Towards a Plastic-Free Future: A Learning Plan for Sustainable Plant Production

The widespread use of plastic bags in plant production contributes significantly to environmental degradation through waste accumulation, soil contamination and microplastic pollution. The challenge is to move away from these single-use plastics to sustainable, environmentally friendly alternatives that provide the necessary protection and functionality for plant growth, while ensuring cost effectiveness and long-term agricultural sustainability.

In Cape Verde, the excessive use of plastic bags in the plant production sector, whether endemic, forestry or fruit trees, is a major environmental challenge. Historically, the use of non-biodegradable single-use plastic bags in the plant production sector has been widely promoted in the archipelago due to their easy availability, ease of use, affordable cost and lack of knowledge about sustainable alternatives. The reliance on the use of these plastic bags in nurseries has contributed to increased pollution and potential degradation of sensitive ecosystems and habitats, such as those found in the country's network of protected areas. It is therefore proposed to promote the search for sustainable alternatives and innovative solutions that will bring about a radical change of direction with the aim of minimizing and even eliminating the use of single-use plastics in plant production, in line with the national policy on plastics management. 

Our proposal brings a unique and added value to address the challenge of reducing the use of plastic bags in crop production through a multi-faceted and innovative approach that leverages collaboration, expertise and strategic alignment with national and international sustainability agendas. Integrated and multisectoral approach: Collaboration and dialogue: We facilitate a strong partnership between academia, industry, government and environmental organizations. This integrated network fosters the co-creation of sustainable solutions that are both scientifically sound and practically applicable. Synergistic partnerships: Working closely with the University of Cabo Verde (Uni-CV), the Accelerator Lab leads the research, development and prototyping efforts, ensuring that our solutions address the specific needs and conditions of the local context. Innovation and prototyping expertise: Coordinated technical leadership: The Accelerator Lab has a proven track record of coordinating innovation processes and guiding the development of viable, cost-effective alternatives to traditional plastic bags. Field testing and feedback: Pilot testing with farmers and urban gardeners ensures that solutions are rigorously evaluated and optimized for performance, durability and affordability. Alignment with policy and sustainability standards: Alignment with global and national agendas: Our initiatives are designed to be fully aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and national environmental legislation, including the recent ban on single-use plastics by 31 December 2024. Policy Advocacy: The Accelerator Lab actively supports the development and implementation of policies that promote sustainable agricultural practices and plastics management, amplifying the impact of our work. Scalability and sustainable impact: Resource mobilization: With support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme, we have the financial and logistical capacity to scale up the production and distribution of sustainable plant cover in local communities. Economic and environmental benefits: Our approach not only mitigates environmental degradation, but also creates economic opportunities by promoting more efficient, resilient and innovative agricultural practices. Why the Accelerator Lab? The Accelerator Lab is uniquely positioned at the intersection of research and practical innovation. Unlike other UNDP actors or local stakeholders, we have the agility, technical expertise and collaborative framework needed to take this challenge forward. Our proven ability to coordinate multi-stakeholder partnerships ensures that the solutions developed are both contextually relevant and scalable. Why invest in this initiative? Investing in this initiative is a critical step towards reducing plastic waste in crop production, protecting fragile ecosystems and transitioning to more sustainable agricultural practices. The environmental, economic and social benefits of this project will contribute to a greener future and strengthen Cape Verde's commitment to international sustainability standards and national plastics management policies. In summary, the Accelerator Lab provides a unique platform for transforming a critical environmental challenge into an opportunity for sustainable innovation, making it the ideal actor to lead this initiative.

In Cape Verde, plastic bags in plant production harm ecosystems. Our Accelerator Lab, partnering with Uni-CV and supported by the Small Grants Programme, is developing eco-friendly alternatives aligned with the 2030 Agenda. #Sustainability #Innovation

How can we develop and scale viable eco-friendly alternatives to plastic in plant production in Cape Verde, ensuring affordability, farmer adoption, and environmental sustainability?

Our approach integrates Community Asset Mapping, Citizen Science, Co-Creation, Experimentation, and Pilots to systematically explore, test, and refine solutions. These methods ensure that our learning process is inclusive, evidence-based, and action-oriented.   1️-Community Asset Mapping How it's used: We will map local resources, knowledge, and existing initiatives related to the challenge at hand. This helps identify key stakeholders, infrastructure, and indigenous knowledge that can be leveraged. Value added: It ensures that solutions build on local strengths and avoid redundancy, making them more sustainable and contextually relevant. 2️- Citizen Science How it's used: Engaging communities in data collection, monitoring, and knowledge generation, allowing for real-time insights and local validation of findings. Value added: Enhances accuracy, ownership, and legitimacy of solutions by involving those directly impacted in the learning process. 3️- Co-Creation How it's used: Bringing together communities, researchers, policymakers, and private sector actors to design interventions collaboratively. This ensures that different perspectives and expertise are embedded from the start. Value added: Leads to more inclusive, context-driven, and widely accepted solutions that reflect the real needs of the people involved. 4️- Experimentation How it's used: Testing multiple hypotheses through small-scale, controlled experiments, allowing us to refine approaches before scaling up. Value added: Provides a safe space for learning, minimizing risks and increasing the likelihood of finding effective, scalable solutions. 5️- Pilots How it's used: Implementing the most promising interventions at a small scale, assessing feasibility, and iterating based on real-world feedback. Value added: Generates practical evidence on what works, enabling data-driven decision-making before committing to large-scale implementation.

In partnership with the University of Cape Verde (Uni-CV), we are working to develop sustainable alternatives to plastic bags in plant production. Through Behavioral Insights, Campaign Implementers, Citizen Experiences, Collective Intelligence, and Crowdsourcing, we aim to fill existing data gaps and drive evidence-based solutions for a greener future.   1️-Behavioral Insights Existing Data Gaps: Lack of understanding of why farmers and nurseries continue using plastic bags despite environmental concerns. Value Added: Helps identify motivations, barriers, and behavioral patterns, allowing us to design effective incentives and nudges for adopting sustainable alternatives. 2️- Campaign Implementers Existing Data Gaps: Uncertainty about which awareness and engagement strategies work best for changing behaviors in plant production. Value Added: Leverages Uni-CV’s expertise and past sustainability initiatives to refine communication strategies and outreach efforts for maximum impact. 3️- Citizen Experiences Existing Data Gaps: Traditional research overlooks first-hand experiences of farmers, nurseries, and consumers regarding plastic alternatives. Value Added: Captures practical insights from the field, ensuring eco-friendly solutions are feasible, cost-effective, and user-friendly. 4- Collective Intelligence Existing Data Gaps: Lack of a coordinated knowledge base between researchers, policymakers, and producers on viable biodegradable or reusable alternatives. Value Added: Facilitates collaborative problem-solving, using Uni-CV’s research capacity to identify best practices and innovative materials tailored to Cape Verde’s conditions. 5️- Crowd-Sourcing Existing Data Gaps: Limited real-time, community-driven data on plastic use, disposal practices, and alternative materials. Value Added: Engages farmers, students, and environmental advocates in data collection and testing new solutions, ensuring evidence-based, scalable interventions. Why This Matters? This partnership with Uni-CV enables us to co-create and test eco-friendly solutions that are not only innovative but also practical and widely adoptable. By integrating scientific research, local knowledge, and community participation, we ensure a sustainable shift away from plastic, promoting environmental resilience and responsible plant production in Cape Verde.    

Early Leads to Grow the Eco-Friendly Alternatives in Plant Production Challenge As we move towards the growth phase of our initiative, identifying key stakeholders who can benefit from and champion this challenge is crucial for scalability and impact. Below are potential early partners and champions in Cape Verde who can help drive adoption and expand this solution:   1️- Government & Policy Makers Ministry of Agriculture & Environment – Can integrate eco-friendly alternatives into national policies, regulations, and incentive programs for sustainable agriculture. Municipal Authorities – Local governments can pilot the initiative in nurseries and community gardens, demonstrating impact at a regional level. 2️- Academia & Research Institutions University of Cape Verde (Uni-CV) – As a research and innovation hub, Uni-CV can lead experimentation, data collection, and training programs to ensure scientific backing and technical feasibility. Agricultural Training Institutes – Can incorporate plastic-free plant production techniques into curricula and farmer training programs. 3️- Private Sector & Entrepreneurs Agribusiness & Nurseries – Key players in plant production who directly benefit from cost-effective, sustainable packaging solutions. Eco-Friendly Packaging Startups – Local businesses developing biodegradable materials can collaborate in testing and scaling production. Supermarkets & Retailers – Companies promoting sustainability can endorse and distribute plants grown without plastic. 4️- Civil Society & Community Organizations Environmental NGOs & Youth Groups – Organizations like the Biosfera Foundation and EcoCV can mobilize community engagement and advocate for plastic-free agriculture. Farmers’ Associations & Cooperatives – Early adopters of sustainable practices who can influence peers and drive demand for alternatives. 5️- International & Development Partners UNDP Accelerator Lab & Small Grants Programme (SGP) – Can continue to support pilot projects, funding mechanisms, and knowledge exchange. FAO & Other UN Agencies – Bringing global expertise and funding opportunities for scaling sustainable agricultural practices. Embassies & International Donors – Potential funders interested in climate resilience, circular economy, and environmental conservation.