Business

The SEED Initiative - hosted at the UN Environment Program's World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC) - is a global network founded in 2002 by UNEP, UNDP and IUCN to contribute towards the Millennium Development Goals and the commitments made at the Johannesburg World Summit on Sustainable Development. SEED works through a global network of Partners, Supporters and Associates.

SEED identifies profiles and supports promising, locally-driven start-up enterprises working in partnership in developing countries to improve livelihoods, tackle poverty and marginalization and manage natural resources sustainably. The Initiative also develops learning resources for the broad community of social and environmental entrepreneurs, informs policy- and decision-makers and aims to inspire innovative, entrepreneurial approaches to sustainable development.

Hisense

Founded in 1969 as a small radio factory in China, Hisense has grown into a global conglomerate with a workforce of over 60,000 worldwide. Hisense is today recognized as a leading international company for consumer electronics and household appliances. The company puts a strong emphasis on innovation and quality and has a global R&D network of over 2000 engineers as well as a national-level R&D Center, a post-doctoral research workstation, and a state-of-the-art multimedia technology laboratory. It has been the recipient of several recognitions and awards in the name of innovation, technology, design, and quality management.

Independent Development Trust (IDT)

The IDT is a South African development agency that offers program management and development advisory services for the eradication of poverty to government departments and other development partners. Emphasis is on the eradication of chronic intergenerational poverty, especially among the rural poor.

SEED Winners 2011 (by country)

Nepal - 2011 SEED Gender Equality Award Winner

· The "Solid Waste Management and Community Mobilization Program" is a waste collection and recycling initiative of over 1,000 households and businesses and is run by a women's environment committee and supported by a local municipality. Under the initiative, landfill waste is reduced via recycling and biogas plants are fueled by organic waste on which training is provided. A savings and credit cooperative has also been established to mobilize loans to 150 female members.  

Burkina Faso:

· The "Solar bread oven" is a large hybrid solar/gas-fired oven usable for all kinds of baking and roasting. Developed by a clean-tech company that is supported by international non-governmental organizations, the oven will be distributed through local women cooperatives via a franchising network.  

· The "Recycling Centre for Used Plastic Bags" run by a women's environmental group has developed a technique to weave fashion accessories, decorative objects, and city clothing out of used plastic bags. The community-based initiative aims to clear the streets of Burkina Faso of plastic bags while providing income and training to underprivileged women.  

· "Voute Nubienne - Building Earth Roofs in the Sahel" The Nubian Vault Association trains entrepreneurs in the ancient technique of building durable roofs from unfired earth. Addressing the dramatic lack of access to decent and affordable housing in the region, these entrepreneurs both teach the technique and make a living from their construction skills. 

Cameroon :

· "TAYAB ECO-ORCHARDS" aims to relieve the effects of land scarcity leading to further deforestation. The initiative is introducing organic agro-forestry, combined with eco-tourism, to generate alternative sources of income for the community. The initiative is led by a farmers' association. 

Egypt :

· "Karam", a local partnership initiative, is driven by a social enterprise marketing traditional Egyptian handicraft products from natural or recycled resources which are made by rural artisans. Economic empowerment of remote villages goes hand-in-hand with development projects and the preservation of cultural heritage, helping to combat mass-migration to urban centers. 

The Gambia:

· "GreenTech Company Ltd." markets briquettes made from groundnut shells in combination with fuel efficient stoves. Waste groundnut shells are transformed into affordable fuel briquettes which are distributed with fuel-efficient stoves produced by local welders. The new cooking stove system is piloted by partnering restaurants and school kitchens and promoted through women's networks. 