The green revolution has been taking the corporate world by storm, with companies putting environmental projects at the forefront of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. From hiring prominent environmentalists as brand ambassadors to initiating reforestation projects, constructing dams, and releasing animals into the wild—these activities often sound good on paper. But how many of these are truly contributing to sustainable environmental conservation?
Pasala Company Limited has launched a new guide, “Anti-Greenwash CSR: Environmental Guide for Conservationists,” to dissect the true impact of popular environmental CSR initiatives. Published in September 2023 and inspired by Pasala’s deep roots in sustainable business, the guide aims to expose “greenwashing”—where companies give a false impression of their environmental efforts. Sunee Aachawanantakul, the Knowledge Development Manager at Pasala, warns that not all CSR activities are as beneficial as they appear, some may even harm the environment. This guide serves as an essential tool for anyone looking to navigate the complex landscape of corporate environmental responsibility.
The guide is structured around five main sections to offer a comprehensive overview:
- Introduction: Environmental CSR — Time for a Review and Moving Forward
This section provides an overview of CSR activities, focusing on 7 types of projects with potentially negative environmental impact, from reforestation to dam construction and animal release programs. It also features research on how popular these types of CSR initiatives are among Thai companies.
- Terrestrial and Mangrove Ecosystems
Here, the guide invites readers to reconsider what they know about forests and reforestation. It also offers alternatives for forest restoration and discusses the environmental impacts of different types of tree planting, including mangroves.
- Freshwater Ecosystems
This segment delves into the specifics of freshwater ecosystems, including the impact of dams and the myths surrounding them. It also discusses underground water banks and the associated risks.
- Marine Ecosystems
This section covers coral planting initiatives, causes of coral degradation, restoration methods, and a successful case study from Mai Ton Island in Phuket. It also looks at the challenges faced by seagrass habitats.
- Animal Release Programs
The final section gives insights into native and invasive species, inviting readers to better understand zoogeography. It highlights the risks of introducing invasive species and dispels the myth that releasing animals is inherently good.
The “Anti-Greenwash CSR” guide is an essential resource for navigating the intricate world of environmental CSR. It urges readers to scrutinize the true impact of corporate eco-initiatives, promoting informed and responsible action.
Download the PDF at: www.salforest.com/product…/books/anti-greenwash-csr