Latest news with #CentreforResponsibleBusiness
Indian Express
a day ago
- Business
- Indian Express
Bengal Govt's Matir Srishti Project transforms 42,000 acres of drought-hit land — with some help from farmers
By Debasmita Chowdhury West Bengal's Matir Srishti Project has transformed over 42,000 acres of degraded farmland into productive land without relying on contractors, officials said. Launched in 2020, this government initiative places farmers, organized into community-based organizations, at the heart of land restoration and livelihood creation, officials said. Prabhat Mishra, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary of the Finance Department, described how the initiative has become a beacon of hope for farmers struggling with increasingly difficult conditions, during a conference — 'Investing in Nature: Ensuring Sustainability Through Partnerships'– hosted by Nature Environment and Wildlife Society in collaboration with Centre for Responsible Business (CRB) at Taj Kutir, Kolkata on Wednesday 'When we started this project, we were dealing with highly degraded land where surface runoff was washing away topsoil, leaving farmers with little hope,' Mishra explained. 'But we've learned that when nature presents challenges, it also offers opportunities.' Mishra said that the Matir Srishti project is different from traditional government programs; it's not a contractor-based model. Instead, the project groups landowners into community-based organizations registered under the Societies Act, complete with their own bank accounts and decision-making authority. 'The landowners pool together 5-10 acres of land under CBOs. This helps them in becoming implementers, not just beneficiaries as no contractors are involved,' said Mishra. The project has brought over 42,000 acres of micro-planning across 5,455 sites, with plantation activities completed on more than 12,000 acres, focusing on fruit trees like mango, cashew, dragon fruit, while allowing for intercropping to provide for early income. (Debasmita Chowdhury is an intern at the Kolkata office of The Indian Express)
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Experts, govt. officials call for urgent need for ecosystem restoration in West Bengal
Emphasising the urgent need for large-scale ecosystem restoration in the face of escalating climate uncertainties, Prabhat Kumar Mishra, Additional Chief Secretary (Finance), West Bengal government, underscored the significance of the State's 'Nodi Bandhan' initiative in reconnecting rivers and wetlands to mitigate flood risks. 'Restoration of ecosystem is complex since there are multiple linkages which are not always visible. Hence there is need for strong partnership with academia to ensure that the solution is technically correct,' Mr. Mishra said, while participating in a discussion on 'Investing in Nature for Climate Resilience and Biodiversity Conservation'. The West Bengal government, in its Budget 2025-26, allocated ₹200 crore for the Nodi Bandhan scheme, aimed at arresting river erosion using hydrological models. The Additional Chief Secretary further noted that ecosystem restoration cannot be attempted in isolation, and emphasised the need to involve local communities in the process. Speaking at the forum jointly hosted by Nature Environment & Wildlife Society (NEWS) and Centre for Responsible Business, Mr. Mishra highlighted the challenges posed by rising salinity levels and the increasing frequency and intensity of cyclones in the Sundarbans, which are adversely impacting local communities. He also observed that corporate investment in ecosystem restoration across the State has been increasing, and reiterated the government's intent to engage more intensively with the private sector to promote nature-based solutions. Amit Mitra, Principal Chief Advisor to the Chief Minister and Finance Department and former Finance Minister of the State, spoke on the growing importance of sustainability and multi-sectoral partnerships to mitigate climate risks and prevent biodiversity loss. Dr. Mitra urged corporates to work closely with civil society and government to scale effective initiatives, preserve biodiversity, and contribute to a sustainable future. Speaking as the chief guest, he said the West Bengal government had partnered with the World Bank to excavate 700 silted creeks in the Sundarbans. Ajanta Dey, Joint Secretary and Programme Director, NEWS, stressed that while there was a time when humanity altered nature, the present moment demanded a return to nature. She noted that this effort required a multi-disciplinary approach. 'Multi-stakeholder partnerships are the need of the hour to address biodiversity loss, and shape a sustainable future,' she added. A discussion paper titled Role of Businesses in Biodiversity Conservation in India was also launched at the forum. The deliberations focused on a range of themes including investing in nature for climate resilience and biodiversity conservation, financing ecosystem restoration, and the role of businesses in conservation efforts.
Hi Dubai
3 days ago
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Businesses Embrace ESG as Awareness and Adoption Rise in 2025
A new survey by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce reveals a sharp rise in awareness and implementation of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices among companies in the emirate, marking a shift towards more responsible and sustainable business operations. Conducted by the Centre for Responsible Business, the 2025 ESG Pulse Survey found that 72 percent of participating companies are familiar with ESG standards, and half are actively adopting ESG-related initiatives. The findings reflect growing momentum among Dubai's business community to align with global sustainability standards. Corporate values and institutional goals were cited as the main drivers behind ESG implementation, followed by regulatory compliance and the desire to enhance reputation and competitiveness. Large companies led the way in adoption, with 87 percent confirming active ESG initiatives. Multinational corporations followed closely at 83 percent, while 46 percent of SMEs reported similar efforts. Among sectors, professional, scientific, and technical activities topped the list, with 55 percent of firms implementing ESG initiatives. The insurance, financial services, and real estate sector followed at 52 percent, with the transport and storage sector at 50 percent. On the environmental front, waste management emerged as the top initiative, followed by efforts to reduce pollution, address climate change, and promote sustainable procurement. Social initiatives focused primarily on transparency and communication, while governance priorities included ethics, compliance, leadership, and risk management. The survey also highlighted growing circular economy practices, with businesses adopting advanced recycling, collaborating with external stakeholders, and developing sustainable products. The findings signal a notable shift in how companies across Dubai are aligning with ESG standards—driven not only by regulation but also by a broader commitment to long-term value and responsible growth. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Hi Dubai
02-04-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Chamber of Commerce Highlights ESG Reporting in Virtual Workshop
Dubai Chamber of Commerce, part of Dubai Chambers, recently hosted a virtual workshop on sustainability reporting, emphasizing its critical role in fostering transparency around Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards. The session underscored how effective ESG reporting enhances investor confidence, strengthens consumer trust, and ensures regulatory compliance. Organized by the chamber's Centre for Responsible Business, the event drew 147 private sector representatives. Discussions centered on how sustainability reporting enables businesses to showcase ESG performance, manage risks, and engage stakeholders more effectively. Attendees also explored how robust reporting frameworks contribute to long-term value creation and help businesses stay competitive in a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape. The workshop featured an overview of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce ESG Label, launched last year by the Centre for Responsible Business. This initiative supports companies in assessing their ESG maturity, gaining industry recognition, and driving business growth. A key highlight was a presentation by the United Nations Global Compact UAE Chapter on its principles and reporting framework, offering insights into aligning corporate practices with global sustainability standards. Additionally, a case study from Transworld Group showcased the successful adoption of Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards, providing practical strategies for comprehensive sustainability reporting. Since its inception, the Centre for Responsible Business has been instrumental in promoting responsible business practices across Dubai. Committed to advancing ESG excellence, the centre offers a range of tools, knowledge resources, and platforms to help companies integrate sustainability and governance into their operations, enhancing their market position and broader societal contributions. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Mid East Info
28-03-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Dubai Chamber of Commerce organises workshop to highlight importance of sustainability reporting - Middle East Business News and Information
Session attracted 147 participants from private sector companies Dubai, UAE – Dubai Chamber of Commerce, one of the three chambers operating under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers, recently organised a virtual workshop on sustainability reports. The online session highlighted the important role played by sustainability reporting in enhancing transparency surrounding Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards for investors, consumers, and regulatory bodies. Organised by the chamber's Centre for Responsible Business, the workshop attracted the participation of 147 representatives from private sector companies. The session explored how sustainability reporting serves as a vital tool that enables businesses to demonstrate their ESG performance, manage risks, and effectively engage with stakeholders. Participants also discussed how robust reporting can help companies drive long-term value creation and maintain their competitiveness in a rapidly evolving regulatory and market environment. The workshop provided an overview of the objectives and standards of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce ESG Label, which was launched last year by the Centre for Responsible Business. The initiative is designed to help companies and organisations evaluate their ESG readiness and maturity levels, gain recognition for their efforts, and foster business growth. The session featured a presentation by the United Nations Global Compact UAE Chapter on its principles and reporting framework, providing valuable insights into aligning business operations with global sustainability standards. In addition, attendees examined a case study from Transworld Group on adopting the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards in preparing a comprehensive sustainability report, highlighting practical strategies and real-world examples of successful sustainability reporting. Since its establishment, Dubai Chamber of Commerce's Centre for Responsible Business plays a pivotal role in promoting responsible and sustainable business practices in the emirate. The centre remains committed to supporting and encouraging companies to adopt best practices in ESG to enhance their performance, increase competitiveness, and enrich their social and environmental contributions. The centre provides a range of platforms and tools, as well as access to knowledge and expertise, to help companies embed governance, sustainability, and social responsibility throughout their operations. About Dubai Chamber of Commerce: Established in 1965, Dubai Chamber of Commerce continues to represent, support, and protect the interests of the business community in Dubai, create a stimulating business environment, and promote the emirate as a global business hub. The chamber is one of three chambers operating under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers, which was restructured under a decree issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
