The ‘business’ of saving the environment

A lot of things can be done to save the environment. At an individual level, you can start by segregating trash at home, or by recycling your empty soda can. On a larger scale, the individual act of saving the environment can be ‘extended’ to the office where a huge sector of the society is spending their productive hours. Being a ‘larger’ entity, businesses have great potential to take steps in saving the environment.

"Businesses can start helping the environment by looking into their own practices," said Anabelle Plantilla, executive director of the Haribon Foundation. "For example, they can conserve energy or recycle paper and whatever office supplies and equipment that can be reused. If they are into manufacturing, they can look into the processes that they employ and conform to existing environmental standards that the government has set particularly for water effluent discharges and air emissions. But for most companies that have corporate social responsibility programs, they can consider "saving the environment as one of their priorities."

Haribon – with more than three decades of experience of being at the forefront of environmental issues – can help companies take up the cause of environmental protection. Depending on the need of a company, Haribon can take various roles.

"Primarily, Haribon will be an educator since we can facilitate learning sessions on biodiversity conservation which will help them appreciate the links between biodiversity and its conservation to everyday life," said Plantilla.

Haribon can also help organize activities to provide experiential learning for a company’s employees on conservation. These can be in the form of birdwatching activities, snorkeling, diving or tree planting activities.

"We can also be a catalyst by linking a company directly to Haribon partner communities which are currently implementing conservation actions that could use support," added Plantilla.

With all the roles that Haribon can assume in a company, the primary benefit to the employees is the knowledge they can gain with regard to saving the environment.

"Haribon needs individuals to create a constituency for biodiversity conservation. In the long-run, this constituency can be very potent because it can influence opinion and policy to favor the environment," she said. "At the same time, when a company takes on the cause of the environment, it becomes a venue to nurture an environmentally-responsible work force and citizenry."

Employees can participate in activities which promote environmental protection or conservation. They can also become members of Haribon so they can be directly informed of current initiatives and have opportunities to volunteer in some activities and events.

As an accredited NGO by the Philippine Commission for NGO Certification, Haribon can provide certificates of donation to companies for tax purposes.

The existing programs of Haribon that can be supported by companies range from information, education and communications activities and projects, advocacy (illegal wildlife trade; no mining and logging campaign in natural forests),forest restoration (promotion and implementation of rainforestation or the planting of indigenous tree species with priority in degraded forests and watersheds), scientific research (particularly for endangered species like the Philippine Eagle and the Tamaraw); site conservation action and more.

"Most businesses rely on natural resources and protecting these resources makes good business sense," said Plantilla. "In a way, this ensures that business can thrive as long as they do not destroy their sources of raw material."

Haribon held its Annual Donors’ Night to express appreciation to all individuals, groups and companies who have extended their support. This was held on October 12 at the Edsa Shangri-La Hotel.

Haribon needs all the assistance it can get. To explain how you and your company can help, call Christine Cenal, Resource Development Unit head or Anya Santos, membership senior officer for individual memberships at 433-3476 or 436-4363. Visit www.haribon.org.ph for more details.