Rs. 3.2 b from EU for projects promoting sustainable consumption and production

European Commission’s Switch Asia program has launched a call for proposals for projects contributing towards the promotion of sustainable production and consumption patterns and behaviours in the Asian region, through improved understanding and strengthened cooperation between Europe and Asia, notably by mobilising the private sector.

The overall indicative amount available under this call is Rs. 3.2 billion (EUR 19.6 million) for which Sri Lanka and Maldives are eligible.

Projects will have to focus on one of the two priority areas: supporting SMEs in the uptake of sustainable consumption and production practices and the access to finance; or supporting the switch to sustainable consumption patterns and behaviour amongst consumer groups, civil society stakeholders and the public and private sector.

The main beneficiaries of this program are expected to be intermediary business organisations and networks (e.g. chambers of commerce, industry associations); not-for-profit organisations aiming at pursuing sustainable development, and Government institutions, both at the central and local level.

Project grants between Rs. 82.5 million and Rs. 330 million will receive 80% co-financing from the European Commission.

Additional information related to this request for proposals, including priorities of this request for proposals, information about eligibility criteria, application procedure, and evaluation of proposals is available in the website of the European Union Delegation http://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/sri_lanka

The deadline for submission of a concept note is 2 January 2013.

The SWITCH-Asia programme has already funded and continues to fund partnership projects to help SMEs in Sri Lanka adapt to more sustainable production processes and technologies and change unsustainable consumer behaviour.

The Delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives currently overlooks three SWITCH Asia Projects in the food and beverage sector, hospitality industry, and key exports sectors of Sri Lanka.