Cool Earth
Since 2018, Rentokil initial has been in partnership with Cool Earth, the climate change charity which works alongside rainforest communities to halt deforestation. It sets up community-led partnerships, which aim to help villages in the frontline of rainforest destruction to build sustainable livelihoods, so that local people benefit more from keeping the forest standing than clearing it.
Following the successful partnership with Cool Earth in 2018, during 2019 we continued to support projects in Papua New Guinea and have also taken our first steps in Cameroon and Mozambique.
Through the Company’s partnership with Cool Earth around 1,700 acres of rainforest in Papua New Guinea, Cameron and Mozambique alone will be protected, preventing the release of CO2 from deforestation – to an amount that balances the Company’s annual carbon footprint.
The programme in Papua New Guinea is also part of the UK’s flagship dedication to The Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy – a prestigious global initiative of forest protection and ecological conservation.
Examples of support:
- Papua New Guinea, Wabumaro Community Milne Bay Province: Supporting conservation and biodiversity awareness programmes in schools, building water storage units, supporting sustainable livelihoods.
- Cameroon: Working to protect the rainforest which is a source of food, shelter and income for millions of people.
- Mozambique: Helping the local community to implement sustainable farming along with forest conservation.
In Papua New Guinea the company has funded a number of projects including:
Coconut Oil
Coconut trees line the shores of Papua New Guinea. Cool Earth is helping women grow a sustainable income by producing and selling coconut oil at local markets.
Fresh Water
Seven 9,000-litre rainwater harvesting tanks have been installed around the villages and one at the school grounds to provide clean drinking water during droughts.
Sanitation
Three people from Wabumari have been trained by AT projects to build toilets and waste systems that are resistant to flooding. Toilets will help reduce contaminated water and crops, improving health and increasing crop yield and value. Those trained to build toilets can be employed in surrounding areas to improve infrastructure and earn a living.
United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
Cool Earth recognises the significance of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (Global Goals) and has closely aligned its programme activities with 11 of these goals and their targets.
Cool Earth is working with Rentokil Initial to invest in the practical realisation of high-level ambitious SDGs at a local scale with its partners.
The SDG programme makes a significant contribution to climate action through the emissions reduction achieved by rainforest protection, as well as alleviating poverty and providing people with access to clean water, energy and education.
Further details can be found below.