Page 67 - flipbook-ubp-IR

CORPORATE FINANCIAL GOVERNANCE STATEMENTS
Developing the landbank at Gros Cailloux (Efficiency and resilience)
Of all entities within the Group, Gros Cailloux has the most tangible relationship with Natural Capital. Its products and activities are directly linked to biophysical stocks and ecosystem services. While its agricultural activities have some negative impacts, it also contributes to the creation of new natural capitals through its nursery.
This year, the company has worked on broadening its landscaping and nursery services.The post of Commercial Manager for Espace Maison shops and for the landscaping department was created. This resulted in a sizable increase in landscaping projects initiated. We have also introduced a new programme to provide a wider variety of both indoor and outdoor flowering plants for sale at Espace Maison.
On the agriculture front, a new Agricultural Manager was hired in March 2022 to oversee the sugar cane and food crop production and sales, as well as for the development of new agricultural activities.
From Coastline to Compost at Gros Cailloux (Efficiency and resilience)
Seaweed blooms are a frequent phenomenon in many coastal areas in Mauritius. During the tourist season, it can cause limitations for the recreational use of beaches. Sealife Organics, a recently incorporated start-up led by young entrepreneurs, has teamed up with Gros Cailloux to propose the composting of seaweed removed from the shoreline as an alternative to current disposal practices.
These organic fertilisers comprising seaweeds (40%), manure, wood, eggshell and magnesium are blended at Gros Cailloux. They can be used specifically for rejuvenating lawn or turf, as a soil amendment, as potting soil or for growing vegetables or flowers.
After encouraging field test results, the fertilisers are now marketed under the ‘Sealife Organics’ brand name throughout the island including at Espace Maison shops.
UBP INTEGRATED REPORT 2022 65
OUR PERFORMANCE