Mauritius/Sustainable development: an online exchange platform for the actors of a circular economy
Neither the awareness of the need for a development model that does not harm man or his environment, nor the initiatives to translate this concept into reality are lacking at the public and private sectors. Even less the determination to improve what has been done so far. What is lacking is a platform where all actors involved in this development model can meet, exchange and become aware of what already exists.
This is the finding of the forum held yesterday at the Caudan Arts Centre as part of the national campaign Retourn to Plastik, launched by Kolos Cement Ltd. This forum aimed to highlight the development issues in the construction sector. The Kolos initiative focuses on the introduction of a pallet-free system and the recovery of plastic covers to make products that are then reused in construction in the form of polypipes, isorange and electrical conduit. If the installation of this platform is part of a plan in gestation at the government level and should allow Mauritius to enter squarely into a development model inspired by the values of a circular economy, the demand for this platform aims at the realization of this project as soon as possible.
We don't have to go far to find out how to achieve this. The answer comes from the use of information and communication technologies that can make the handicap of space and time disappear and make data available in record time. In short, a kind of online store where products that are destined for reuse before they fall into the category of waste and that are likely to be recovered as well as recycled products and potential sellers will be available.
The one who insisted that actors engaged in the circular economy should have an online platform is Stéphanie Bouloc, director of the online platform Déchetèque Ltée. As of November 21, 2021, the experience of this online store has yielded the following results: the guaranteed support of about fifteen companies; about sixty seller accounts; the availability of 159 tons of materials ready for reuse; and available products worth Rs 8 million, which could have tipped into imported products. " You are committed," says Stéphanie Bouloc, "let's work together. It's a win-win situation.
However, to make this giant step possible, an initiative is essential and it is in the hands of the government that is providing the country with a new legal framework which in its current draft form is called the Integrated(Solid and Hazardous) Waste Management Bill. The Minister of Environment, Kavidass Ramano, who launched the opening of the forum, speaks in broad outline. " Once enacted," he said, "this new law will provide the necessary framework for the implementation of large-scale government-led circular economy projectsto separate the waste from the environment. s by the government consisting of separating waste at source and channeling the organic part of the waste to composting centers. A selected part of the dry waste will be sent to regional sorting centers where the different material streams such as plastic, paper, metals, textile, etc. A selected part of the dry waste will be sent to regional sorting centers where the different material streams such as plastic, paper, metals, textiles, etc. will be separated and processed for re-injection into the local economy or exported".
Mission accomplished for the Chief Executive Officer of Kolos Cement Ltd, Dominique Billon. " By organizing this forum, we wanted to underline our willingness to participate in the protection of sustainable practices in our business. He believes that the support of actors specialized in sustainable development is essential to achieve this. That of other actors specialized in sustainable development is crucial. "To build the Mauritius of tomorrow, we need to rethink the way we operate and examine the footprint of our actions."
Speakers at the forum were: Dominique Billon, CEO, Kolos Cement Ltd; Prakash Kowlesser, Senior Adviser , Ministry of Environment and Solid Waste Management; Mickael Apaya, Policy Officer, Cap Business Indian Ocean; Egyla Ellapen, Development & Sustainability Manager, UBP & BTP Champion, Circular Economy Contractors Club, Business Mauritius; Ravisingh Gutty, President, Building & Civil Engineering Contractors Association; and Yannick Applasamy, President,Association of Mauritian Manufacturers.
Source: www.lexpress.mu
