Sri Lanka is a country grappling with numerous disasters and socioeconomic disparities [9da934b4]. The Climate Resilient Integrated Water Management Project (CRIWMP) is providing innovative solutions to enhance disaster risk reduction in Sri Lanka. The project focuses on strengthening climate and hydrological observation and forecasting systems to improve water management and the adaptive capacity of smallholder farmers. By providing accurate weather forecasts and localized agro-meteorological advisories, the project helps farmers plan their agricultural activities and mitigate risks. The CRIWMP model brings together national and local agencies, including the Department of Meteorology and the Disaster Management Center, to disseminate customized climate information to communities. The project has been successful in increasing crop yields and income for farmers [9da934b4].
In addition to climate resilience, Sri Lanka is also making strides in women-led recycling initiatives. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has partnered with Ceylon Cold Stores PLC (CCS) to pioneer women-led recycling initiatives in Sri Lanka [c8f70e36]. The collaboration aims to establish a plastic recyclable collection network and material recovery facility, led by women, with a focus on separating and processing recyclable materials. The goal is to expand the initiative across five coastal provinces, partnering with grassroots women's organizations to empower economically disadvantaged women from fishing communities. The partnership not only promotes environmental conservation but also champions women's roles in leading the change. Women identified as potential recyclable collectors are trained and equipped to gather specific types of waste, such as plastics and metals, which have the potential for profitable recycling. The collected waste is then received at dedicated collection centers operated by grassroots organizations. CCS takes charge of the recycling phase, efficiently processing the plastic and metal waste. The women are compensated for their contributions, and this circular economy model significantly reduces pollution and strengthens the local economy. The initiative also aims to position women in sectors from which they have historically been sidelined, promoting economic resilience and empowerment [c8f70e36].
Furthermore, the Coca-Cola Company is implementing water stewardship programs in the Philippines to aid farmers in securing water for their crops [ea25118f]. These programs focus on enhancing irrigation efficiency, reducing water contamination, and promoting sustainable food production systems. The initiatives include nature-based solutions such as reforestation, wetland and meadow restoration, invasive species removal, and check dam construction. Additionally, the Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines supports local water programs and partnerships that facilitate the development and installation of ramp pump technology in remote areas, addressing the challenge of limited electricity and water access in households. The company aims to return a cumulative total of 2 trillion liters of water to nature and communities globally between 2021 and 2030. The sustainability initiatives of Coca-Cola Philippines can be followed on their social media channels or their website [ea25118f].
Coca-Cola Philippines held a stakeholder meeting to discuss water issues and collaborative solutions. The company aims to protect local water resources and address water scarcity. They invest in initiatives to reduce water usage and promote advanced water management practices. Coca-Cola Philippines has partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, and communities to generate a bigger impact. They have improved water use efficiency across their manufacturing plants and saved approximately 11 million cubic meters of water. The Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines prioritizes nature-based solutions and has worked with WWF Philippines to improve the health of the Ipo Watershed. Coca-Cola Philippines aims to return the amount of water used to produce their products to nature and communities. They collaborate with over 25 partners nationwide to increase access to drinking water and sanitation facilities. Their partnership with the Alternative Indigenous Development Foundation has led to the installation of ram pump projects across the country.
ADM, an agricultural processor and food ingredient provider, has donated $1 million to Water.org to support its initiatives in providing safe water and sanitation in Latin America and Southeast Asia [ff3abb37]. The funding is expected to benefit over 116,800 individuals in Peru, Brazil, Mexico, the Philippines, Cambodia, and Indonesia. Water.org, co-founded by Gary White and actor Matt Damon, has positively transformed over 63 million lives worldwide through its work in providing access to safe water and sanitation. The donation aligns with ADM's sustainability goals and commitment to community welfare. The company's social investment branch, ADM Cares, focuses on enhancing health and well-being, promoting sustainability, and increasing food security. The initiative comes at a critical time as statistics show that 2.2 billion people lack safe water and 3.5 billion are without access to a safe toilet. ADM's contribution to Water.org is part of its broader mission to improve the quality of life through social responsibility and environmental stewardship.
Snack brand SkinnyDipped has announced a social impact partnership with actor and social activist Forest Whitaker and the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI) [0f75eb2f]. The multi-year partnership aims to increase economic and educational opportunities for women in South Sudan, with a focus on entrepreneurship. The Women Livelihood Program will provide education in business and conflict resolution to over 420 South Sudanese women, and help launch over 42 small businesses through mentorship and seed capital grants. The partnership aims to empower women and create more independence for hundreds of women in South Sudan.
The common theme in these initiatives is the empowerment of communities, particularly women, and the enhancement of environmental sustainability in Sri Lanka and the Philippines. By integrating climate information and disaster risk reduction measures, Sri Lanka can address underlying disaster risk drivers and enhance its resilience to climate-related hazards [9da934b4]. Simultaneously, the women-led recycling initiatives contribute to environmental conservation, economic resilience, and the empowerment of women [c8f70e36]. The water stewardship programs implemented by the Coca-Cola Company in the Philippines aim to secure water resources for farmers and promote sustainable farming practices [ea25118f]. ADM's donation to Water.org further supports the goal of enhancing water access and sanitation in Latin America and Southeast Asia [ff3abb37]. The partnership between SkinnyDipped, Forest Whitaker, and WPDI aims to empower women in South Sudan through entrepreneurship and education [0f75eb2f]. These efforts align with the broader goals of sustainable development and highlight the importance of community engagement and innovative solutions in addressing pressing challenges.
An unprecedented 45 PR agencies and industry organizations collaborated on the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)'s 'Weather Kids' campaign, which features children delivering forecasts on the future impact of rising temperatures. The campaign achieved coverage in over 80 markets and aimed to motivate adults to change their habits for the benefit of children. The campaign had no PR budget but received support from leading agencies in countries around the world. The International Communications Consultancy Organisation (ICCO) partnered with UNDP and set up a Climate Communications Taskforce (CCT) to execute the earned media strategy. The success of the campaign demonstrates the power of PR agencies and international networks in addressing global issues. The commitment of UNDP to PR and earned media highlights the role of PR in shaping the future. The campaign received support from ICCO members in over 30 countries. [59a8d00e]