Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) was 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).
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 serve as a temporary home for migrating birds during the winter months. Modeled 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.
Martin Wiktorin, Head of Ericsson Singapore, Brunei and the Philippines shares, “We are honoured 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 adds.
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. This event is the region’s leading sustainable award platform since 2012, recognising 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.
