The project that I have chosen is the SWITCH-Asia programme from fairtrade. The SWITCH-Asia Grants Programme funds pilot projects helping companies to adopt cleaner technologies and more sustainable industrial practices, as well as helping consumers to act more responsibly in their daily choices and lifestyles. Since 2007, this EU programme has funded projects across a wide range of sectors (energy efficiency in industrial plants and houses, agri-food and fishing sectors, textiles and leather, tourism, logistics and freight) implemented by over 500 Asian and European partners, about 100 private sector associates, indirectly benefitting up to 80.000 micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
By supporting the sharing of knowledge and developing local capacity for responsible business practices, SWITCH-Asia is a means for local companies to more easily access the supply chains of multinational companies which seek to establish green and fair conducts within their value-chains. The replication and scaling-up effect of project results together with access to finance and public-private investments for green products, services and technologies will be key elements within the programme in the next years in order to have a greater impact in the region. The evidence provided by projects is meant to feed into policy and regulatory discussions with national governments in their transition towards a low-carbon and resource-efficient economy through the improvement of national strategies and action plans with regard to sustainable production and consumption practices.
130 projects funded in the region over a period of 14 years of which 22 new ones active as of 2020 and implemented by Asian, Central Asian and European organisations. In line with the new ambitions of the EU in terms of green transition, the Grant Scheme of the programme will focus in particular (but not exclusively) on the external dimension of the EU Green Dealand of its focus areas, such as sustainable food-systems and circular economy.
