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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


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


Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)

Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)

http://www.iadb.org/topics

The IDB, established in 1959 to support the process of economic and social development in Latin America and the Caribbean, is the main source of multilateral financing in the region. The IDB Group provides solutions to development challenges by partnering with governments, companies, and civil society organizations, reaching clients ranging from central governments to city authorities and businesses.
Asian Development Bank

Asian Development Bank

http://www.adb.org/Topics/default.asp

ADB is an international development finance institution whose mission is to help its developing member countries reduce poverty and improve the quality of life of their people in the Asia and Pacific region.
PhytoTrade Africa

PhytoTrade Africa

http://www.phytotradeafrica.com/

PhytoTrade Africa is a regional trade association representing the natural products industry and supporting the research and development of new products in Southern Africa. They provide principles of fair trade and sustainability, as well as a charter that includes commitments to biodiversity conservation.
Aquaculture Stewardship Council

Aquaculture Stewardship Council

http://www.ascworldwide.org/

The ASC is responsible for working with independent, third party entities to certify fish farms that are in compliance with the standards.
Soil Association

Soil Association

http://www.soilassociation.org/

The Soil Association works with farmers to encourage organic agriculture through the provision of advice, standards (which address biodiversity), education of consumers through a recognized label linked to a certification scheme, land management capacity building with farmers, and campaigning.

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Transportation

Case studies
Tools and Mechanisms