Media Release
THE Philippine edition of the Sustainable Business Awards 2019 has recognized Swedish telecoms firm Ericsson with two awards.
First, a Special Recognition for Sustainability in the Community for its collaboration Smart Communications on the Connected Mangroves.
Second, an award for being the best in actively contributing to all of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Ericsson and Smart Communications implemented the project in 2017 in Sasmuan, Pampanga. The Connected Mangroves is a reforestation project leveraging Internet of Things (IoT) and mobile connectivity technologies through a soil and water solar-powered sensors and real-time camera footage that collect data which then is presented on a digital dashboard. With the data, the local communities are then able to nurture optimum mangrove growth.
In addition to reducing carbon in the atmosphere by trapping and storing carbon in its roots, these mangroves serve as nurseries for fish and other marine life, a crucial source of food and livelihood for the local coastal communities.
Fisherfolk are now able to monitor water and weather conditions before they begin their fishing activities, significantly increasing their safety levels. This new solution also allows the area’s site manager to remotely monitor the site from their office, which is located an hour away by boat.
“The Philippines’ sustainability leadership is evident in this year’s awards, both in terms of business engagement as well as a country, leading by example in the region. Business can and must strengthen this momentum even further to progress on the Philippines sustainable movement and reach the 2030 UN goals in time”, said Tony Gourlay, CEO, Global Initiatives.
Ericsson executive welcomes partnership with Smart Communications
As a result, there has been a recorded increase in the number of fishes and wildlife in the mangrove forests of Bangkung Malapad, a protected wetlands that serves as a temporary home for migrating birds during the winter months. Modelled after the pioneer project in Malaysia, the Connected Mangroves project has a proven track record of success.
This project was previously awarded under the United Nations Momentum for Change ICT (information and communications technology) as a shining example of how ICT and mobility can be used together to restore dwindling mangrove plantations and protect residents from natural disasters such as flooding.
Additionally, Ericsson was recognized as being the best in actively contributing to all of the 17 SDGs and, in particular, for placing strategic importance on meeting SDG 9 (industry, innovation and infrastructure) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Ericsson has incorporated the SDGs as an internal framework to establish goals and objectives as well as to foster partnerships with customers, industries, academia and NGOs to address global challenges through life-changing technologies.
Martin Wiktorin, head of Ericsson Singapore, Brunei and the Philippines shared:
“We are honored to have been given the opportunity to collaborate with our partners in the Philippines to deploy ICT to help achieve all the SDGs.
“At Ericsson, our goal is to bring a positive change to communities worldwide. As a global ICT leader, we remain committed to applying our technological expertise and using Technology for Good in the markets we serve around the world,” Wiktorin said.
Global Initiatives organized this 2nd edition of the SBA Awards in the Philippines in collaboration with PwC Philippines and Philippines Business for the Environment. This event is the region’s leading sustainable award platform since 2012, recognizing outstanding leadership in sustainable business practices.
“The Philippines’ sustainability leadership is evident in this year’s awards, both in terms of business engagement as well as a country, leading by example in the region. Business can and must strengthen this momentum even further to progress on the Philippines sustainable movement and reach the 2030 UN goals in time,”said Tony Gourlay, CEO, Global Initiatives. (Ericsson)