ENL Foundation hoped to bring together and raise the youth’s awareness of the importance of ecology with the launch of the Green Spirit Project in 2014. To this end, an Eco Club has been created, bringing together young people of all ages from the regions in which the Foundation is actively involved, including Alma, Pailles, Black River and Moka/Saint Pierre.
The primary objective is to help them act as responsible citizens and develop environmentally responsible behaviour through specific activities.
“The Mauritian people feel increasingly concerned about environmental issues and the country needs additional resources to protect the environment. The Green Spirit Club initiative aims to create a community of well-equipped and capable citizens to help protect the environment,” says the Group’s Head of CSR and Manager of ENL Foundation, Mario Radegonde.
The Foundation intends to play a major role in addressing this challenge. “The formation of this Eco Club is a step forward in our efforts to promote a green ideology and unite communities around a crucial issue for the country. The Green Spirit Project has already reached hundreds of young people and I can say with confidence that they are now better aware of environmental issues and their importance for our future,” he adds.
Through the Eco Club, ENL Foundation has allowed these young people to gain extensive knowledge on environmental conservation and preservation as well as our heritage. “The Green Spirit Project is not just club, it is also intended to be a school of thought that encourages individuals to be both creative and innovative in developing their leadership skills on environmental issues. The actions carried out must have a positive impact on families, schools and the community at large,” says Mario Radegonde. The Green Spirit Project has a serious and responsible approach without overlooking the fun and excitement that are vital to strengthening the sense of community.
Since its launch, the Green Spirit team has already undertaken a number of activities. Its first outing was a discovery trip to Ile aux Aigrettes coupled with a clean-up of the nature reserve. It also took an active part in the awareness campaign by PAWS about stray dogs and their sterilisation. The young members visited the organic gardens of SAFIRE and have learnt a few things about organic crops. They were also present to help clean up the Moka Trail site and enhance a few places in Saint Pierre. In Black River, the team cleaned up the public beach for the traditional regatta and the young members took part in an ecological exhibition at Phoenix Mall to mark World Environment Day. The group’s latest activity was a beekeeping workshop on the making of honey and its benefits.
A packed programme is planned for 2018. Various activities are already on the agenda for this year and the Eco Club wishes to help promote green and community initiatives. Its mission will also be to support ENL’s green projects and animal habitat restoration. “There is a very good momentum within the Eco Club. There is a real interest among young people to learn and discover ways to become responsible citizens. At ENL Foundation’s level, we want to give them the opportunity to become self-reliant and offer effective solutions for improving life within their community,” says Mario Radegonde.
The overriding goal of the Green Spirit Project is to provide young people with the knowledge required to compost their own waste both at home and at school. According to him, “All those involved in this project are not just members of the Eco Club. They are also green ambassadors for a better and cleaner Mauritius.”