Mapping dreams in the Amazon: the SDGs in the world’s largest rainforest

The Amazon rainforest, also known as the “lungs of our planet”, plays an incredibly significant role in the functioning of the world’s ecosystem. The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (the SDGs), have been woven into all aspects of life, from environmental education to refined philosophies of world-renowned corporations.

I had the opportunity to work with the Foundation for Amazon Sustainability (FAS) in different Amazonian communities in Brazil, performing needs analysis to map a sustainable, thriving future for the rainforest. We had a common goal in mind: to protect those who keep the rainforest alive, and to preserve the existing resources and systems in place that have allowed these communities to thrive for centuries. Climate change is happening at an unimaginable rate, heavily affecting those who are the most vulnerable and geographically isolated from aid. By spending time in the communities and gaining insight into their way of life, it is clear that community members are entrusting their local knowledge of the rainforest to fight natural disasters, but rates and severity of climate change impacts have rapidly intensified, and such knowledge that have been passed on and used for generations, are slowly becoming redundant, and quite frankly, futile. However, with the help from FAS, the voices of the community members have been heard and we have successfully implemented various schemes to help communities thrive. These schemes are based on the SDGs, using existing resources to build infrastructure and systems that are sustainable yet durable.

I am sure that all of you have studied the Amazon to some extent, whether as a case study, or knowing it as a fun fact for being the world’s second-longest river. The Amazon holds a certain familiarity from all the books I’ve read, but seeing it with my own eyes means so much more. FAS, and many other organisations are continually doing magnificent work, keeping the rainforest and those who protect it alive, and teaching others what it means to protect and cherish the land that provides us with all we have. So, I urge you all, to continue delving deep into ESG and environmental education, to look past the order of the SDGs but how such goals can be implemented in societies to better lives and the planet.

Author: Ms. Charlotte Lai, ICSD Youth Ambassador

U.K. ESG Watch: Transparency on Construction sector in the U.K.

U.K. ESG Watch: Transparency on Construction sector in the U.K.

ICSD U.K. would like to share some best practices in the U.K. construction sector:

From the construction sites, citizens can see:

1. Regular Community Newsletter - to report the recent completed & ongoing activities and the works in the next 2 months.

2. Disclosure of "Non-Hazardous Soft Strip Waste" management.

3. Monthly disclosure of "Noise, Dust and Vibration Monitoring Data Summary".

4. Registered with "Considerate Constructors Scheme" and the performance is regularly monitored and certified.

What's more? Community friendly facilities like "Bike Repair Stations" and "Pet Hydration Stations" are set up outside the construction sites

Attached please see the photos of the above.

Transparency is always the best ESG practice!

Corporate participation in Pride - is it pinkwashing?

Pride in London took place at the end of June this year, with more than 30000+ participants in the parade and thousands more lining the streets along the route to spectate and cheer on. There were activities for the public and people partied on the streets in the bars and eateries all over the West End.

With Diversity and Inclusion being a key part of corporate social responsibility and ESG strategies, many companies backed their employees to take part in the parade. Participating companies include Playstation, Bloomberg, Expedia, Deutsche Bank and more, with many parade participants donning company clothing, or riding on floats and buses that displayed the organisation they belong to. To join the parade, companies must join the Pride in the City initiative (PiTC) where they pledge to foster an inclusive workplace and access training on LGBTQIA+ community issues. In this day and age, making employees feel comfortable at work could make the difference in retaining and attracting talent, after all, nobody wants to work where they are not welcomed!

In recent years there has been increasing scrutiny on companies engaging in Pinkwashing, and the PiTC initiative ensures that all participating organisations are dedicated to tackling issues that impact the LGBTQIA+ communities. Despite this, several organisations have decided to withdraw from the event as they believe that the PiTC scheme allows corporations to learn how to leverage engagement with the queer community to generate profit and promote their business rather than building safe spaces within companies and creating an accepting culture. Some even suggested that corporations entries are merely commercial and performative with the aim of pinkwashing their brand and increasing appeal to the queer community.

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan at the front of the parade

Pinkwashing aside, the participants did an amazing job of showcasing what being LGBTQIA+ means with their glamorous outfits and well-decorated floats. It is great to see that people are embraced as who they are and I hope the event continues to grow and inspire others in the future.

Author: Mr. Arthur Ip, ICSD UK Chapter , Youth Ambassador