In light of the Gabon Special Economic Zone’s (GSEZ) recent recognition by FDI Intelligence, as Best Free Zone for Environmental Practices, GSEZ has presented its circular economy initiatives at the Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) in Libreville on the 29th of October 2022.

The event, National Youth Conference on Change (UN Climate Change Local Conference of Youth) was hosted by the Gabonese Republic as a precursor to its international counterpart, the Conference of the Parties (COP). The conference which was held for the youth served as a platform for exchange and discussion of alternate solutions and innovative economic models, compatible with the climate change challenge at hand.

ARISE IIP/GSEZ held a workshop which involved a detailed account of the sustainable best practices, particularly the circular economy initiatives that are ongoing at the Gabon Special Economic Zone. Of them, the Particle Board factory and the Huaxing Environnement which converts waste wood into particle board and active and non-active coal respectively were highlighted. Additionally, the Jia Ming Plastic Factory’s circular economy initiative was presented, where plastic bottles are recycled into plastic tabs. These initiatives, apart from creating sustainable industry processes, also create new economies developing the employment opportunities in the area. As part of the workshop, a collaborative activity was conducted, wherein participants were encouraged to think of similar circular economy models in their areas of interest and spheres of work – including fashion, technology, food and automobiles. Finally, the presentation included an insight into green jobs, detailing new possibilities in the work sphere for youth.

Guifoly