Country: Mauritius Submission date: 13/12/2019
Project No. _ _ (For SGP Official Use. Do not write anything here)
Project Title: Upscaling production of palm leaves biodegradable tableware to reduce use of plastic and polystyrene in Mauritius)

APPLICANT
Name of Organization: Outgrowing Entrepreneurs Co-operative Society Limitée Year established: 2011 Number of members: 6
Number of projects implemented: 2
Mailing Address: Bel Ombre Foundation, Costal Road, Beau-champs Bel Ombre Physical Address: Bel Ombre Foundation, Costal Road, Beau-champs Bel Ombre Telephone: 58 91 84 53
Fax: None E-Mail: outgrowingltd@gmail.com
Principal Officer: Ben Samnaz Bhurosee - President (Name and Position)
Project Contact/Manager: Franceska Speville-Hortense-Calotte -Director (Name and Position)

PROJECT
GEF SGP Classification: Focal areas and Outcomes

Focal Area (Tick one)3 Outcome (Tick one)
Biodiversity Community landscape/seascape
conservation
S Climate Change Climate smart innovative agro-ecology
International Waters x Low carbon energy access co-benefits
P Chemicals and Wastes Local to global chemical management coalitions
Land Degradation CSO-Government policy and planning dialogue platforms


3 Each project should have one primary Focal Area which should be indicated. In addition, projects may have secondary focal areas which should be specified in the project rationale and approach. Appropriate indicators should be selected in line with the primary and secondary focal areas of the project. Put P for primary and S for secondary in the table above

Climate Change Adaptation P Promoting social inclusion
Capacity development Global reach for citizen practice based knowledge programme
P: Primary; S: Secondary; CSO: Civil Society Organization. NOTE: CC Adaptation: only secondary focal area applies

Proposed Start Date: 01 March 2020 Expected Project Duration: 20 months
FINANCES
Total GEF SGP Request:[MUR] 1 914 750
Total from Other Sources:[MUR] 525 550
Total project cost: [MUR] 2 440 300_
UN rate of exchange (For SGP Official Use. Do not
write anything here)


3. PROPOSAL
SECTION A: PROJECT RATIONALE AND APPROACH
1.1. Project Summary


In 2018, 359 million tons of plastic were produced worldwide, including 76,000 tons in Mauritius. If in the world, recycling systems exist, it is clear that in Mauritius, the recycling of plastic is not yet a priority. Thus, single-use plastic, straws, take-aways, plates and cutlery, so many products used daily by Mauritians, find themselves buried in Mare-Chicose, by the roadsides or into the lagoon and open sea.
Although no official figures exist concerning the pollution linked to plastic and its derivatives from our seas, a study carried out by the University of San Barbara in California (2017), showed that among the 9.1 billion tons of plastic produced since 1960 to date worldwide, more than 5.4 billion tons, have ended up in the environment. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation, for its part, believes that if nothing is done in the next three decades, the oceans will contain more plastic than fish.
Plastic pollutes a lot when it ends up in our environment and when degraded into micro- plastics and nano-plastics, they are lethal to terrestrial and marine fauna that mistake them for food and they are believed to be dangerous to human health. Polystyrene is worse. Raw material of take-aways which strews around snacks and the beautiful beaches of our island, polystyrene is, indeed, a danger still relatively unknown to most people. Product for single use, since it is neither reusable nor recyclable, polystyrene can last 1000 years before decomposing. Thrown into the sea, it is ingested by birds, fish and its consequences are devastating. Finally, from a health point of view, the polystyrene used in the form of a food container is an aberration since in contact with heat, it releases styrene, a potential carcinogen.

It is based on this observation, that in 2011, the Outgrowing project was born.
Set up through a cooperative with the support of the International Organization of Migrants, the project trained 4 women and 1 man at first, to create reusable plates from palm leaves. If the first years, production remained modest due to the lack of awareness, and public ignorance about the dangers of pollution linked to plastic and its derivatives, today the cooperative is no longer able to meet the market demand.

It is now necessary for the cooperative to be able to automate production to increase yield. This automation will allow the company to innovate, design new products and therefore develop further. The purchase of new automated machines will also enhance the quality of manufactured products.

Based on the desire to limit the production of single-use plastic and polystyrene as much as possible, and to prevent trees from being cut down for paper production, Outgrowing began its activity by producing plates as biodegradable and renewable as a leaf falling from a tree. By increasing production and diversifying products, it will be necessary to multiply the raw material. For this, we imagined a collection system across the island which will have the double objective of creating independent jobs for women in precarious situations who will be able to manage their time and their income, while not disturbing nature since we only collect leaves that have fallen from palm trees when they are growing.

The project we are proposing today is therefore fully in line with GEF's intervention strategy. Whether from an environmental or community point of view, the core activity of the Outgrowing cooperative aims above all to preserve the environment, its flora and fauna, while improving the living conditions of people, by occurrence of women in precarious situations, who participate in the project. This project also provides for registration with the Made in Moris label, whose cooperative meets all of the selection criteria.

Moreover, as part of this call for projects, IBL Together would support this proposal through its companies: Lux Resorts & Hotels would help the project in terms of branding, and Desktop Office Supply in terms of promotion of it on their website and distribution. However, we did not obtain all of the details regarding IBL Together support before the deadline for submitting this project. We will inform the GEF Small Grants Program of the details of this partnership as soon as possible.

1.2. Organizational Background and Capacity to implement the Project Created and registered in 2011 as a primary co-operative society under the provisions of the Co-operatives Act 2005, Outgrowing Entrepreneurs Co-operative Society Limited is a community organization of 6 people. Originally created to allow the fishermen's wives in the region to develop an independent economic activity due to the decrease in income

To date, the activity of the cooperative is mainly focused on two poles aiming at achieving its Vision of Reducing Environmental Pollution Related to Plastics and its Derivatives, namely: the production of palm leaf plates and the awareness of individuals (adults and children) and companies.

In 8 years of existence, the cooperative has slowly scaled-up thanks to two projects, one funded by The International Organization of Migrants and the other by the Decentralized Cooperation Program in 2013.
Also supported by the Bel Ombre Foundation, which has provided free premises since its inception, the cooperative is not yet profitable due to its limited production.
With the development project we are proposing, support should be provided by the National Productivity and Competitiveness Council. IBL Training Academy would also support the capacity development of the co-operative by providing marketing training including digital marketing. A consultant can also allow the company to structure the operational part.

To date, only the Director of the cooperative works full time and operates on many levels, which does not allow rapid development. The five other current members, operate at specific levels on a voluntary and irregular basis (financial management, communication, marketing, collection of palm leaves, etc.).
The professionalization of these different key positions should be a priority for the cooperative so that it can consolidate its development. The increase in its turnover thanks to the diversification and the increase in its production will thus make it possible to be able to increase the income for recruit and train more women in precarious situations to carry out this project.
Finally, this project is transversal to different areas: Biodiversity, Climate change, waste management, and capacity development as the leaf plates are 100% natural, compostable and biodegradable.

1.3 Project Objectives, Expected Results and description of Project Activities


Ultimate Outcome Reduce pollution related to plastic and its derivatives in Mauritius and diversification of project activities.


Primary Objective

1. Produce and market bio-degradable dishes and take-away containers made from palm
leaves. 2. Empower women through access to
independent economic activity


3. Scale-up the business to meet market demand


Specific Objectives
1.1
Strengthen the quality of the plates in palm leaves 1.2 Innovate and develop new products
made from palm leaves : Glass, cutlery, take away, etc. 1.3 Sensitise individuals and
companies to plastic pollution and its impact on our flora and fauna. 2.1 Create jobs for more women,
allowing them to manage their time and income.
3.1 Automate processes to
increase productivity and production 3.2 Develop the clientele of professionals
(catering services, snack, etc?)

3.3 Create a strong
branding
3.4
Diversify the services offered


3.5 Build customer loyalty




Rationale After having been created thanks to a first funding from The International Organization for Migration (IOM), and obtained a second small grant from the Decentralized Cooperation Program (DCP), the project we are proposing corresponds to the development of the Outgrowing cooperative and the strengthening of its capacities in terms of production and development of new products.
While palm leaf products are beginning to be imported from India and China without any control over the provenance of the palm leaves and the conditions of manufacture, we believe that it is vital for the cooperative to develop rapidly in order to be able to meet the market demand while respecting the principles of sustainable development, local circular economy, respect for the environment and empowerment of the women involved. The development of the cooperative will require job creation, internally and freelance to guarantee the increase in production. Since its inception, the cooperative has focused on recruiting women, in particular women with children and having difficulty finding a job suited to their lifestyle.
To date, a regional development plan is being considered. The community approach of the cooperative being at the heart of the project, we plan to create a network between the different islands of the Indian Ocean region.




Activities



Buy a solar dryer

Technical Training in India for the Executive Director Open Workshop: Welcoming tourists, onlookers and classes (public and private schools).
Training of employees of hotels, restaurants, etc ...
Focus on the dangers of


Develop a collection network across the island

Buy and import new set of automated machine from India Certification and Label
« Made in Moris"
Digital communication (mailing + social networks + website)


Develop a packaging and brand strategy

Buy an engraving machine, and train operational staff


Create a marketing strategy and define the customer experience

8

polystyrene and the impact of plastic on the environment.




Expected Results The plates do not deform during the cooling phase.
Mould is avoided during storage Development, production and distribution of a minimum of 4 different products : Glass, Set of cutlery including a fork, a knife and a spoon, take away



Average of 150 sensitisations per year.

10 women are recruited across the island to collect palm leaves and empowered
Minimum 1000 plates (all sizes combined) per day + other products (take away, cutlery set, glass)


Obtain regular contracts to plan work and ensure a fixed income Brand identity is strengthened.
A marketing strategy is put in place.
Adapted packaging is created for all products. Unique products are created and allow the brand to stand out from the incoming competition



Customer and after-sales services are optimised. Sales are strengthened.


All the activities proposed by the cooperative aim to increase the production by automating a maximum of manufacturing stages and by delegating the collect of palm leaves.

As demand is already strong from a Business to Business and Business to Customer point of view, we believe that by communicating widely on our social networks and through the creation of partnerships with reseller networks, we will succeed to increase in quickly our turnover.
Our sales can catch on quickly for a many reason:

- Our products will be sold online on Desktop.mu in the coming months which will be allow a better visibility and accessibility as the delivery will be possible
- We will do the needful to obtain the ?Made in Moris? Label
- Through a relevant marketing strategy, we will communicate on our social networks and boost our posts to promote our products
- We will be able to offer products at more competitive prices since the production chain will be automated
- We will develop a commercial prospecting system, in particular with catering professionals, thanks to the working time saved by recruiting and delegating the collection of leaves.




1.4 Implementation Plan and Time-frame



The document can also be found in the appendix.

1.5 Project Contribution to global environmental benefits

The products produced from palm leaves by Outgrowing contribute to the overall environmental benefits in several ways:

Outgrowing aims to minimise its environmental impact at all stages of its production.
First of all, all the palm leaves used are fallen leaves of the tree which are renewed as the tree grows. The policy of the cooperative is strict and will sensitize the women involved in the collection of the leaves not to pluck the leaves from the trees so as to continue preserving the palm kernel.The large quantity of palm kernels on the island and the capacity of the cooperative to have access, through the women involved, to the different regions of the island will make it possible to supply a quantity of leaves sufficient for production and stock needs, respecting the tree development cycles and the seasons.

Chemicals and Waste focal area:
Through the manufacture of take away in palm leaves, we aim to reduce the production and import of take-away containers in polystyrene, widely used by restaurants and snacks.
Mauritius imports USD 11 M worth of plastic tableware products annually (2018). Global environmental benefits will be through the avoidance of plastics and polystyrene. We are convinced that by offering an alternative to polystyrene, we will be able to more easily educate and encourage restaurateurs and customers to use our natural products by highlighting the dangers that polystyrene poses to human health, when it is used to contain hot food. Finally, no chemical is/will be used in any stage of manufacturing.

Climate Change Mitigation focal area:
Our ambition is to significantly reduce the use of single-use plastic, and thus gradually reduce its production. The project, exclusively based on a natural, renewable and of course compostable material, will ultimately limit the use of fossil energy, like petrol, used in the production of different types of plastic.
?
1.6 Plan to Ensure Community Participation


The Outgrowing project was implemented by the community and for the community in 2011. Five people, including 4 fishermen's wives, thus participated in the creation of the company, were trained and have worked during the first 3 years of the project. In the absence of funding, the precariousness of the members of the cooperative and the precursor aspect of the project (relatively moderate enthusiasm for eco-responsible initiatives before 2015), only one woman remained.
Becoming Director of the Co-operative, Franceska Speville-Hortense gradually developed and restructured the organization to bring in people who could help the project on different aspects: financial, communication, etc. To date, the development of the cooperative is entirely the fruit of a participative and community work because it represents the heart of the work of the 10 people of the South region having been members of it since its creation.

As the cooperative is in full development, it will be necessary to restructure the implications of each.
In fact, until now, the members have done what they could according to their time available, only the Director being involved full time on the project.
Through the proposed development, the objective is also to involve a greater number of women in vulnerable situations (target group of the project). We will also contact the centers for disabled people in the region (Chemin Grenier and Riambel) to include one or two people in our activity. The key roles and responsibilities will be determined in order to facilitate support for women in the field, in their task of picking up palm leaves and in their empowerment. Indeed, by automating a maximum of processes, by separating the functions and by delegating, we wish to optimize the time of each so that it is put to the benefit of the development of the cooperative and its activity (example: branding and product marketing, production of branded t-shirts, creation of new products, demarcating commercial customers and strengthening individual customers, canvassing for product placement in supermarkets, etc.).

This project, born from a community approach, must remain so: with the increase in production, we will be faced with new challenges such as the supply of palm kernel leaf, human resources management, commercial canvassing. By keeping the community and integration aspect at the heart of the project, we will recruit ten women all around the island at first, and will operate personalized support and ongoing training.

1.7 Knowledge Management


Since the beginning of the project, we have focused on awareness sessions and the transparency of the manufacturing process. Through an average of 150 awareness sessions per year, we reach a large number of tourists, onlookers or other groups (schools and businesses). During these sessions, we have talked about our product, its benefits, and show how we make it.

With production automation, we will have more time to share our know-how and implement a real communication and information strategy - on our communication media and face to face. Indeed, we strongly believe that it is through the dissemination of information that attitudes can evolve. To inform about the dangers of polystyrene, the harmful impact of plastic and its derivatives on the environment is therefore for us, a real necessity. If sensitization on the use of plastic and the environmental impact of its production and degradation in nature has already been in place for several years, we will emphasize the awareness of companies, especially the sectors of catering and hospitality.

Finally, in a second step, we would like to create an incubator for women wishing to launch an entrepreneurial initiative in the ecological area. Franceska, member of the cooperative from the beginning and mother of 8 children, is an example of professional success. Starting from nothing, she received no other training than that of experience. Once the production activity will be stabilized with the installation of new machines, we will make sure to support the women involved in collecting leaves as much as possible towards an independent, fulfilling and profitable activity. This support will have to be considered to enable the beneficiary women to learn from the experience of Franceska, and more broadly from the evolution of the cooperative, to know the necessary steps to launch and develop an activity, as well as the errors to avoid.

1.8 Gender Mainstreaming

Resulting from a pilot project supported by the IOM, this activity was carried out during the first 3 years by a group of 4 women and 1 man from the village of Rivière des Galets, who had no economic activity or were in a precariousness situation due to the gradual slowdown in fishing activity, the main source of income for households in the region. At the end of this project, due to a lack of funding and the inability of the cooperative to pay the members, 4 left.
In 2013, with the DCP project, four women in precarious situations were able to join the cooperative. Unfortunately, despite a first contract obtained with Winner's Supermarkets allowing the cooperative to obtain fixed monthly income, these women whose family life requires regular remuneration could not stay.

As part of the development of the activity, we plan to involve ten women in the collection of these leaves at first. Aware that the family responsibilities that traditionally rest on women in Mauritius can complicate their job search or their attendance, we wish to offer a flexible work environment, which will allow the Empowerment of women through different ways: capacity building, time management, financial autonomy, etc.
In addition, learning from our mistakes, we will pay women based on performance, to limit the economic impact on the company. In a logic of fairness, the rates charged will be reflected in a transparent manner and gradually adapted according to the development of the turnover of the company.

1.9 Communication of Results and Replication


The cooperative has a Facebook page followed by 2,800 people, as well as a website on which it is possible to find a great deal of information. Currently, we carry out an average of 150 sensitizations / discovery workshops with children and adults per year, which informs and warns about the use of plastic / polystyrene and its impact on the environment. The educational approach we have is complementary to our production activity. When we started in 2011, subjects relating to environmental preservation, ecology or even alternative initiatives to plastic / polystyrene had limited media coverage.

The entire proposed program corresponds to the development of the activity: new machines, new products (cutlery, ?Take-away? packaging, glasses, etc.), a personalization / engraving service as well as the creation of several jobs. across the island. All of the elements will be communicated through our digital platforms and during our interventions (press, workshops, awareness sessions, etc.). To date, communication is managed by one of the members of the cooperative.

Thanks to the purchase of new machines, it will be possible to replicate this project without incurring significant costs, in particular with groups of vulnerable people and / or people who are out of work.
We plan to create a second cooperative in Rodrigues and send the manual machines. In a logic of limitation of our impact on the environment, this project could be implemented on all the islands of the Indian Ocean region, provided that the raw material: palm kernel leaves are available in quantity.

SECTION B: PROJECT RISKS, MONITORING & EVALUATION
2.1. Risks to Successful Implementation


Despite the potential of the project, various risks are to be anticipated to limit the impact if necessary.
Risks Mitigation



Internal Factors Inability to be competitive at price levels due to the low yield. With industrial machines, the output will necessarily increase. It will be important to precisely define the unit manufacturing cost
and establish the fairest selling price.
Difficulties or errors in recruitment (high absenteeism of human resources or production too low to compensate employees) Women recruited will be paid according to their performance. For internal recruitments, particular attention will be paid to young people eligible for the Youth Employment Programme, in order to
limit an excessive financial commitment.


External Factors Lack of raw material (palm leaves) due to bad weather, and during the hurricane season. Stocks will have to be carried out according to orders so that production can continue even in the event of bad weather or the
unavailability of suitable palm leaves.
Reversal of national policy on the taxation of plastic and polystyrene containers We will do our best to reduce the sale price as much as possible and make catering companies aware of the danger caused by
polystyrene.


2.2. Monitoring, Evaluation Plan and Indicators


The document can also be found in the appendix.




17


2.3. Sustainability of Results Achieved


This funding should allow the cooperative to initiate sufficient economic growth to become profitable, and thus economically independent. By purchasing automated machines, that will not only increase production, but also diversify products, we will be able to meet more of the market's needs.
As the first social business in the sector, the Outgrowing co-operative benefits from significant media coverage and recognition which helps limit advertising costs. With this project, we will move forward in stages. Once the production has stabilized with the new machines, we will start a commercial approach to obtain fixed contracts and thus have more visibility in terms of income. This will allow us to ensure the cash flow of the company and the payment of fixed costs, and therefore better plan our growth.

Thanks to a group like IBL Together, which could support the project with Marketing through its companies Desktop Office Supply and Brand Activ and allow the products we make from palm leaves to be distributed in many points of sales, the growth of the cooperative could be rapid.

In addition, we strongly intend to develop our activity in Rodrigues, to become market leader of this territory, precursor in terms of ecology, and later in Seychelles and Reunion.

Finally, because the heart of the business is also the awareness about environment, we want to include in our business model the training of companies and organizations so that the time allocated to the dissemination of information can fully finance a full-time person dedicated to this aspect of our business.

SECTION C: PROJECT BUDGET
3.1 Financial Details


a. Project Funding Summary


Funding Source Funding Plan, [MUR] Total [MUR]
Year 1 Year 2
a. GEF SGP 1,444,900 469850 1,914,750
b. Proposing Organization 273,000 252,550 525,550
c. Other contributions
Total Project Cost 1,717,900 722,400 2,440,300

i. Community Contribution


Sources of Community Contribution Type (cash/in kind4) Committed or Projected?* Value, in local currency
1.Bel Ombre Foundation In Kind Committed 102000

Total 102000

ii. Proposing Organization Contribution


Sources of Contribution Type Committed or Projected? Value, local currency
1.Outgrowing Co-operative Personnel/Labour Projected 468,550
2. Outgrowing Co-operative CEB Committed 57,000
3 LUX* Resorts & Hotels In Kind Committed 20,000
Total 545,550

3.2 Projected Expenditures










4 Refers to contributions made directly towards projects realization such as labour, materials, time and other quantifiable resources that count towards the achievement of the project results. An approximate amount should be indicated in the table.


3.3 Bank Details
A dedicated bank account will be opened.
This will facilitate the monitoring and evaluation of expenditure and the project as a whole. We will refer to the guidelines in case of selection.
Bank Account Name: OUTGROWING ENTREPRENEURS CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY LIMITED
Bank Name : MAUBANK
Bank Address : 25, Bank Street, Cybercity, Ebène Bank Branch : Maubank Corporate

Bank Account Number : 011000580090
Iban :MU28MPCB1215011000580000000MUR

ANNEX 1: INDICATORS
A. GEF SGP Project Indicators

ANNEX 1: INDICATORS

A. GEF SGP Project Indicators

GEF SGP project indicators in the focal areas of biodiversity, climate change, land degradation and sustainable forest management, international waters, and chemicals are presented below. Proponents are advised to select relevant focal area indicators from the table below. In addition, proponents (if necessary in consultation with the NC), should identify and include indicators within the areas of impact pertaining to ?Capacity Development, Policy Influence & Innovation?, ?Livelihoods & Sustainable Development, Community Based Adaptation and Empowerment?.

GEF SGP OP5 results indicators
Biodiversity (BD)

BD1 o Hectares of indigenous and community conserved areas (ICCAs) influenced
o Hectares of protected areas influenced
o Hectares of significant ecosystems with improved conservation status

BD2 o Hectares of production landscapes / seascapes applying sustainable use practices
o Number of significant species with maintained or improved conservation status
o Total value of biodiversity products/ecosystem services produced (US dollar equivalent)
Climate Change (CC)


CCM1 o Tonnes of CO2 avoided by implementing low carbon technologies:
? Renewable energy measures (please specify)
? Energy efficiency measures (please specify)
? Other (please specify)
X. Number of community members demonstrating or deploying low-GHG technologies
o Total value of energy or technology services provided (US dollar equivalent)

CCM4 o Tonnes of CO2 avoided by implementing low carbon technologies:
? Low carbon transport practices (please specify)
o Total value of transport services provided (US dollar equivalent)

CCM5 o Hectares of land under improved land use and climate proofing practices
o Tonnes of CO2 avoided through improved land use and climate proofing practices
Land degradation (LD) & Sustainable Forest Management (SFM)

LD1 o Hectares of land applying sustainable forest, agricultural and water management practices
o Hectares of degraded land restored and rehabilitated
LD3 o Number of communities demonstrating sustainable land and forest management practices
International Waters (IW)


IW o Hectares of river/lake basins applying sustainable management practices and contributing to implementation of SAPs
o Hectares of marine/coastal areas or fishing grounds managed sustainably
X. Tonnes of land-based pollution avoided
Chemicals (POPs)
POPS o Tons of solid waste prevented from burning by alternative disposal
o Kilograms of obsolete pesticides disposed of appropriately

GEF SGP OP5 results indicators
o Kilograms of harmful chemicals avoided from utilization or release
Capacity Development, Policy and Innovation (all focal areas)



CD o Number of consultative mechanisms established for Rio convention frameworks (please specify)
o Number of community-based monitoring systems demonstrated (please specify)
2 Number of new technologies developed /applied (take-aways, cutlery in palm leaves)
1 Number of local or regional policies influenced (level of influence 0 ? 1 ? 2 ? 3 ? 4 ? 5)
o Number of national policies influenced (level of influence 0 ? 1 ? 2 ? 3 ? 4 ? 5)
12 Number of people trained on: project development, monitoring, evaluation etc. (to be
specified according to type of training)
Livelihoods, Sustainable Development, and Empowerment (all focal areas)






Cross- cutting Livelihoods & Sustainable Development:
X. Number of participating community members (gender disaggregated) (Note: mandatory for all projects)
o Number of days of food shortage reduced
o Number of increased student days participating in schools
o Number of households who get access to clean drinking water
X. Increase in purchasing power by reduced spending, increased income, and/or other means (US dollar equivalent)
X. Total value of investments (e.g. infrastructure, equipment, supplies) in US Dollars (Note: estimated economic impact of investments to be determined by multiplying infrastructure investments by 5, all others by 3).
Empowerment:
o Number of NGOs/CBOs formed or registered
o Number of indigenous peoples directly supported
10 Number of women-led projects supported
X Number of quality standards/labels achieved or innovative financial mechanisms put in place