Projects

Given the low level of development in Rodrigues, this project could be considered an opportunity to do things properly the first time around. Rodrigues has the potential to excel in the preservation of its natural environment. The recent banning of plastic bags is an important first step. Alternatives must be identified, however, as the use of plastic bags is deeply engrained in the way of life for the population of the island. This is also important because the island of Mauritius is now moving forward with banning plastic bags at the national level.

In 2012, the Joint Economic Council, which is the coordinating body for the private sector in Mauritius, and the French Development Agency studied the energy efficiency situation in Mauritius by mapping the potential for energy savings in the industrial and tertiary sectors. The results showed that businesses could save about USD 30 million per year on their energy bills if issues such as a lack of supervision and awareness, low trust in energy audits, lack of subsidies and shortage of quality local expertise were addressed.

Nearly a million people visit Kenya each year. How can Kenyans capitalise on the country’s rich cultural heritage and stunning nature while also maintaining it? Community Based Tourism (CBT) allows Kenya to position their local communities as centres of economic development and social wellbeing.

When it comes to nature tourism, Uganda has a comparative advantage, but protecting its resource base is critical. For tourist accommodations, an environmentally sound operation is increasingly important, both from an operational point of view – lower costs and security of supply – and from a marketing perspective. Unsound operations can have a negative impact on the tourist experience and on the flora, fauna and cultural heritage of the host environment. With an increasing number of tourists coming to Uganda, the need for environmentally sound operations is becoming more pressing.

Mauritius has developed a tourism industry that is admired throughout the world. The hospitality industry has rapidly emerged as one of the main income-earning sectors, accounting for 12% of gross domestic product. While larger hotels have the required expertise, logistics and facilities to compete at the international level, it is difficult for smaller hotels to do the same. Small and medium-sized hotels therefore need to group together to form clusters in order to achieve the same end results.

Tourism is Kenya’s third largest foreign exchange earner and a major employer, accounting for about 12% of total employment and 13.7% of gross domestic product. The tourism industry is based on a diverse range of natural, social, human and physical resources, but faces challenges in terms of sustainable development. For example, over 80% of all visits are concentrated in seven parks, and the seasonal nature of tourism further aggregates the stress on natural resources during peak seasons and reduces the efficiency of infrastructure and staff during low seasons.