The first round of the programme was launched on 14 July 2020, calling for innovative team-based ideas from youth to tackle plastic waste in Cu Lao Cham - Hoi An World Man and Biosphere Reserve. After two months, 25 proposals targeting different aspects of plastic management were received. Finding the proposals highly competitive, the Jury Board Members, who are experienced experts in the areas of environment, plastic pollution, innovation, science and technology, decided to select the eight best ideas instead of six as originally planned.
The three day Mentoring Course, the eight teams worked over three days with the Jury Board who provided professional theory, insight and advice for youth groups to increase the practicality and feasibility of their proposals.
The first day, the Mentoring Course provided the groups with more detailed background and analysis on the plastic industry, the notion of circular economy and the current situation and challenges that plastic waste poses to both Hoi An and Cu Lao Cham. With the guidance and support of the mentors and UNESCO advisors, the teams were able to build their project lifecycle, develop the target user's personas and conduct market interviews and surveys.
During the second day, trainees walked around Hanoi to survey and interview potential users of their environmental-friendly products including organizations, households and university students in Hanoi. Interviews for the representatives of Cu Lao Cham - Hoi An World Man and Biosphere Reserve were also conducted. Those insights and experience collected helped to build more confidence for the trainees to develop their proposals.
On the third and final day, the groups worked directly with the mentors and UNESCO trainers to sharpen their project approach. The four mentors supported the teams with both enthusiasm and expertise, helping them to design physical models for the proposals as well as to further enhance feasibility and meet end-user requirements. Teams practiced designing value propositions, business models and enriched their pitching skills to polish the creative ideas, all of which will serve as preparation for the final round which will take place on the Pitching Day in early December in Ha Noi. At that time, the three top ideas will be selected and funded to implement at the Cu Lao Cham World Biosphere Reserve.
