Iran Kandelous 2011 - Growing Inclusive Markets

A young woman working in the restaurant says: “previously, I was dependent on my father forliving, now I make my own income. Since I have been employed here, people treat me differently,as someone with her own identity and dignity.”Increasing access to education (MDG 2)The company has contributed in increasing access to education through two channels. First,through the educational infrastructure it has built, and second, through the income earned byworking with the company, which makes education affordable for the rural population.A young woman running a small local supermarket says “If Mr. Jahangiri was not here, I couldnot finish my high school. I either had to leave the school or migrate to the city which wasimpossible”.ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTEnsuring Environmental Sustainability (MDG 7)There are no quantitative reports of environmental impact assessment available, however, almostall the people interviewed from the village council, local inhabitants, journalists and activistsbelieve that the company is very careful regarding the environment and none of its activities hasdamaged the nature. This is not a surprise, since preservation of nature is one of the goals thecompany is pursuing. According to a member of the village council “This company is 100%environmentally friendly and we have not seen any single environmental damage from it”.In addition to bringing more than 250 plant species to the region, Kandelous Group has planted ina large area of uncultivated lands and therefore has added to the environment.Given the original setting of the village, uncontrolled real estate and construction works can bethe first enemy of the region’s environment. As a now well-known area, the agricultural lands ofthe region are very attractive for commercial developers to turn them into holiday houses andvillas and sell or rent to urban middle and upper classes. Such a trend may eventually end up asan environmental challenge, which has been experienced in several other touristy villages in Iran.To prevent it, the Council and company worked together to ban selling of the lands owned bylocal people to outsiders. Kandalous Group and the Rural Council together pay the market pricefor the land. This policy, however, is facing difficulties because of financial constraints.The boom in tourism can also create adverse effects on the landscape by generating waste. Thelocal council and the company are working together to install solid waste management facilities.Future Growth and Expansion PlansCase Study ● Kandelous Agro-Industry Group 17