September 23, 2003

Corporates going green with unique WWF club

Corporates are turning green – waking up to the reality that their economic activities are actually impacting on the environment – at least if what happened in the past week is anything to go by.

Teaming up under a club initiated be renown nature conservancy WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature), some six companies signed up to champion cause such as habitat loss, waste management, pollution and fresh water supply.

The first of its kind in Africa and the second in the world - after the Middle East (Dubai) in February 2001 – the Eastern Africa Corporate Club offers companies the opportunity to demonstrate their care of nature and management of natural heritage in a modern, urbanized and first industrialized world.

Kenya’s leading industrialist Dr. Manu Chandaria is the club’s goodwill ambassador.

His selection is expected to enhance the club’s profile and attract more members, owing especially to the fact that he is a successful industry captain, reputed philanthropist and wide involvement in environmental conservation initiatives.

While a good percentage of East Africa’s population still lives in rural areas, migration to and the growth of urban populations is on the rise, thus the need for increased environmental awareness.

“A lot of the environmental concerns can be addressed without having to commit so much in resources.

“As members of the business community, it is in our best interest to support such initiatives not only for longevity of our business, but also for the interest of communities within which we operate,” said Mr. Chandaria.

The companies that have signed up so far are Bamburi Cement, Hotel Intercontinental, Safaricom, Coca-Cola, Nestle Foods and Ogilvy PR.

The club’s members will provide resources for conservation activities, besides promoting awareness on best practices in responsible environmental actions among their customers, stake-holders, partners and employees.

The club, to be officially unveiled in January, plans to engage member corporates in programme-led activities in the companies’ core areas of operation.

For instance, Bamburi Cement is set to share its best practice in environment reclamation, through its continuous rehabilitation of disused quarries while maintaining its commitment to the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions in its cement manufacturing plant.

On its part, Nestle Foods will pursue water resources management and engage the community in environmental education while Coca Cola will be involved in solid waste management, water conservation and environmental education issues.

Ogilvy PR and Hotel Intercontinental will offer their promotional strategies to provide communication and conservation capacity building.

WWF Regional Representative Dr. Sam Kanyamibwa said there exists a great need to build education capacity, as well as raise environmental awareness in conservation priority areas as marine, coastal and terrestrial protected areas and protection of endangered species.

Dr. Kanyamibwa pointed out that changes in corporate practice are essential for real progress to be made in sustainable development.

In a press statement, the club said it already enjoys the support of Environment and Natural Resources minister Newton Kulundu, the East African Community, the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), all of whom have committed to become honorary members.

.:: Back to Bamburi in the media ::.