Flower Valley Project |
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| Lead Organisation: |
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Flora Valley Conservation Trust |
| Where: |
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Western Cape, South Africa |
| Time period: |
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ongoing since 1999 |
| Partners: |
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Cape Action Plan for the Environment. Supported by the GEF and UNDP | Aghulas Biodiversity Initiative | South Africa National Parks | Flora and Fauna International | Flower Valley Conservation Trust | Shell International | Shell Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd. | |
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Aims/Objectives: |
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| To conserve the unique biodiversity of the Aghulas Plain by embracing sustainable farming. | | To be viewed as a successful 'pilot model' by farms in the surrounding fynbos areas in the Western Cape to ensure the replication of the project. | | To distribute benefits to the local community, a community which is currently suffering high unemployment. Flower Valley will provide a school to facilitate education and run courses on healthcare and HIV prevention. As the farm expands, unemployment in the region will be gradually alleviated. | | To diversify into other micro enterprises such as paper making, compost manufacture and eco - tourism. | | To become commercially viable, and to be a leader in the retail of the fynbos products. It is anticipated that Shell will sell the flowers in the 'Select' stores. |
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Measurable results and specific
targets: |
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| The Flowers have been awarded an international flower label which verify their sustainable production. This will facilitate overseas exporting. | | The farm has been rebuilt and the working conditions greatly improved: this will serve to increase productivity. | | The farm supplies many networks in South Africa with its products, including the Kruger Park and Woolworths. | | A full time executive director has been appointed to oversee the project for the next three years. | | Shell is looking to integrate the farm firmly in to its business supply chain. | | It is anticipated that more of the local community will become involved as the farm expands. |
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Implementation mechanisms
and further application: |
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| The principal source of funding for this was Shell International. This funding has assisted in the rebuilding of the farm workshops and the appointment of the executive director. | | The project provides the perfect basis for replication and it embraces the three pillars of sustainable development - economic, environmental and social. The link to the GEF and UNDP means that success in the Western Cape can be replicated globally. |
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| CONTACT: |
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Name: |
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Charlotte Keenan |
Email: |
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Charlotte.Keenan@shell.co.za |
Organisation: |
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Shell Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd |
Address: |
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Shell House, 9 Riebeeck St |
City: |
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Cape Town |
State/Region: |
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Western Cape |
Postal Code: |
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8000 |
Country: |
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South Africa |
Telephone: |
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+27 21 408 4522 |
Fax: |
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+27 21 425 3807 |
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