The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is providing a grant of US$785,000 to the Seychelles for circular economy projects. The aim is to produce goods and services while greatly reducing the consumption and waste of raw materials in various sectors, including waste.
The new funding was recently unveiled by the Seychelles Minister for Fisheries and the Blue Economy, Jean-François Ferrari. It is a $785,000 grant that will accelerate circular economy projects in the East African country. “This involves assessing the fishing industry, the tourism industry and how we can lock in all the parts that could be problematic and cause environmental damage,” explains Jean-François Ferrari.
Among the challenges is pollution. The Seychelles authorities are advocating, among other things, the recovery of solid waste into secondary raw materials by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). “Someone can decide to collect fishing nets and make bracelets to sell to tourists. This will help to clean up our oceans,” says the Seychelles minister. Fishing nets are partly responsible for the plastic pollution in the Seychelles’ marine environment.
Boosting the national economy
The Seychelles Department of Blue Economy will lead the circular economy projects, in collaboration with the Department of Environment and agencies, including the Land Waste Management Agency. The projects will also help create jobs for women and youth in the East African country, boosting the national economy.
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According to Seychelles’ Minister of Fisheries and the Blue Economy, Jean-François Ferrari, the UNDP-funded circular economy projects will run for two years. The $785,000 grant will also pay for consultants, training and education on the need for such activities and information sharing.
Inès Magoum
