4 minute read
How You Can Play A Role In Conserving Water And Safeguarding Our Planet
COMMENTARY FROM
FRANCOIS FRIGAUX, REGIONAL DIRECTOR, SENSUS
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“It’s no secret that the survival of our planet is intrinsically linked to the health of our ecosystems. However, in recent years, our natural world has faced challenges of epic proportions, including the adverse effects brought on by climate change, and we’re seeing our ecosystems and natural resources suffering as a result.
“We can sometimes feel powerless in this struggle, but recently World Environment Day served as a timely reminder of just how impactful we can be when we come together to make a difference. Imagine the possibilities if we each committed to making just a few simple changes in our everyday lives.
“Water plays perhaps one of the most integral and multifaceted roles in sustaining every aspect of our ecosystems, environment and our very existence. One of the key steps we as individuals and as businesses can each take to help protect our precious ecosystems is to be more conscious in our consumption of water.
“At Sensus, a Xylem brand, we place water at the heart of everything we do, and we are committed to supporting our partners and the communities we serve in safeguarding this precious resource too.
“Smart water technologies, for example, are at the forefront of this approach. They can accurately and efficiently manage, treat and distribute water to minimise losses and, in turn, create a domino effect that benefits the entire ecosystem.”
“But it’s not just businesses that can make a difference. Here are four simple but highly impactful switches you can make in your everyday life to play your part in helping to reduce unnecessary water going down the drain:
1. Turn the tap off in between rinsing when brushing your teeth, and you could save up to 200 gallons of water per month; 2. Switch the tap off during those 20 seconds when you’re scrubbing your hands with soap to help save up to six gallons per day; 3. Lather up your hair with shampoo with the tap off, and you could save up to 150 gallons of water in a month; 4. Wash your vegetables and dishes in a sink of water instead of under a running faucet to massively reduce water wastage.”
PAMPERS IS INVESTING IN THE CONSERVATION OF A GLOBALLY CRITICALLY ENDANGERED SPECIES, BABY HAWKSBILL TURTLES (HATCHLINGS). HAWKSBILLS ARE UNIVERSALLY BELOVED CREATURES AND A VALUABLE MEMBER OF THE ARABIAN GULF MARINE ECOSYSTEM; PROTECTING THIS SPECIES IS OF GLOBAL IMPORTANCE.
In partnership with Emirates Marine Environmental Group (EMEG), the Pampers ‘Protect Baby Turtles’ programme at the P&G Dubai Mangrove Forest will comprehensively enhance nesting habitats and facilitate a safe environment for Hawksbill hatchlings, giving them the best start on their journey to the ocean.
Karim El Fiqi, Pampers Vice President at Procter & Gamble, commented: “Pampers aims to give the best start in life to the babies it serves and the endangered babies who share our planet, starting with baby sea turtles. Just like the early years of a baby’s life are important to their development, the first year of a baby Hawksbill turtle’s life is also critical to their survival. We feel we can play an important role in raising awareness for the species, as well as help provide them with a safe nesting environment and one where hatchlings can move freely into the ocean.”
The Hawksbill Turtle’s global population has reduced at an alarming rate. Protected under the Endangered Species Act and listed as ‘critically endangered’, the nesting population has declined by 80%, primarily due to human impact and habitat loss. It is estimated there are currently only around 8,000 nesting turtles annually. Preferring sandy beaches and coastal dunes where nesting sites are within reach, the turtles help maintain the health of marine ecosystems. Major Ali Saqr Sultan Al Suwaidi, President of EMEG, said: “We are proud that Dubai is one of the nesting grounds for the Hawksbill. Once they reach maturity at around 20 to 35 years of age, the female will return to the coastal beaches of the P&G Mangrove Forest at Jebel Ali Wildlife Sanctuary where they were born, to nest and lay their eggs, thus completing the circle of life. With the support of Pampers, we will be able to ensure we provide them with a protected area to nest where they can safely emerge and return to the sea.” This initiative aligns with the UAE Environment Vision 2021, ensuring sustainable development while preserving the environment, and is the latest in a series of innovative ecological initiatives Pampers and P&G are putting their weight behind as a force for good in order to accelerate their commitment towards sustainability as well as increase community engagement for the environment. In the longer term, the programme partnership will extend to turtle satellite tagging, scientific research, and conservation awareness events.
The P&G Dubai Mangrove Forest is located in the Jebel Ali Wildlife Sanctuary, a United Nations globally protected reserve that has been included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance and is being managed by EMEG.
