The NGO Gabon Terre d'Avenir (GTA) Launches the Decisive Phase of Its Recycling Project in Mondah Bay
- Mavikana
- Dec 2, 2024
- 2 min read
We are thrilled to announce that the Gabon Terre d’Avenir (GTA) NGO has received all the necessary machinery to propel its recycling project in Mondah Bay forward. Thanks to financial support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and administration by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), this project enters a new era with the installation of modern equipment: a shredder, an injection molding machine, and an extruder.
A Look Back at the Project’s Early Stages
Since the launch of our initiative, the first phase focused on collecting plastic waste from the Tsini River and raising awareness among nearby communities. Acknowledging that change begins with education, we mobilized local populations to take part in the fight against plastic pollution. This initial step enabled us to gather significant amounts of plastic while engaging in dialogue to highlight the environmental impacts of pollution.
In parallel, we experimented with producing recycled plastic pavers. While this approach yielded some successes, several challenges hindered its full potential: the physical strain of the work, toxic gas emissions during production, and a lack of volunteers due to the demanding nature of the tasks.
A Turning Point with Innovative and Safer Equipment
Faced with these obstacles, we decided to adopt simpler, safer, and more environmentally friendly solutions. The new machines—easy to operate and designed to minimize harmful gas emissions—represent a significant technical breakthrough. They not only allow us to recycle more efficiently but also enable the production of high-value items like recycled plastic jewelry and keychains. These products showcase that recycling can be creative and profitable while addressing environmental and social challenges.
A Lasting Impact: Youth Employment and Urban Cleanliness
Through this project, GTA aims to tackle two major issues: creating job opportunities for young people and improving urban cleanliness. By developing this recycling sector, we hope to reduce plastic waste in Mondah Bay while providing sustainable professional opportunities to a new generation of engaged actors.
Recycling for a Greener Future
GTA’s project invites everyone to rethink their relationship with waste and see recycling as a way to actively contribute to environmental well-being while energizing the local economy. With every piece of jewelry or keychain sold, we illustrate our vision of a clean, sustainable Gabon looking toward the future.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our partners and everyone who, directly or indirectly, contributes to making this project a reality. Together, we are transforming plastic into a valuable resource and empowering our youth to build a future that respects our environment.
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