Solar-powered shops, trees to replace concrete and better waste management are being provided by three ERDF-funded projects to ensure Guadeloupe grows its economy while protecting its outstanding biodiversity.
Guadeloupe draws on nature’s wealth to power sustainable growth
- 21 May 2021
The GBH retail group is installing five photovoltaic power plants on the roofs of its stores across the French territory. This will cover one-third of their electricity needs and contribute to the Guadeloupe region’s goal of achieving energy autonomy by 2030.
Since 2017, the region has been producing over 20 % of its electricity from ‘green’ sources. The remainder is still derived from coal and heavy fuel oil.
The ERDF is providing EUR 2.3 million of the EUR 5.3 million investment.
To reduce illegal waste dumping and recycle bulky items, the first of five waste-collection centres was built in Pointe-Noire in December 2020. The ERDF financed 60 % of the EUR 1.7 million overall cost.
Finally, the ‘Protéger’ project is using local flora to ensure that urban development does not harm the vital role waterways play in the region’s ecosystem.
By planting indigenous trees on river banks, engineers can avoid using concrete to stabilise the soil and prevent erosion.
The ERDF is funding 65 % of the EUR 975 025 budget.
Author: Barthélémy Gaillard
More information
Programme/Project: Regional programme Guadeloupe Conseil Régional 2014-2020, Protéger
Source article on: https://www.touteleurope.eu on 13/05/2021