CIM FINANCE. INTEGRATED REPORT 2022 | 61 PILLAR 3 : ENVIRONMENT 1. MAURITIANWILDLIFE FOUNDATION (MWF) Cim Finance continues to engage in the fight to protect the environment and Mauritius’ endemic species through the restoration of entire ecosystems. This year, we renewed our commitment to supporting the MWF, the largest NGO in Mauritius to be exclusively engaged in the conservation and preservation of the nation’s endangered plant and animal species. 2. ACTION FOR ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION (AEP) Action for Environment Protection (AEP) is committed to showing solidarity for and supporting disadvantaged individuals and families most affected by the pandemic. With escalating food prices and a significant reduction in income, many families in Tranquebar are struggling to access healthy and nourishingmeals. AEP believes that compassion and solidarity are key in helping these families through these difficult times. A community garden and a charity shop were set up to provide highly discounted basic food items and organic fresh vegetables and fruits to the local area, contributing to food security and community empowerment, while also embellishing the area. 3. FRIENDS OF THE ENVIRONMENT: RESTORATION AND ENHANCEMENT OF THE WESTERN CEMETERY 2022 TheWesternCemetery inCassis, Port Louis, is the oldest functioning cemetery inMauritius containing eight Commonwealth burials of World War I. The original cemetery was located in the centre of the capital and transferred to the West in 1771 by Lieutenant Bernardin de St-Pierre. However, in 2003, the remaining few tombs and bones were disinterred from the Jardin de la Compagnie during building works and were moved to join the others, previously transferred to Cassis. The cemetery contains 25 declared national monuments (of 201monuments), the highest concentration of national heritage items in Mauritius. The NGO Friends of the Environment has been working towards improving the security of the burial ground and restoring its historic significance. Since 2020, Cim Finance has been supporting the NGO and contributed to the following achievements: 1. Cemetery Archive safeguarding 2. Security: a security camera surveillance systemwas installed 3. Repair works: some 150 vaults, which had previously been opened and the coffins removed, were repaired and restored, and the access stone replaced. 4. Enhancement works: The main alleys within the historic part of the cemetery were carefully levelled. 5. Communication: meetings were held with the local parish authorities in order to get school teachers and students involved in the environmental and heritage management of the cemetery 6. Guided tours: setting up guided tours will greatly contribute to raising awareness of the value of the historic cemetery and hopefully strengthen its security. 7. Awebsite: www.cimetiere.muwas createdwith the goal of providing information on the history of the site and details of those who were buried there. 4. FAM-UNIE FOUNDATION IN CITÉ LA CURE Fam-Unie Foundation, located in Ti-Rodrigues, was born from the desire to pass on values, life tools and therapeutic support to the disadvantagedwomen of the region, empowering them to become independent and resilient. CimFinance provided the funds to set up a sewing centre, designed for the manufacturing of local handicraft. In the coming years, Cim Finance aims to pursue its endeavours to uplift and empower communities. Having earmarked MUR 9,537,210 for our social and environmental projects, we are sure tomake a difference in the communities we serve.
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