27 August 2022, Laguna Quezon Land Grant, Siniloan, Laguna. Following the August 6th, 2022 planting of Bolloré Logistics Asia Support Services, Inc. (BLASSI) with 500 seedlings, two more sister companies, namely Bolloré Logistics Philippines Inc. and Antrak Logistics Philippines, Inc. expanded their Bolloré forest in the Sierra Madre Mountain Range by planting an additional 400 native Philippine forest trees, and preparing 200 wildlings/seedlings added to the main nursery.
36 super enthusiastic Bolloré and Antrak participants had joined in a friendly competition for both the planting and seedling preparations, by splitting into a total of 8 teams; they were each assessed on quality of seedlings handling, planting and teamwork, as well as technical accuracy, leadership and speed – making this one of the most exciting plantings FEED had ever carried out with a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Patron of Education and Environment.
We started the morning program after refreshments around 8am, and proceeded to short welcome talks about FEED’s Ridge to REEForestation as well as Bolloré’s and Antrak’s commitment to the environment. A short warm up with power stretching ensued whereby everyone was ready to trek the short 1km walk to planting site at a relaxed pace to enjoy the forest fully.
Upon arrival at planting site, the participants grouped themselves into the 8 teams and on the GO! signal, all 8 teams started to organize themselves to accomplish a successful planting of the 200 seedlings, each group of which was monitored by a dedicated team of at least 2 forest gaurds or FEED representatives, with note taking on sportsmanship, team effort, quality of planting (technical and speed) and overall camaraderie.
Once the tally had been taken on planting of the 200 seedlings, we trekked to the main nursery near basecamp, taking many selfies and feeling exhausted by exhilarated, and proceeded to re-group for the final competition of the bagging of a total 100 new seedlings by the 8 groups. Sweaty but still enthused, the teams demonstrated excellent enthusiasm and spirit to accomplish the final leg of the competition race, as everyone was eager to head back to base camp and restore their energy with the native chicken adobo binalot meal awaiting as their lunch. Fortunately, the mild rains did not stop anyone from continuing their hard work!
FEED’s partnership with the Bolloré group began in 2021, when they planted through FEED’s global planting partner Ecomatcher. Back in 2021, after FEED carried out a reforestation planting for EcoMatcher – one of FEED’s major partners since 2017 to date – FEED was asked to sign a document from Bolloré ( the sponsor of the EcoMatcher planting through FEED) for having “taken full cognizance of the Bolloré Group’s Responsible Purchasing Charter*, which communicates among other major compliance requirements”.
*Some of those principles are noted below:
- Meet the principles of the United Nations Global Compact (of which FEED is a signatory since 2016. Propose and promote access to training and skills development for employees).
- Never under any circumstances allow any of the following practices in their activities:
- child labor, except in those special cases allowed by ILO conventions no. 138 and no. 182;
Treat migrant workers fairly and comply with the principles of ILO convention no. 97. - practices defined as modern-day slavery or forced, compulsory or clandestine employment as meant by ILO conventions no. 29 and no. 105;
- any form of physical, moral, or sexual harassment or any form of discrimination related to origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, family situation, pregnancy, physical appearance, state of health, nationality, or union or religious membership as meant by ILO conventions no. 100, no. 111 and no. 156.
- child labor, except in those special cases allowed by ILO conventions no. 138 and no. 182;
- Guarantee decent working conditions, and health and safety standards which are compliant with ILO conventions no. 102 and no. 155. Etc.
Following the easing of Covid-19 restrictions back in November 2021, Bolloré sought to engage their Ecowarrior participants in a nature-based CSR immersion program that would enable them to experience the forest first-hand, breathe the fresh oxygen produced by the Laguna Quezon Land Grant forest in the Sierra Madre mountain range, and to just be in nature’s healing and protective state – by giving back.
The Bolloré group’s “Olympic” theme was meant to encourage “sportsmanship, personal sacrifice, and an unyielding will to reach your goals” – all of which are critical characteristics required to combat climate change into action on the ground, together and in partnership.
We are proud to be a CSR partner of the Bolloré group and wish you all continued success in all your advocacies!
Thank you Bolloré EcoWarriors – May the Forest be with you!
Photo Collage – Bolloré and Antrak Logistics Philippines Planting
GPS Coordinates of Bolloré & Antrak Logistics Planting Site
Use any GPS (Global Positioning System) software / applications to input the latitude and longitude coordinates to be able to remotely see the location of your trees planted. Some examples include:
- https://www.gps-coordinates.net
- https://gps-coordinates.org
- https://www.maps.ie/coordinates.htmlhttp://www.mapcoordinates.net/en
About Bolloré Logistics Asia Support Services, Inc. (BLASSI) Philippines
Ang Bolloré Logistics Philippines ay naitatag noong 1996, na nakabase sa Manila, at ang mga sangay ay nasa Clark Airport at Cebu.
Ang lokal na pangkat ng Bolloré Logistics ay nagbibigay ng pandaigdigang serbisyong pandagat at panghimpapawid na sakop ang lahat ng paliparan sa Pilipinas, daungan, at mga PEZA zone. Ang lokal na serbisyo ay umaabot din sa custom at compliance management, at naghahatid sa buong 7,000 isla sa bansa, gayundin sa imbakan at serbisyo ng pamamahagi.
Ang malakas na kasanayan sa lokal ay napaunlad sa pangunahing hanay tulad ng Aerospace, Aid & Relief, Healthcare, High Tech, Luxury Fashion, Perfumes & Cosmetics, Power Technologies, at Telecom.
About Bolloré Sustainable Supply Chain Solutions
he fight against climate change, the improvement of air quality and preservation of nature are major issues for Bolloré Logistics.
After setting carbon reduction objectives on its direct emissions by 43% in absolute terms on scopes 1 and 2 by 2027 (relative to 2017), Bolloré Logistics is committing to cutting by 30% by 2030 (relative to 2019) its Scope 3 CO2 emissions generated by the execution of transport services. The ambitious goal, considerably lower than the 2°C trajectory, involves making a sustainable offering central to its operations. In its advisory role, Bolloré Logistics accompanies its customers to reduce the environmental impact of the supply chain, with a range of decision-support tools, the design of low-carbon transport plans and innovative projects.
Know more here: https://www.bollore-logistics.com/en/country/philippines/
About Antrak Logistics Philippines, Inc.
Antrak Philippines Transport Solutions Corporation is the best available service provider of its kind in the Philippines.
The company is comprised of two main groups namely FORWARDING AND PROJECT GROUP and OVERSEAS EXPEDITING GROUP and is composed of a senior management team with over 20 years of Logistics and Project Management experience and a second tiered management team with over 10 to 15 years of experience in the Logistics and Project Management industry. All have worked together previously and build one
integrated team.
Know more here: https://www.antrak.com.ph/about-antrak/
Bolloré On Sustainability
POWERING SUSTAINABLE LOGISTICS: OUR COMMITMENT PROGRAM DEPLOYED INTERNATIONALLY BY ALL OUR BUSINESS ACTIVITIES
Defined collectively with our customers and employees, this program consists of four pillars for action in line with the CSR focus areas of Bolloré Group. Founded on standard ISO 26000 for assessing the CSR issues of stakeholders, it mobilizes all actors in the company around 11 commitments with quantified objectives to reach by 2030 and targets in particular, 8 UN’ Sustainable Development Goals. Its integration, both in operations and the sales offer, is part of Bolloré Logistics’ global approach of progress and performance. Quantified results and deployment of action plans are published each year.
ACT AS A COMMITTED EMPLOYER
Bolloré Logistics’ main mission is to ensure the health and safety of its employees and third parties within the framework of its international activities. In a multi-cultural context, the company also intends to give value to all its talented people, without discrimination, encourage gender equality and social inclusion, while ensuring the respect and promotion of human and fundamental rights in the entire supply chain.
Read more on Bolloré Logistics here: https://www.bollore-logistics.com/en/csr/
On Carbon Sequestration – How Much CO2 can our trees absorb?
Trees are often referred to as the “lungs of the Earth” as they are able to store carbon and produce oxygen, which is essential to many life forms. Trees also stabilise soil and reduce air temperature and humidity, whilst also reducing flooding and improving water quality. Without trees, most fauna and flora would not survive, what more humans?
It is widely accepted that a typical tree can absorb around 22 kilograms of carbon dioxide (CO2) per year when in fully grown status, meaning that saplings, seedlings and younger trees – whether mangroves or primary or secondary forest trees – absorb around half, so conservatively say 11 kgs per year (also widely used by most international forestry agencies around the world).
So, over a lifetime of a tropical tree (100 years), one tree can absorb around 1 tonne of CO2. Although this figure seems large, it should be measured in perspective: to date we humans generate around 40 billions tonnes of CO2 each year on Earth. Which means, that we need to plant 40 billion trees annually to offset these emissions.
NATURE IS SPEAKING (Narrated by Julia Roberts)
What can I do to stop climate change?
“As the world warms, extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and intense, sea levels are rising, prolonged droughts are putting pressure on food crops, and many animal and plant species are being driven to extinction. It’s hard to imagine what we as individuals can do to resolve a problem of this scale and severity.
The good news: We are not alone. People, communities, cities, businesses, schools, faith groups and other organizations are taking action. We’re fighting like our lives depend on it — because they do.
In a world of more than seven billion people, each of us is a drop in the bucket. But with enough drops, we can fill any bucket.” – David Suzuki
Check out some of the ways you can take more climate change action.
For example, Climate Action groups are the local solution to a global crisis. Right now people just like you are coming together to develop practical, local solutions and make their towns and cities more climate-friendly. Are you ready to join them? Find out what’s happening near you.
More here: https://friendsoftheearth.uk/climate-change/what-can-I-do-to-stop-climate-change
Contact FEED
In 2015, the Philippine government submitted to the United Nations the country’s commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The country committed to reduce its carbon emissions by 70 percent by 2030. The carbon dioxide reductions will come from the sectors of energy, transport, waste, forestry and industry. Join us! Help us reverse the Earth’s “hothouse climate” tipping point.
Tree-Planting with FEED
Contact us at FEED for more details, to join our regular activities or to design your own tree-nurturing event: info@feed.org.ph or call/text +63 (0)917 552 4722.
© Fostering Education & Environment for Development, Inc.