In a significant move to combat plastic waste in Africa, The Coca-Cola Foundation has announced a substantial $10 million funding initiative aimed at reducing plastic waste across seven African islands. The IslandPlas project, launched in collaboration with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), is set to revolutionise waste management practices and promote circular economy solutions over the next three years.
The official launch of the IslandPlas project took place on June 11, 2024, in Mauritius, during Coca-Cola Africa’s annual conference. The event was graced by His Excellency Prithvirajsing Roopun G.C.S.K., President of the Republic of Mauritius, who highlighted the critical importance of tackling plastic pollution and preserving biodiversity. During his speech, President Roopun underscored the project’s significance, stating “it is a good opportunity for me to take stock of what is being done by none other than Coca-Cola… it is good that we try to learn and understand the initiative which has been taken“. He emphasised the need for comprehensive measures and community involvement, pointing out that “Government alone cannot solve this issue. A collaborative approach is vital for creating sustainable solutions“.
The IslandPlas project is an ambitious endeavour targeting seven islands: Mauritius, Cape Verde, Comoros, Madagascar, São Tomé and Príncipe, Seychelles and Zanzibar. The primary goal is to significantly reduce plastic waste by enhancing the collection and recycling processes. The project aims to improve the lives of approximately 9,600 individuals working in the informal waste sector by collecting 14,000 tonnes of plastic waste and recycling 5,600 tonnes. Moreover, an additional $2 million will be mobilised to foster innovation and create new business opportunities within the waste management sector.
The Coca-Cola Foundation’s support for the IslandPlas project underscores its commitment to sustainable solutions that reduce environmental impact. Carlos Pagoaga, President of The Coca-Cola Foundation, stated, “We believe in solutions that accelerate the transition to a circular economy and reduce waste in rivers and oceans.” He emphasised the importance of local capacity building and innovation, adding “our support will strengthen the capacities of local actors in the waste sector and encourage innovations within the circular economy”.
The IUCN, leveraging its global network and expertise, will play a crucial role in the project. Luther Bois Anukur, Regional Director of IUCN for East and Southern Africa, described IslandPlas as a “groundbreaking initiative that adopts a comprehensive, community-centred approach to combat plastic waste on the islands.” He highlighted the project’s focus on waste collection, recycling, worker empowerment, and the promotion of alternative business models, presenting it as a replicable model of collaborative action that will protect oceans and empower local communities.
“Implementing a circular economy will require significant improvements in waste management and recycling systems worldwide. This means empowering local stakeholders and fostering local innovations,” commented Luisa Ortega, President of Coca-Cola Africa. “This project will have a positive impact on these key players in waste management and will help achieve our vision: waste-free islands on the continent,” she concluded.
About The Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF)
The mission of The Coca-Cola Foundation is to make a difference in communities around the world where The Coca-Cola Company operates and where our employees live and work. We support transformative ideas and institutions that address complex global challenges and leave a measurable and lasting impact. Our grants focus on sustainable access to clean water, climate resilience and disaster preparedness and response, circular economy, economic empowerment, and causes affecting our home communities. Since its inception in 1984, The Coca-Cola Foundation has awarded more than $1.5 billion in grants to strengthen communities worldwide.
About the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) is a membership union composed of both governmental and civil society organisations. Together, we work to promote sustainable development and create a just world that values and conserves nature. Established in 1948, the IUCN is now the world’s largest and most diverse environmental network, leveraging the knowledge, resources, and reach of our more than 1,400 member organisations and 16,000 experts. This diversity and expertise make the IUCN the global authority on the status of the natural world and the measures needed to safeguard it.
