On October 19, 2020, a joint mission was organized in Touba with local committee members, the IDEV and EVE firms, in order to unroll the agenda to introduce EVE to local authorities and organize a training session on plastic waste management.

The agenda commenced with a plastic waste management training session with the local committee. The objective was to increase understanding on how to sustainably manage plastic waste and optimize circular economy. A consultant delivered a presentation on plastic characterization with valorization methods. The session was chaired by the Deputy Mayor, the municipality focal point, the cabinet director, and the GGGI project coordinator. The session closed with comments and questions from participants in order to provide additional details regarding plastic waste management options in the Touba context.

The following workshop was focused on criteria and valorization options. The IDEV firm produced a preliminary project report with a detailed characterization & valorization demonstration matrix. Each different option highlighted a value chain with new roles & responsibilities for local actors.

IDEV representatives provided further explanations on the feasibility schematic for the Touba unit, and participants provided feedback and shared experiences. These comments and contributions will strengthen the APS analysis.

EVE, the selected firm for behavior change and communications, was introduced to local authorities in the Touba district. The deputy prefect of the department welcomed the delegation and received a detailed overview. He reiterated his commitment of the territorial administration to support the project and ensure willingness to contribute to operations. The Village Chief President also welcomed the delegation with the same protocol and ensured his support to assist EVE with qualitative & quantitative surveys.

A debrief session closed the mission with recommendations for the next steps that should be adapted in the action plan:

IDEV

• • consider a visit to local operators as the part of the benchmark
  • update the environmental action plan
  • identify feasibility options for the unit

EVE

• arrange meetings and visits to local associations for data collection
• deliver diagnostic report
• communications first activities