Young entrepreneurs and start-ups learn more about effective environmental and energy management, as well as current regulations in Tunisia.
Within the framework of the Mashrou3i project, a workshop was held on “Environmental and Energy Techniques” between 16 and 17 January 2018 at the Itropika Hotel in Tabarka. It was moderated by Bechir Ben Rejeb, the Mashrou3i project’s Environmental Expert.
During the 2-day workshop, 20 young entrepreneurs and start-ups learned more about techniques to better solve environmental and energy issues, as well as current regulations in Tunisia. Young entrepreneurs also used the opportunity to present and discuss their challenges, and to benefit from advice about methods for managing industrial waste, specific to their business activities.
The Tunisian government has prioritized the establishment of financial procedures and tools for industrial companies to enable them to fight against environmental degradation; to prevent pollution of soils, groundwater and water sources; to comply with environmental regulations and to make efficient use of energy and natural resources.
The Mashrou3i Project, organized by UNIDO and funded by USAID, the Italian Cooperation and the HP Foundation, aims to strengthen awareness about preventative actions to protect the environment among young entrepreneurs and start-ups, by teaching them good practices and encouraging their participation in the sustainable development processes. The environmental training workshop was held in this context, fostering dialogue and debate among young entrepreneurs and a better understanding of effective environmental and energy solutions.
The training opened with a presentation of the environmental framework in Tunisia, during which M. Ben Rejeb highlighted the issues of environmental and energy management for companies, as well as current regulations.
The debate then moved forward with the presentation of financing mechanisms for environmental and energy projects, and inherent administrative procedures. Finally, young entrepreneurs benefited from specific advice on the valuation of waste in their own activities.
Many participants felt the training enhanced their awareness of the importance of preserving the environment, as well as their knowledge in ways to add value to their business through waste management. Khawla, a young entrepreneur manufacturing essential oils and soaps of natural origin in the Siliana region said, “This training has given me a lot of new ideas. Until now, waste management was an abstract concept but with the new techniques I’ve learned, I plan to restructure my business to make my production process greener.”
The workshop reinforces the support offered to Mashrou3i Project beneficiaries and the establishment of a community business network, which the Mashrou3i project promotes on a daily basis through its activities in 14 regions of the country.