The goal of this project proposal is in the overall sensitization of the population to care for the environment and to instill a sense of environmental stewardship

This project consists of three parts:
A. The first part will involve the delivery of about 300 talks/presentations to primary schools, colleges, youth organizations, women organizations and fishers organizations so as to sensitize them on various topics related to the protection of the environment and the conservation of natural resources with emphasis on the problems of climate change.
B. The second part will be the dissemination of about 10000 copies of the booklet entitled ?We care for our climate? launched by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) for distribution during the talks. It is worth to note that this booklet was written by a Mauritian Mr. Y. Boodhoo who has indicated that WMO has given the rights to all countries to re-print these booklets. WMO has 198 member countries and it is impossible for them to send sufficient copies per country. Mr. Boodhoo himself has received 300 complimentary copies.
C. The third part will be the organization of a one day seminar for about 100 persons with the objective of promoting the wide use of solar water heaters in residential, hotels and other buildings.
Although there is plenty of sunshine in Mauritius all year round, the penetration of solar water heaters here is still quite low (around 8 %) compared to Cyprus where 92% of households and 50% of hotels use them.

This project is in line with GEF/SGP, which is meant to finance projects concerning climate change, loss of biodiversity, desertification and pollution of the sea.
The intended results of the project are:
(i) To change the attitude of the targeted audiences through the sensitization program so that they will behave as responsible citizen who care for the environment and a sense of environmental stewardship will be instilled as mentioned in the Environment Protection Act 2002.
(ii) The distribution of the booklet to primary schools, colleges and other organizations will incite their curiosity in the important subject of climate change and will help to change their attitude and behavior towards environment in a responsible manner.
(iii) The seminar will sensitize all stakeholders (government and local authorities, civil engineers, architects, construction companies, solar water heaters suppliers, civil society) on the impacts of climate change and how every body can contribute to reduce its impacts by using solar water heaters in all buildings. Although there is plenty of sunshine in Mauritius all year round, the penetration of solar water heaters here is still quite low ( around 8 % ) compared to Cyprus for example where 92% of households and 50% of hotels use them.

The NGO ?Environment Care Association? has been set up in March 2006 by some senior officers, who have retired from the Ministry of Environment & NDU. These officers have a long and rich experience of the environment and want to share this experience with the various sectors of the population. The Association is registered since December 2006. Re Annex I
· The principal purpose of our organization is to implement projects for the protection and preservation of the environment and the conservation of our natural resources. Initially we shall sensitize various sectors of the population on the importance of protecting the environment especially on the problems associated with climate change and how every one can contribute to mitigate its impacts.

· The NGO ?Environment Care Association? is a national organization grouping individuals who volunteer to work with various sectors of the population including school children , youth, women and the community at large.

The members have been involved in the implementation of government policy on the protection and the preservation of the environment for some fifteen years, in particular the implementation of Environment Investment Program I (EIP I), comprising about 35 environmental projects, and EIP II comprising about 72 environmental projects for the Ministry of Environment & NDU.

One of the member has been involved in the UNFCCC for more than 10 years, participating in many local activities such as preparation of the Initial National Communication including the National GHG Inventory, The National Climate Change Action Plan, the Technology Needs Assessment Report , and has been a member of the National Climate Change Committee, and Contact Person for Clean Development Office for Mauritius .He has also participated in many international workshops and conferences on various aspects of Climate Change and as an International Expert for the assessment GHG Inventories.

Another member has long been involved in working with the various sections of the population including primary and secondary school children, youth organizations, women?s associations and community based associations, to promote resource conservation and environment protection and other global environmental issues. He has carried out mass sensitization programs on environmental issues. He has elaborated environmental program both at national and regional levels.
Another member has been actively involved in implementing various projects with regards to the protection of the ozone layer under the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer. He has acquired considerable experience in working with major groups such as youth clubs,& women?s associations.


This project will support other projects and initiatives taken by the authorities such as promoting the use of solar water heaters in residential houses by the Ministry of Public Utilities and by the Development Bank of Mauritius.
Topics to be covered :Use of renewable energy specially solar water heaters, use of energy saving bulbs within households (conservation of energy), disposal of solid waste and composting of kitchen waste, disposal of wastewater, preservation of coral reef and marine ecosystem, conservation of biodiversity, and similar environment related issues. Sensitization on the urgent phenomenon of climate change & its impacts and how every body can contribute to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the scientific literature such as the Fourth Assessment Report on climate change.