Initiated by the Youth for Sustainable Development Foundation, the Inspired Generations Programme aims to create and involve networks of stakeholders wishing to build a sustainable society. The Indian Ocean Commission decided to include this programme in the European Commission-funded ISLANDS project as part of its Sustainable Development Integrated Planning component.

From August to September 2015, atelier phusis coordinated the organisation of the first Regional Inspired Generations Forum, held October 8-9, 2015 in Port-Louis, Republic of Mauritius.

More than 120 participants from Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles and Zanzibar had the opportunity to share their best practices in terms of sustainable development and to identify synergies between their territories.

Eighteen inspiring project developers also had the opportunity to present their initiatives and receive an Inspired Generations certificate. Trainings on project evaluation and long-term viability, thematic sessions (including biodiversity conservation planning, innovative funding mechanisms, and sustainable infrastructure planning) as well as interactions with technical partners and funding organizations (UNEP, Tany Meva Foundation, and the IOC’s Biodiversity and Energy programs) were organized for all participants.

Participants in the Inspired Generations Regional Forum © atelier phusis

Recycler-craftswomen and models wearing their creations (jewelery, bags, and belts) © atelier phusis

In parallel to the forum and with a commitment to involving the general public in sustainable development issues, activities were also organized on the popular Caudan Waterfront: recycler-craftspeople from the Ecolab project exhibited their creations; the Eco-schools programme presented the activities implemented in several educational institutions; laureates from the Eco-clip competition showcased their short films; and and two local bands ended the two-day event that had proved to be rich in exchanges, in a festive manner and with touches of local culture.