This feasibility study helped the grantee and GEF SGP UNDP to determine the cost of solarization of the business system; the cost of implementing environmental conservation measures; the total return on investment; and the estimated annual CO2 emissions that will be prevented from entering the environment.

The following are the results: (i) Total annual savings from environmental conservation measures = US$ 19,765; (ii) estimated total environmental conservation cost = US$70,370; (iii) Return on environmental conservation measures or investment (ROI) will be realised in = 4 years; and (iii) Estimated CO2 saved from entering the environment is 33.55 Tons per year. Based on these figures there will be a net positive impact on the environment and the savings will allow the grantee to develop a social safety net by the establishment of a pension.

During project implementation, a total of 12 people were employed (6 men and 6 women) at a total income of US$4578 (US$2263men; US$2315 women).

Approximately 49 members of the group participated in the Planning Process.

Challenges encountered included getting total buy-in by all fishers, whose scepticism emanated from failed promises in the past. Major rains also caused flooding of the grantee?s facility, which delayed project implementation.

During project implementation, misconceptions on the process were eliminated through a thorough information and education process.

The project was approved for a Full Grant.