Barcelona, 12 July 2016 – Today the direct correlation between economic and environmental aspects is more evident than ever worldwide. A greener restructuration of the economy responds to some of the main current challenges in the Mediterranean region, but also one of the biggest opportunities for companies in green economic sectors such as waste treatment, green building or material recycling. Regional corporations and SMEs have already understood that its future depends on its production models and commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
Today, sustainability and a new productivity model based on resources’ efficiency is not only a necessity for the region but also a great source of opportunities. It is estimated that over 125 million $ will be annually invested in green economy sectors by 2030, which represents great potential for jobs creation, technology progress and competitively. In this sense, companies together with the public sector and a more flexible legislative framework should contribute effectively to the promotion of green economy and sustainability. During the last years, ASCAME and its Chambers of Commerce network have been developing a wide range of initiatives for encouraging the young minds of the future and businesses to be environmentally responsible. For instance, the Green MED Initiative (GMI) project has been a turning point in the innovative deposit return systems in the Mediterranean region to encourage recycling of packaging waste with a total of 42.846 kilos of Co2 avoided in the region. Also, ASCAME has promoted energy efficiency in the region through the project Foster in Med that with a total budget of € 4.500.000 has allowed the installation of five solar pioneering plants in diverse regional countries.
The role of ASCAME
In this sense, the Association of the Mediterranean Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ASCAME), which represents the Mediterranean private sector, is actively involved in the organization of the MedCOP Climate 2016, which will take place on 18-19 July in Tangier, Morocco. During the conference, ASCAME will jointly organise with its Commissions of Renewable Energies, Environment and Climate Change and Business Cooperation, a special session addressed to highlight the main initiatives adopted last year in Marseille, France, at the MedCOP21 on SMEs efforts against climate change. Also, a kit of initiatives will be provided to efficiently support and accompany the regional businesses, in particular, MSEs/SMEs, on their adaptation and resilience to sustainable business practices, such as companies and infrastructures restructuration for a better return on invested capital. These solutions, in line with the aims of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the COP22 Marrakech 2016, will be mainly addressed to the diversification of the economic development, clusters’ creation and the promotion of the private sector as a global actor.
The MedCop22 meeting will be the key opportunity for promoting economic growth of the region based on sustainable development, innovation and creativity, while globally position the Mediterranean region in terms of environmental sustainability worldwide.