The MV Wakashio oil-spill has led to ecological, social, and economic impact in the south-east region. This incident which occurred while the island was still dealing with the impacts of COVID-19 has further affected the living communities.
FORENA was commissioned, in September 2020, to organise a participatory workshop, under the Government instituted MV Wakashio Assistance and Support Cell, to identify, inter alia, the related social and economic consequences and formulate recommendations for actionable schemes/programmes/projects.
Amongst the consequences identified were the following:
• Loss of revenue
• Loss of employment opportunities
• Loss of pride and autonomy of people who were never dependent before
• Impact on coastal ecosystems
Actions and recommendations proposed to Government in the report included :
• The establishment of a mangrove nursery
• Train and empower people through various technical trainings allowing the creation of income-generating activities
• Provide seed capital to women involved in empowerment programs or training in innovative entrepreneurial activities
• Promote social entrepreneurship and eco-entrepreneurship
The project proposed by FORENA is a direct response to the consequences identified and the actions proposed to remediate the impacts. As such the setting up of a nursery with a composting facility and training women in plant propagation and composting as well as nursery management will contribute to the economic empowerment of these women, giving them the possibility of becoming entrepreneurs or obtaining employment. The project will, as such, respond to
1. The need for a nursery to produce Mangrove but also other useful plants
2. The need for an alternative livelihood for women who have been impacted by the Covid situation and the MV Wakashio incident
Planning of activities
Land preparation, clearing, smoothing - 0,5 month
Setting up of the nursery - 2 months
Sourcing out seeds and seedlings and associated transport - 2 months
Training of beneficiaries - 2 months
Production of plants - 6 months
Club members will be in charge of monitoring the activities, ensuring funds are used according to budget, supervising the training, following up on the evaluation of the project
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