13 Dec 2023
BIRGER. Sustainability
Sustainability is strongly valued at BIRGER. where it is expressed in various ways, both internally and externally through our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme. BIRGER.’s employees are also personally involved in volunteer activities to support worthy causes.

Tree planting at La Citadelle, the historical site of Port-Louis. In 2019, ach employee of BIRGER. planted an endemic plant
Corporate Social Responsibility or Social and Environmental Responsibility, all refer to the concept of sustainability. In practical terms, it involves maximising positive impacts on society while minimising negative impacts on the environment. It also entails supporting our clients while mitigating the impact of digital pollution, which remains an unknown quantity but appears as a threat to our planet [refer to our article on page XII of our supplement] by Vikash Venkiah who wrote on the theme “Reversing the Digital Pollution Trend”.
Reducing energy consumption while also reducing paper consumption is a priority at BIRGER. A priority among others as the pursuit of sustainability requires comprehensive considerations. This includes training and new job opportunities. With offices in the Indian Ocean Region and East Africa, BIRGER. prioritizes the recruitment of local human resources and the development of partnerships with local training centres and universities (refer to our articles on pages VI, VII, and VIII of our supplement).
Between 2021 and 2022, there has been a 10% increase in the number of employees in the region. In Madagascar alone, BIRGER. is experiencing strong growth and is set to open a new business centre with an expected increase of the headcount by 40%.
The creation of sustainable jobs is a strong contributor of CSR, as it is the quality of life at work, which involves future collaborative spaces that encourage more collaboration and creativity (refer the editorial by Jacques Harel on page II of our supplement).
BIRGER. and its employees are regularly involved in solidarity actions. In April 2020, amidst the COVID-19 crisis, the company partnered with the Rotary Club to provide financial support and food supplies to Mauritians stranded in Madagascar who were waiting to be repatriated. Moreover, in collaboration with the Lions Club, gifts are distributed every year at Christmas to underprivileged children. In Rodrigues, BIRGER. financially supports associations like Caritas to assist vulnerable populations and children in terms of housing, nutrition, and education.
Our employees are also personally engaged on a voluntary basis in a multitude of actions to mitigate poverty, support education, health, and sports.
In 2023, BIRGER. is financially supporting the Fam-Unie foundation, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) established in 2022 in Mauritius, in Cité La Cure, more specifically in Ti-Rodrigues, the village of Paul and Virginie. Fam-Unie was founded with the desire to transmit values, life skills, as well as to provide therapeutic support to women facing hardships in the region.

In 2023, BIRGER. supports the Fam-Unie Foundation, a non-governmental organisation that provides support to women facing hardships in the region.
Fam-Unie has already initiated numerous activities and with the financial support from BIRGER., a new milestone is expected soon: the creation of a sewing and handicraft centre, along with the launch of agricultural activities. The goal is to create a sustainable garden and the cultivated vegetables will be sold to the community at preferential prices. This garden will also allow the cultivation of aromatic and medicinal plants that will be used as herbal teas and beauty products.
Sustainability is an important consideration at BIRGER. and many employees have volunteered to participate on a personal basis to these activities.
Source: JANVIER-FÉVRIER 2023 - Supplément de L’Éco austral n°375