18 Fostering Sustainable Ecosystems Corporate Overview Message from CEO Corporate Governance and Business Ethics About the Report Green financing and grants This year, Arise IIP secured several pivotal grants that have empowered us to implement transformative sustainability projects across Africa. These grants enable us to address key environmental challenges, foster renewable energy adoption, and support vulnerable communities. 1. Central African Forest Initiative (CAFI) We received a grant of USD 500,000 from CAFI to conduct feasibility studies for projects that will positively benefit the Congo Basin Forest region. We have now completed and submitted 11 feasibility reports to the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and await their review for further funding. 2. Strengthening the partnership between GAW and the Fondation Lékédi Biodiversité GAW, a subsidiary of GSEZ and holder of the sustainably managed Ogooué forest concession, is strengthening its collaboration with the Ministry of Water and Forests, the NGO Conservation Justice, and the Fondation Lékédi Biodiversité to combat wildlife crime and promote biodiversity conservation around Lékédi Park and surrounding forest areas. Through a technical assistance grant awarded to Conservation Justice, a dedicated Wildlife Brigade has been deployed across the provinces of HautOgooué and Ogooué-Lolo. The brigade primarily focuses on anti-poaching efforts but also works closely with local authorities to address other illegal activities, including unauthorized logging and mining. Our Community Liaison Officer is actively involved in the awareness campaigns alongside Conservation Justice, helping to extend outreach to local schools and communities. More than 3,000 children are reached annually through programs organized in collaboration with the HautOgooué Provincial Education Authority. 3. UNDP’s Platform for Investment Support and Technical Assistance A further USD 170,000 grant from the UNDP’s Platform for Investment Support and technical assistance (PISTA) supported FSC certification initiatives, enhancing sustainable forestry practices within our supply chains. At the All Africa Business Leaders Awards held by CNBC Africa and Forbes Africa This award, a first for a Beninese company, acknowledges Benin Cashew SA’s commitment to stimulating local industrialisation and creating added value in the cashew sector. More broadly, this recognition highlights the relevance of the model developed by Arise IIP. Awards and Recognitions African Agro-Company of the Year award
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTE0OTM0OQ==