarity initiative, which today finds great use in times of crisis.
Valentin Deleforterie, Yvan Avril, Ismaël Waka-Ceou (with Lizzie C)
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Published on July 2, 2023 at 2:55 p.m.,
updated on July 2, 2023 at 2:57 p.m.
Evelyne has just closed a deal: a rather nice top. For that, she didn’t pay a franc, just two flowers. We are not talking here about plants but about a virtual currency, a barter unit between the members of the association called Fleurs de Niaouli.
The advantage is that we can acquire things without falling into the red with our real money. It allows access to lots of things that we could not ultimately afford given the current times, explains Marie Creugnet-Basset, the president of the association.
The report by Yvan Avril and Ismaël Waka-Ceou, at the Magenta neighborhood centre.
©newcaledonia
Never money, only flowers
A flower is equivalent to approximately 100 francs in the minds of the members of the association. Members can earn flowers by exchanging their items but also by offering their services. This is how Francine was able to benefit from a few helping hands, such as weeding; or in case of cyclones. I send an announcement within the association and if someone can help me, he will come, she explains. Sewing, DIY or painting, everything is possible and valued in flowers.
This device is already well known in France and overseas; there are about 600 of them. We call it a SEL, in other words local exchange system, with for the members, a golden rule: there is no money between us at all. Never reminds Martine, the founder of the association.
No money but a lot of conviviality in these meetings. The association now hopes to be able to convince young people to take over and is looking for volunteers.