Activities of the SIG Commission
As of June 30, 2024, the number of signatories to the SigneNatir pact has grown to 87. SigneNatir successfully completed its second cohort of the training program "Sustainability for Business," in partnership with B Market Builder Mauritius and Dynamia Associates & Developers Ltd. This cohort consisted of 30 participants, with 14 successfully graduating in March.
In the field of water stewardship, SigneNatir launched its Water Stewardship Guidelines in December 2023. Since then, two Water Stewardship Forums have already been held—one at the end of 2023 and another in early 2024. The first forum, focusing on circularity, took place in February, followed by the second forum on biodiversity linkages in July, in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). These forums have played a key role in fostering meaningful discussions and collaborations on critical sustainability issues.
This year, the Energy Transition subcommittee, now chaired by Mr. Pierre Egot of IBL Energy, has made significant progress in advancing renewable energy initiatives. A key achievement has been the establishment of a new public-private committee, co-chaired by Business Mauritius (BM) and the Economic Development Board (EDB). This committee aims to operationalize the renewable energy roadmap, with a particular focus on contracts, schemes, and project bankability.
Additionally, through the subcommittee, BM continues to have a strong presence on the boards of the Energy Efficiency Management Office (EEMO) and the Mauritius Renewable Energy Agency (MARENA). Subcommittee members have also been actively involved in stakeholder consultations on the SUNREF study, which addresses carbon markets, further showcasing their dedication to sustainable energy solutions.
The subcommittee also remains committed to hosting the Club de la Transition Énergétique, which fosters collaboration and innovation within the energy sector.
This year, the Circular Economy subcommittee has been revitalized with Caroline Rault returning as the full-time chair, leading the committee’s initiatives with ongoing support from Mickaël Appaya. The subcommittee continues its collaboration with the government to implement the circular economy roadmap.
Discussions are currently underway with the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) to develop waste audits for companies, and with the European Union to secure technical support related to the EU Green Deal's new circular economy policies. Additionally, the subcommittee is engaging with the University of Mauritius to establish a material flow analysis for the island, further enhancing efforts towards a sustainable circular economy.
In December 2023, the Inclusive Development Subcommittee of Business Mauritius released its first progress report, highlighting the commitment of the 64 adopters of the Inclusive Development Guidelines. This comprehensive report examines the various dimensions of the guidelines after one year of implementation by businesses. The data is presented in the following order:
(i) most implemented categories,
(ii) most implemented actions, and
(iii) an overview of companies by size and sector.
Additionally, the report provides insights into the least implemented category and action. For more details, you can access the full report on SigneNatir.mu.
Since 2023, adopters of the Inclusive Development Guidelines have been introduced to solution providers through monthly online sessions, supporting them in effectively implementing the guidelines. These "Meet the Facilitator" sessions have played a key role in offering businesses the resources and guidance needed for successful inclusive development. Six solution providers have presented their services to the Network of Champions during these sessions.
The subcommittee also hosted its inaugural Inclusive Development Recognition Awards, where adopters of the Inclusive Development Guidelines were celebrated and honored for their achievements across seven distinct categories. This event was a recognition of the dedication and progress made by businesses in advancing inclusive development, highlighting their significant contributions to fostering a more inclusive and sustainable future.
The Biodiversity subcommittee has experienced significant progress this year with the appointment of Mickaël Appaya as co-chair alongside Dina Ramgoolan-Gukool. Since its launch in March, the committee has held two meetings to define its scope and review existing government initiatives. They have provided valuable feedback on the new Environmental Protection Act and actively engaged with policymakers to deepen their understanding of the legislation. Additionally, subcommittee members participated in stakeholder consultations on the SUNREF study, which focuses on carbon markets, further advancing the committee’s efforts in promoting biodiversity and environmental sustainability.
The Vibrant Communities Subcommittee has welcomed Corinne Stoutenbeek from ENL & Rogers Management Services as its newly appointed chairperson. This subcommittee focuses on three main areas:
- Art, Culture, and Heritage
- Mental and Physical Well-being and Sports
- Spatial Planning and Common Spaces (common good)
Currently, the subcommittee is in the process of drafting a new guideline to further support and enhance these focus areas, aiming to foster vibrant and inclusive communities across Mauritius.
As the coordinating body, Business Mauritius was responsible this year for implementing the Sustainable Use of Natural Resources and Energy Finance (SUNREF) programme, developed by the Agence française de développement (AFD). The programme has supported AFD in several projects on energy efficiency, renewable energy, and the sustainable use of natural resources such as water in priority sectors, including construction, hospitality, manufacturing, and agriculture.
In partnership with Mauritius Commercial Bank Ltd (MCB), SBM Bank (Mauritius) Ltd (SBM), and AfrAsia Bank Limited (ABL), SUNREF Mauritius offers both financial and technical assistance.
Since its launch in late 2018, the SUNREF programme has made significant strides:
82% of the green credit has been utilized.
Over 200 projects have benefitted from SUNREF loans and associated investment grants.
The credit line officially closed as of 30th June 2024.
Notable Activities and Studies:
Green Hydrogen Study, Agri-solar Study, and EU Green Deal Study: These studies laid the groundwork for future sustainable energy initiatives.
Sustainable Finance Workshop: Held in October 2023, in collaboration with the EU and the MBA, with over 100 participants from both the public and private sectors.
Carbon Markets Study: Evaluating Mauritius’s potential to enter international carbon markets, with final reports expected by September 2024.
Study on Adaptation Needs: Launched to assess bottlenecks throughout the value chain and improve future financing lines, aimed at increasing impacts and enhancing ownership by partners.
Additionally, Kevin Ramkaloan of Business Mauritius and Laetitia Habchi from AFD visited CDL Knits, a company supported by SUNREF, to acquire new technology and ensure resilience in uncertain ecological times.