Ericsson recently recognized at the Sustainable Business Awards (SBA) Philippines 2019 with two awards: a Special Recognition for Sustainability in the Community for its collaboration with Smart Communications on the Connected Mangroves project and an award for being the best in actively contributing to all of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Photo above shows [L-R] Tony Gourlay, CEO Global Initiatives, Titon Mitra, resident representative of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Philippines, Ellen Alarilla, program manager for sustainability and corporate responsibility of Ericsson SE Asia and Oceania, and Anthony Valdez, vice president and KAM of Ericsson Philippines.
Implemented in 2017, the Connected Mangroves project in Sasmuan, Pampanga is a reforestation project, which leverages IoT and mobile connectivity technologies, through soil and water solar-powered sensors and real-time camera footage, to collect data that is presented on a digital dashboard. The local communities then use this data 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.
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 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 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (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 NGO’s in order to address global challenges through life-changing technologies.
Organised by Global Initiatives, this 2nd edition of the SBA Awards in the Philippines was organised in collaboration with PwC Philippines and Philippines Business for the Environment.
