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Transportation

About this sector

Transportation through land, air and sea result in emissions of carbon dioxide as well as issues such as water, waste, noise. Shipping moves approximatly 80% of the worlds commodites.

Impacts

  • Infrastructure for transportation like roads, harbours and airports can threaten natural and important habitats.
  • Climate change through use of energy

Opportunities/Risks

  • Shipping transfers approximately three to five tons of ballast water internationally each year, this poses a threat to ecological stability by transferring harmful organisms.

Case Studies


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African magic mixed with cutting edge green technology

African magic mixed with cutting edge green technology

Elizabeth Dlamini, herbalist and skincare adviser to a whole of local women, has skin that glows. She beams as she explains why. “Here in the Royal Kingdom of Swaziland we proud of our plants that we use in our traditional beauty regimes. Our grandmothers taught us how to prepare cosmetics from the oil of the Marula nut”. Now, Ubuntu Natural is bringing Swaziland’s best-kept beauty secret to the international cosmetics market.

Biodiversity and Access to Affordable medicines

Biodiversity and Access to Affordable medicines

Recognizing the importance of medicinal plants offers a unique opportunity to link biodiversity, health and sustainable development. Biodiversity is the source of primary health care for the majority of the world’s population. The research and development of medicinal plants is thus a way to safeguard and advance health care, which is essential for much of the population. Moreover, the ethical sourcing of medicinal plants can play an important role in the conservation and sustainable use of these species and their ecosystems, as well as provide a significant avenue for local sustainable development.

Building local plant nurseries for the rehabilitation of quarries

Building local plant nurseries for the rehabilitation of quarries

As part of its quarry rehabilitation process, Lafarge has developed local plant nurseries that respect indigenous species and are adapted to the local environment. This initiative is part of broader methodologies and best practices 
developed by the company to optimize its quarry reclamation, with the final objective of strengthening the acceptability of its operations in the long run.

Implementing “zero impact” invoices

Implementing “zero impact” invoices

Committed to neutralize the environmental impacts associated with its paper invoicing process, EDP has engaged in a compensation program based on (1) life cycle assessment and (2) externalities compensation through agroforestry good practices that restore the ecosystem service originally impacted by invoicing activities.

Setting private natural heritage reserves

Setting private natural heritage reserves

Owning large natural reserves as part of its forestry activities in Brazil, Fibria has chosen to register its most biodiverse lands as part of the Brazilian-specific Private Natural Heritage Reserves scheme. Recognition of Fibria’s conservation efforts is expected to further increase public and stakeholder awareness on company conservation activities.


Tools and Mechanisms


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Taskforce Biodiversity (Taskforce Biodiversiteit en Natuurlijke hulpbronnen)

Taskforce Biodiversity (Taskforce Biodiversiteit en Natuurlijke hulpbronnen)

http://en.biodiversiteit.nl/samenwerking-voor-biod...

This taskforce endeavors to identify specific, operationally focused questions related to the effects of sound generated by the offshore E & P industry on marine life.  It also promotes a research programme for the testing of scientific hypotheses and the production of data needed to address this issue.
Green Economy Initiative

Green Economy Initiative

http://www.unep.org/greeneconomy/

The Green Economy Initiative is designed to assist governments in “greening” their economies by reshaping and refocusing policies, investments, and spending towards a range of sectors such as clean technologies, renewable energies, water services, green transportation, waste management, green buildings, and sustainable agriculture and forests.
United Nations Environment Programme Sustainable Buildings and Climate Initiative (UNEP-SBCI)

United Nations Environment Programme Sustainable Buildings and Climate Initiative (UNEP-SBCI)

http://www.unep.org/sbci/

Together with key stakeholders in this sector, UNEP-SBCI works to promote sustainable building practices worldwide. They have produced a number of publications that mostly relate to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.

The UNEP-SBCI’s activities are guided by four key goals to ensure that the Initiative achieves its mission and promotes the worldwide adoption of sustainable buildings and construction practices.
  1. Provide a common platform for dialogue and collective action among building sector stakeholders to address sustainability issues of global significance, especially climate change.
  2. Develop tools and strategies for achieving greater acceptance and adoption of sustainable building practices throughout the world.
  3. Establish baselines, which are globally recognized and are based on a life cycle approach. Focus has initially been concentrated on establishing baselines for energy efficiency and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, but is now expanding to account for additional indicators such as materials and water.
  4. Demonstrate through pilot projects and inform policy developments of the important role buildings have to play in mitigation and adaptation to climate change at local, national and/or global levels.
Reducing the Impact of Textiles on the Environment

Reducing the Impact of Textiles on the Environment

http://www.ritegroup.org/

Formed in 2007, this industry association endeavours to reduce the environmental impact of textiles throughout the global supply chain by providing guidance on best practices. Additionally, the associations hosts an annual conference addressing the potential benefits of, and barriers to, producing sustainable textiles and clothing.
ICMM Mining Dialogue

ICMM Mining Dialogue

http://www.icmm.com/page/1672/iucn-icmm-dialogue

The World Conservation Union (IUCN) and the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) have been engaged in an ongoing Dialogue on mining and biodiversity since 2002.

The overarching aims of the Dialogue are:
  • To improve the performance of mining industries in the area of biodiversity conservation, with a focus on reducing the negative impacts of the industry’s operations and enhancing the industry’s positive contribution to biodiversity.
  • To raise mutual awareness and understanding between the conservation community and the mining industry, so that both can contribute to improved outcomes for conservation and development in areas where they interact.

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Transportation

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