Sands of time
Published: 30 June 2015 Helen Marquard
Today, the 30th June, is a significant date: it is exactly 8 years since I left the UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to join the SEED Initiative, and it now marks a transition from my role as Executive Director of SEED, to Chairman. Read more
SDGs:
After 8 Years of Heading the Top Sustainable Entrepreneurship Award, Helen Maquard Steps Down
Source: UN Environment
Nairobi, 30 June 2015 - After 8 years at the helm of the SEED, Helen Maquard finished her mission as the programme's Executive Director today. Under her leadership, SEED has evolved from a biennial awards scheme into a multi-component programme for action on sustainable development and the green economy. Read more
SDGs:
Increasing the impact of social enterprises in developing and emerging economies
Published: 25 June 2015 Aline Margaux Wachner, Lisa M. Hanley, Tim Weiss
A recent large-scale survey published by Zeppelin University and Siemens Stiftung generally support the idea that social enterprises can have a positive impact on poverty reduction. However, it also reveals some caveats, which have led us to derive concrete recommendations for action. Read more
SDGs:
What role for eco-entrepreneurship in the Post-2015 agenda?
Published: 19 June 2015 Anais Mangin, Helen Marquard
The Millennium Development Goals have shaped development cooperation in the last 15 years, and there has been progress towards eliminating poverty worldwide. Nevertheless, much remains to be done. Read more
SDGs:
SEED participates in the high-level consultation ‘Review and Monitoring of the Post-2015 Agenda’
Published: 09 June 2015
The event aimed to provide a platform for national and international experts to exchange lessons learned from existing processes and their various perspectives on possible elements of a mutual state-led review process against the background of recent and forthcoming rounds of intergovernmental negotiations on the Post-2015 Agenda. Read more
SDGs:
What is your pledge for the World Environment Day?
Published: 05 June 2015
Today, Friday 5 June, is the World Environment Day (WED); the United Nations flagship day to encourage worldwide awareness and action for the environment. Read more
SDGs:
Breaking the taboo: how managing menstruation in a hygienic and environment-friendly way can empower thousands of girls and women while reducing waste in developing countries
Published: 02 June 2015 Amélie Heuër, Anais Mangin
While it may have gone unnoticed to many, the 28th of May was the International Menstrual Hygiene Day; a day initiated by WASH United to create awareness around the right of women and girls to hygienically manage their menstruation – in privacy, safety and with dignity – where ever they are. Read more
SDGs:
Meet the SEED Accelerator recipients and VOTE NOW for the SEED Special Recognition Award!
Published: 28 May 2015
At the SEED South Africa Symposium 2015, SEED announced the Accelerator recipients. Read more
SDGs:
Explore SEED through the new Virtual Exhibition and learn about the SEED Winners’ impacts through the new SEED Case Studies
Published: 27 May 2015
SEED is launching a new interactive multimedia feature which will enable you to look into all aspects of SEED’s activities: the Virtual Exhibition, as well as new in-depth Case Studies that have emerged from the latest SEED research. Read more
SDGs:
The Observer features stories about five SEED Winners in a special on climate change
Published: 26 May 2015
How can local communities help to save the environment and better their lives? To answer this question the Observer Tech Monthly of the Guardian spoke with Helen Marquard, Executive Director of SEED. Read more
SDGs:
Botanica Natural Products, a SEED Story from South Africa
Published: 26 May 2015
Botanica Natural Products has developed a method of extracting beneficial substances from Bulbine frutescens, a traditional medicinal plant, for the cosmetic industry. The plant is cultivated and processed organically in its indigenous location in rural Limpopo, and its commercial use provides employment opportunities in the marginalised area. The local community further benefits through an Access and Benefit Sharing agreement. Read more
SDGs:
Green Heat, a SEED Story from Uganda
Published: 26 May 2015
Green Heat is an enterprise installing and marketing biogas digesters that convert decaying organic material from latrines and agricultural waste into biogas fuel for cooking and heating. By using biogas digesters, urban and rural households, schools, prisons, hospitals and tourist lodges in Uganda reduce their dependence on firewood and charcoal, improve their waste management systems, and help reduce deforestation and greenhouse gas emission rates related to methane release. Read more
SDGs:
greenABLE, a SEED Story from South Africa
Published: 26 May 2015
greenABLE has found an innovative solution for recycling empty printer cartridges. The recycled plastic and metals are sold, generating a steady flow of income and employment opportunities for previously unemployed persons with disabilities. Jobs are being created in the enterprise’s recycling facility or as greenAGENTS who run their own home-based cartridge collection business and sell the collected cartridges back to the enterprise. Read more
SDGs:
IMAI Farming Cooperative, a SEED Story from South Africa
Published: 26 May 2015
IMAI Farming Cooperative is a women’s cooperative which has partnered with non-government organisations and government institutions and is increasing and stabilising farmers’ incomes and reducing waste by processing surplus fresh vegetable produce into pickles. The cooperative also encourages organic farming. Read more
SDGs:
Reel Gardening, a SEED Story from South Africa
Published: 26 May 2015
Claire Reid Reel Gardening provides consumers with a pre-fertilised seed strip that encases seeds at the correct depth and distance apart and offers planting instructions in seven languages. Implemented by a youth organisation with assistance from government and social development programmes, the initiative aims to create sustainable subsistence gardens throughout South Africa. Read more
SDGs:
Trees for Global Benefit, a SEED Story from Uganda
Published: 26 May 2015
Trees for Global Benefit is a cooperative carbon offsetting scheme linking small scale landholder farmers in Uganda to the voluntary carbon market, combining carbon sequestration with rural livelihood improvements through small-scale, farmer-led, agro-/forestry projects while reducing pressure on natural resources in national parks and forest reserves. Read more
SDGs:
Green Bio Energy, a SEED Story from Uganda
Published: 26 May 2015
Green Bio Energy is a social enterprise, which offers low-income Ugandan families access to cost-saving, eco-friendly and safe energy solutions. They produce and sell Briketi Charcoal Briquettes, as well as an own brand of energy-efficient stoves, Briketi Eco Stoves. The enterprise also provides individuals and organizations with trainings on micro-enterprise management or briquettes production, and sells equipments for small-scale briquettes production. Read more
SDGs:
Roeland van de Geer, European Union speaking at the SEED South Africa Symposium 2014
Published: 21 May 2015
Ebrahim Khan, Hisense speaking at the SEED South Africa Symposium 2014
Published: 21 May 2015
Francois Bonnici, Bertha Centre speaking at the SEED South Africa Symposium 2014
Published: 20 May 2015
Mapula Tshangela, South African DEA speaking at the SEED South Africa Symposium 2014
Published: 20 May 2015
Vic van Vuuren, ILO speaking at the SEED South Africa Symposium 2014
Published: 20 May 2015
Stuart Bartlet, IDC speaking at the SEED South Africa Symposium 2014
Published: 20 May 2015
Derek Hanekom, South Africa DST speaking at the SEED South Africa Symposium 2014
Published: 20 May 2015
