Project Detail

The Use of Pandanus Leaves

This project aims at the management and protection of the Pandanus trees in Mauritius. The Pandanus is more commonly known as "Vacoas" in Mauritius. Due to development and encroachment on river reserves, many of the indigenous species are threatened. The last decade noticed a significant job reduction amongst "Vacoas Tante", i.e. female Pandanus bags manufacturers. The project aims to enable them to maintain the productive capacity and biological diversity of their environment. The grant allocated by GEF/SGP has mainly been used for a survey in different regions of Mauritius where main activities of production of different articles from Pandanus leaves exists and among consumers of these articles. Data has also been collected on the environment and management of Pandanus Utilis and on the socio-economic background of the producers and cultivators. Training will be provided to these cultivators and bag manufacturers on the sound use of Pandanus leaves.

Project Snapshot

Grantee:

Association des Consommateurs de L'iIe Maurice

Country:

Mauritius

Area Of Work:

Biodiversity

Operational Phase:

Phase 1

Grant Amount:

US$ 47,087.00

Co-Financing Cash:

Co-Financing in-Kind:

Project Number:

MAR/95/G52/I/04

Start Date:

12/1996

End Date:

6/1998

Status:

Satisfactorily Completed

Project Characteristics and Results

Promoting Public Awareness of Global Environment

A 26-minutes film on the sustainable use of Pandanus bags, as compared to the use of plastic bags which are a source of pollution, has been produced and is aimed at sensitising the public at large on the above issues.

Emphasis on Sustainable Livelihoods

Bag-making from Pandanus leaves is the main source of income for many village people, especially women.

Gender Focus

This project mainly aimed at women who are the primaryly use Pandanus leaves for bag-making as an income-generating activity.

Notable Community Participation

This project will involve all Pandanus cultivators in the management and protection of the tree

Capacity - Building Component

Training on the sustainale use of Pandanus will be provided to all users of the plant.

Project Results

Project Outputs:
· Socio-economic survey, ecological survey and consumer survey on the Pandanus and use of Pandanus bags against use of plastic bags.
· Pandanus cultivators and bag manufacturers provided with training on sustainable use of Pandanus trees.
· Women encouraged to maintain the productive capacity and biological diversity of their environment
· Enhancement of an income-generating work that reduces community demands on the environment by reducing pollution from plastic bags

The three surveys have been successfully performed by a group of field workers. A consultant has been recruited to compile the three reports and an integrated report has been produced. The results of the above have been used to determine how to encourage Mauritians to use the ?tante vacoas?. A video film has been produced by the NGOs. The video film and reports have been disseminated among stakeholders during 2 regional and one national workshop held during the course of 2001. The video film will be shortly disseminated to the larger public with the aim to reduce the use of plastic bags and encourage the use of Pandanus bags. Training has been provided to the cultivators and bag manufacturers on the sound use of Pandanus leaves.

It is commonly agreed that that project would lead to another project that would propose a sustainable programme for restoration of the endemic Pandanus trees in Mauritius.

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