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SWITCH-Asia

The SWITCH-Asia program, launched in 2007, is part of the European Union’s strategy to promote sustainable consumption and production (SCP) in Asia. As of 2023, it covers 41 countries in Asia, the Middle East, and the Pacific, targeting emerging economies and major CO2-emitting countries.

SUSTOUR Laos is dedicated to fostering sustainable consumption and production practices among MSMEs in the tourism sector. Photo courtesy of SWITCH-Asia.
Article

SUSTOUR Laos Project Takes Center Stage in Promoting the Country as a Green Destination

Using a business-led approach, the program works with MSMEs to reduce the social and environmental impacts of tourism.
Towards Reducing Single-Use Plastics in Lao PDR: Options for a National Policy Strategy and Action Plan
Publication

Towards Reducing Single-Use Plastics in Lao PDR: Options for a National Policy Strategy and Action Plan

This report assesses Lao PDR's capability in dealing with single-use plastic wastes and recommends policy options based on lessons from other countries and recommendations from stakeholders and experts.
Biomass gasification is a technology that burns wastes into oxygen to produce heat-generating green fuel. Photos courtesy of Do Manh Cuong/Oxfam in Viet Nam. , VCBG stoves run on wood chips, sawdust, hash pieces, and tablets, among other byproducts, which are cheap and easy to find. Photo credit: Courtesy of Do Manh Cuong/Oxfam in Viet Nam.
Article

Green Technology as Driving Force for Agriculture in Viet Nam

EU project promoting clean fuel from agricultural wastes helps small business owners boost earnings, improve end product, and fight pollution.
Biomass gasification is a technology that burns wastes into oxygen to produce heat-generating syngas or green fuel. Photo credit: Courtesy of the SWITCH-Asia Biomass Gasification Technology—Sustainable Energy Solution for Agri-Food Processing and Waste Management in the Rural Areas of Viet Nam.
Article

Turning Waste into Energy, Reducing Environmental Pollution in Viet Nam

EU-backed SWITCH Asia project helps to green tea production while boosting farmer income.
Cover image of action plan.
Publication

Sustainable Public Procurement Action Plan for Indian Railways

This report from SWITCH-Asia lays out an action plan to mainstream sustainable public procurement, sustainable building and construction, and water and waste management, in the Indian railways system.
Briefing paper cover image
Publication

Access to Finance for Sustainable Consumption and Production Practices by Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises in India

This SWITCH-Asia report provides recommendations for financial institutions.
The 8th Asia-Pacific Housing Forum on 7–9 December 2021 will highlight the urgent need for building sustainable and affordable housing through inclusive approaches. Photo credit: ADB.
Article

Housing, Buildings Are Key to Sustainable Development

Minimizing the impact of the building sector on climate change.
Viet Nam's agriculture sector produces 118 million tons of agricultural biomass annually. Photo credit: Courtesy of the EU Delegation to Vietnam.
Article

Sustainable Energy Solution for Agri-Food Processing and Waste Management in Rural Viet Nam

Converting farm wastes into fuel for heating and processing purposes also reduces rural pollution.
There is a wide variety of technologies powered by solar that can be used to improve productivity in agriculture, aquaculture, and fisheries. Photo credit: Choun Sotheavuth, PIN Cambodia.
Article

Solar Energy Solutions Are Transforming Cambodia’s Agriculture and Fisheries Sector

Solar's applications in drying and storing produce show a lot of potential, especially in Cambodia, where the market for dried products is significant.
Once applied, biochar enhances soil structure, helps retain moisture, and increases nutrient availability, thus boosting crop yields—a crucial factor in building a sustainable agricultural system. Photo courtesy of Helvetas. , Trong Duc Company has up to 5,000 tons of fresh cocoa pod waste that needs to be processed every year. Photo courtesy of Helvetas.
Article

Turning Cocoa Pod Waste into Biochar

A project supported by the European Union helps a company deal with agricultural wastes, while providing clean heat for drying cocoa beans.