September 25, 2024, Ortigas Center, Pasig City – The Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation, Inc. (CCEF) participated in the Sustainability Forum organized by the INSPIRE Project and the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD) at Crowne Plaza, Pasig City. The event brought together corporate leaders, government regulators, civil society organizations (CSOs), and other key stakeholders to address the pressing need for sustainable practices and private sector involvement in environmental conservation and climate action.
As part of CCEF’s ongoing collaboration with INSPIRE, the forum provided a platform for promoting corporate engagement in biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, and resource governance across the Philippines, particularly in critical areas like the Danajon Bank Double Barrier Reef.
The forum emphasized the importance of sustainability reporting, which has become an integral component of corporate governance in the Philippines. Driven by regulatory mandates from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) since 2019, sustainability reporting has become a tool for businesses to disclose their environmental, social, and economic impacts. However, many companies still face challenges in understanding how to measure sustainability initiatives effectively.
In his presentation, Mr. RB Bascon outlined key sustainability frameworks and the benefits they bring to businesses, such as enhanced reputation, operational efficiency, improved risk management, and access to capital. Mr. Bascon urged business leaders to align their organizations with sustainability goals, set measurable targets, and integrate sustainable practices into daily operations.
A highlight of the event was the presentation of successful private sector sustainability models by leading companies such as SM, Globe, Converge, and Del Monte Philippines. These companies showcased their efforts to protect natural resources, reduce their environmental footprint, and embed sustainable practices into their operations. These initiatives reflect the growing role of the private sector in supporting biodiversity conservation and addressing climate change.
Complementing these corporate presentations were contributions from CSOs actively engaged in conservation and climate action, including ABS-CBN’s Bantay Kalikasan Foundation, the Philippine Eagle Foundation, and CCEF. Each organization shared its success stories, highlighting opportunities for collaboration between businesses and civil society in protecting the country’s natural resources. CCEF’s presentation focused on its Private Sector Initiatives under the Protect Danajon Project, which aims to balance economic development with environmental stewardship in the Danajon Bank. By showcasing these initiatives, CCEF emphasized the importance of partnerships in advancing both conservation and sustainable economic growth.
The forum concluded with a Call to Action and a Declaration of Commitment, urging all attendees to integrate sustainability into their organizational strategies and operations. The discussions reinforced the need for businesses to align with global and national goals for environmental protection, climate resilience, and responsible resource use.
CCEF also took the opportunity to engage with private sector representatives during the networking session. This interaction reinforced the foundation’s belief that stronger private sector partnerships will ensure the long-term sustainability of its environmental, economic, social, and governance initiatives. Such collaborations are vital to the success of conservation efforts across the Philippines.
CCEF remains committed to working with corporate partners, government agencies, and civil society to build resilient ecosystems and communities. With the support of the private sector, CCEF will continue to champion sustainability, not only through projects like Protect Danajon but across the entire country.
