Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14) focuses on conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development. The oceans and seas are essential for life on Earth, as they provide food, livelihoods, and other resources for millions of people. Unfortunately, overfishing, pollution, and climate change are threatening the health of our oceans and the species that depend on them. Achieving SDG 14 requires collective action and partnerships between governments, civil society, and the private sector. Let us explore how companies can aid in achieving SDG 14 through CSR.
Supporting Marine Conservation and Restoration Efforts
Supporting marine conservation and restoration efforts is one of the most important ways in which corporate social responsibility can contribute to achieving SDG 14 in India. Marine ecosystems are under threat from various human activities, including overfishing, pollution, and climate change. The degradation of marine ecosystems affects not only marine biodiversity but also impacts human well-being and livelihoods, especially those of coastal communities that depend on the ocean for their livelihoods.
Many companies in India have recognised the importance of protecting the marine environment and have taken steps to reduce their environmental impact. However, these efforts are often not enough, and more needs to be done to protect marine ecosystems. Supporting conservation organisations that work to protect marine ecosystems is one way in which companies can contribute to marine conservation and restoration efforts. These organisations are often at the forefront of efforts to protect marine biodiversity and conserve endangered species.
One example of a company that is supporting marine conservation efforts in India is Reliance Industries Ltd. The company has partnered with the Wildlife Trust of India to support marine conservation efforts in the Gulf of Kutch in Gujarat. The project aims to protect the marine ecosystem, including coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrasses, and conserve endangered marine species like the dugong and the sea turtle. The project includes several initiatives such as habitat restoration, biodiversity conservation, and capacity building for local communities to promote sustainable marine resource use. By partnering with a conservation organisation, Reliance Industries Ltd is supporting the protection of marine biodiversity while also promoting sustainable development in the region.
Apart from partnering with conservation organisations, companies can also support marine conservation and restoration efforts by implementing sustainable business practices. For example, companies can reduce their use of single-use plastics, which contribute significantly to marine pollution. They can also implement sustainable sourcing practices that ensure the seafood they source is sustainably harvested and not contributing to overfishing. By implementing sustainable business practices, companies can reduce their environmental impact and contribute to the protection of marine ecosystems.
Promoting Sustainable Fishing Practices
Promoting sustainable fishing practices is another important way in which corporate social responsibility can help achieve SDG 14 in India. Overfishing is a major threat to marine biodiversity and food security in the country. Unsustainable fishing practices not only deplete fish stocks but also damage marine habitats, resulting in a decline in the overall health of marine ecosystems. Sustainable fishing practices, on the other hand, ensure the long-term viability of fish stocks while minimising the environmental impact of fishing.
Corporate social responsibility initiatives can play a significant role in promoting sustainable fishing practices and helping fishing communities adopt more sustainable and responsible methods. Companies can partner with conservation organisations to develop and implement sustainable fishing practices that help protect marine biodiversity and ensure the sustainability of fish stocks.
One example of a company that is promoting sustainable fishing practices in India is the Tata Group, a multinational conglomerate. The company has partnered with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to promote sustainable fishing practices in India. The project aims to improve the sustainability of Indian fisheries and reduce the impact of fishing on the marine environment. The project includes initiatives such as promoting sustainable fishing methods, reducing bycatch, and developing sustainable fishing policies.
The project has also worked with fishing communities to promote responsible fishing practices. For example, the project has helped fishing communities in Kerala adopt a new method of fishing called “pole and line” fishing. This method involves using a pole and a single line with a hook to catch fish, rather than using large nets or trawlers that can catch large quantities of fish at once. Pole and line fishing is a more sustainable and responsible method of fishing as it reduces bycatch and helps maintain fish populations.
Apart from partnering with conservation organisations, companies can also promote sustainable fishing practices by sourcing their seafood from sustainable sources. By sourcing their seafood from sustainable sources, companies can help promote sustainable fishing practices and ensure that their business practices are not contributing to overfishing and the depletion of fish stocks.
Reducing Plastic Pollution
Reducing plastic pollution is another key way in which corporate social responsibility can help achieve SDG 14 in India. Plastic pollution is a growing problem that threatens the health of marine ecosystems and the biodiversity they support. Plastic waste, particularly single-use plastics, ends up in the ocean and can cause harm to marine life, disrupt ecosystems, and degrade water quality.
Corporate social responsibility initiatives can play a vital role in reducing plastic pollution by promoting the use of biodegradable and recyclable materials and supporting waste management initiatives. Companies can take steps to reduce their use of single-use plastics, promote the use of reusable containers, and support waste reduction and recycling programs.
One example of a company that is taking action to reduce plastic pollution in India is Hindustan Unilever Ltd., a leading Indian consumer goods company. The company has launched a campaign to reduce plastic waste in India. The campaign aims to promote the use of reusable containers and reduce single-use plastics in the company’s operations and supply chain.
Under the campaign, Hindustan Unilever has committed to using 100% reusable, recyclable, or compostable plastic in its packaging by 2025. The company has also introduced refillable packaging for its shampoo and laundry detergent products, reducing the need for single-use plastic bottles. In addition, the company has partnered with local waste management organisations to support waste reduction and recycling programs.
Another company that is taking action to reduce plastic pollution in India is Coca-Cola. The company has committed to collecting and recycling one bottle or can for every one it sells globally by 2030. In India, Coca-Cola has partnered with local organisations to launch several waste reduction and recycling programs. The company has also introduced a “no-plastic” policy at its manufacturing plants, replacing single-use plastics with biodegradable or recyclable materials.
Apart from promoting the use of biodegradable and recyclable materials and supporting waste management initiatives, companies can also take steps to educate consumers on the importance of reducing plastic waste. By educating consumers, companies can raise awareness of the problem of plastic pollution and encourage them to take action to reduce their own plastic use.
Supporting Research and Development
Reducing plastic pollution is a pressing concern in India, where plastic waste has become a major threat to marine ecosystems and the biodiversity they support. India is one of the largest producers of plastic waste in the world, generating an estimated 9.46 million tonnes of plastic waste annually. Of this, an estimated 60% of the plastic waste is recycled, and the remaining 40% ends up in landfills, rivers, and oceans.
Corporate social responsibility initiatives can help reduce plastic pollution by promoting the use of biodegradable and recyclable materials and supporting waste management initiatives. Companies can take steps to reduce their use of single-use plastics, promote the use of reusable containers, and support waste reduction and recycling programs.
Hindustan Unilever Ltd., a leading Indian consumer goods company, has launched a campaign to reduce plastic waste in India. The campaign aims to promote the use of reusable containers and reduce single-use plastics in the company’s operations and supply chain.
As part of the campaign, Hindustan Unilever has committed to using 100% reusable, recyclable, or compostable plastic in its packaging by 2025. The company has also introduced refillable packaging for its shampoo and laundry detergent products, reducing the need for single-use plastic bottles. In addition, the company has partnered with local waste management organisations to support waste reduction and recycling programs.
Hindustan Unilever’s campaign to reduce plastic waste has been a success, with the company reducing its plastic use by 14% in 2020. The company has also been recognised for its efforts, receiving the prestigious “Leadership in Packaging Waste Reduction Award” at the India Packaging Awards 2020.
Another company that is taking action to reduce plastic pollution in India is PepsiCo. The company has committed to making 100% of its packaging recyclable, compostable, or biodegradable by 2025. In addition, the company has launched several waste reduction and recycling programs in India, including a program to collect and recycle plastic waste from rural areas.
Apart from promoting the use of biodegradable and recyclable materials and supporting waste management initiatives, companies can also take steps to educate consumers on the importance of reducing plastic waste. By educating consumers, companies can raise awareness of the problem of plastic pollution and encourage them to take action to reduce their own plastic use.
One example of a company that is working to educate consumers on the importance of reducing plastic waste is Nestle India. The company has launched several awareness campaigns to educate consumers on the impact of plastic pollution on the environment and the need to reduce plastic use. Nestle India has also introduced several initiatives to reduce its own plastic use, including the use of biodegradable packaging and the introduction of refillable containers.
Promoting Sustainable Tourism
India is home to some of the world’s most beautiful and biodiverse marine ecosystems, which have become increasingly popular among tourists. However, unregulated tourism can have a negative impact on these fragile ecosystems, including habitat destruction, pollution, and overfishing. Therefore, it is important to promote sustainable tourism practices that minimise the impact on marine ecosystems while still allowing for economic development.
Corporate social responsibility initiatives can play a vital role in promoting sustainable tourism practices in India’s coastal regions. By implementing sustainable tourism practices, companies can help to protect the marine environment while also ensuring that the local communities benefit from tourism.
The Taj Group of Hotels is one example of an Indian company that has implemented a sustainability program to promote responsible tourism practices. The program, called “Tajness – A Commitment Rediscovered,” aims to reduce the environmental impact of the hotels and promote sustainable tourism practices in the regions where they operate. The program includes initiatives such as reducing energy consumption, using eco-friendly products and promoting sustainable food and beverage practices.
In addition, the Taj Group has partnered with local communities to promote sustainable tourism practices. For example, the company has partnered with a local fishing community in the Andaman Islands to promote sustainable fishing practices and provide training to local fishermen. The company has also implemented a coral reef restoration program in the Maldives to restore damaged reefs and promote sustainable tourism practices.
Another example of a company promoting sustainable tourism practices is the Indian hotel chain, The Leela Palaces, Hotels, and Resorts. The company has implemented a “Green Initiative” program that aims to minimise the environmental impact of its operations. The program includes initiatives such as reducing energy consumption, minimising waste, and promoting sustainable food and beverage practices. The company has also partnered with local communities to promote sustainable tourism practices and support local conservation efforts.
In addition to promoting sustainable tourism practices, corporate social responsibility initiatives can also raise awareness about the importance of marine conservation among tourists. For example, the tourism industry can provide information about the impact of tourism on marine ecosystems and encourage tourists to engage in sustainable tourism practices.
Overall, promoting sustainable tourism practices is essential for the conservation of India’s marine ecosystems. By implementing sustainable tourism practices and promoting responsible tourism, companies can help to protect the marine environment while still allowing for economic development. Furthermore, such initiatives can benefit local communities by providing sustainable livelihood opportunities while preserving their cultural heritage.
In conclusion, achieving Sustainable Development Goal 14 – “Life Below Water” – is essential for ensuring the health and sustainability of marine ecosystems, which are critical to the well-being of the planet and all its inhabitants. Corporate social responsibility initiatives can play a significant role in supporting the achievement of SDG 14 in India by promoting sustainable practices and raising awareness about the importance of marine conservation.
Through initiatives such as supporting marine conservation and restoration efforts, promoting sustainable fishing practices, reducing plastic pollution, and promoting sustainable tourism practices, companies can contribute to protecting and restoring marine ecosystems in India. Such efforts not only benefit the environment but also provide sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities.
