Latest news with #ConservationInternational
Associated Press
02-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Kinect Solar Launches 'Kinect Cares' Initiative to Empower People, Give Back to Communities and Protect the Planet
The inaugural initiative will plant a tree for every full truckload that leaves one of Kinect Solar's 50+ US warehouses. AUSTIN, TEXAS / ACCESS Newswire / June 2, 2025 / Kinect Solar LLC, a leading solar managed services solutions provider, today announced the launch of Kinect Cares, a company-wide charitable giving initiative. Kinect Cares is dedicated to reducing the company's carbon footprint and giving back to local communities, in line with Kinect Solar's mission to drive meaningful change for people, communities and the planet. 'Sustainability is at the core of everything we do at Kinect Solar,' said Nikole Newman, Kinect Solar's chief revenue officer. 'We're pleased to formalize our commitment to the planet through this ongoing initiative. It's steered by a committee of Kinect Solar team members who are truly passionate about this work.' The first official Kinect Cares initiative will plant a tree for every full truckload that leaves a Kinect Solar warehouse. The tree planting will be facilitated through Conservation International, where Kinect Solar is currently an Emerald Circle-level member. More initiatives are in the works, including a solar pallet recycling program, disaster relief support and solar panel donations to promote sustainability. Kinect Cares will also focus on giving back to local communities. Kinect Solar has previously made contributions to Keep Austin Beautiful as well as Austin's Habitat for Humanity ReStore. As part of Kinect Cares, employees will be further empowered to give back to their local communities by volunteering for projects and causes they are passionate about. More information about Kinect Cares: Drives community engagement by organizing and participating in local service projects in the neighborhoods where our employees live Supports environmental sustainability by initiating and supporting conservation efforts such as tree planting, recycling and clean energy campaigns to protect and preserve local resources and ecosystems Empowers employees to make the kind of difference on an individual level that Kinect Solar strives to make at an organizational level About Kinect Solar Kinect Solar has been pioneering B2B solutions for large-scale solar manufacturers and developers in the US solar market for more than a decade, with managed solar service solutions tailored to today's fast-paced solar industry. Founded in 2015 by Lauren Carson, Kinect Solar is a privately held, woman-owned small business headquartered in Austin, Texas. Kinect Solar is committed to leading with integrity and sustainability. By combining innovation with teamwork, the company aims to inspire action and create lasting impact for future generations. For more information, visit Contact Information Brian Hunter Director of Marketing [email protected] SOURCE: Kinect Solar press release
National Post
29-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- National Post
Vancouver Island photographer works to save wildlife, one photo at a time
Article content The platform has led Mittermeier to a few select partnerships, including with Rolex, for which she's an ambassador. Mittermeier works with the luxury Swiss watch brand on its Perpetual Planet Initiative that supports and champions explorers, scientists and entrepreneurs. Article content 'They have empowered me and elevated me in such important ways without ever asking me to do anything in return, which is exactly what a brand should be doing when you care about a cause,' Mittermeier says. Article content View this post on Instagram A post shared by ROLEX (@rolex) Article content Article content First drawn to the field of conservation while studying marine biology in her native Mexico, she became keenly aware of the many issues threatening our oceans. Article content 'Back then, we were talking about climate change, acidification and industrial fishing as the biggest threat. So I wanted to find a way that I could contribute to raise awareness and protect the ocean, and I didn't know how to do it,' Mittermeier says. 'So I started out as a scientist, and my first job ever was for Conservation International. I became a conservationist, and I've been doing that ever since.' Article content Her journey eventually brought her to Canada after she met Nicklen. Happily settled on Vancouver Island, Mittermeier says we're at a crucial time in the country's nature conservation story. Article content 'As Alaska is looking at culling the populations of grizzly bears and wolves, we have an opportunity in British Columbia to protect ours and to make them even more special than they already are,' Mittermeier explains. 'Our neighbours to the south are threatening with logging because they have their own lumber. It gives us an opportunity to even cherish our forests so much more …' Article content Article content 'And I think Canada is going to emerge as a superpower because of our environmental leadership.' Article content Article content While we wait to see how shifting political climates face the environmental crises, Mittermeier says there are a few things people can do. Article content 'The one thing that we all can do, and it has to be a personal choice that you make every day, is, No. 1, to stay hopeful and to know that the pendulum will swing and our time will come again,' Mittermeier says. 'And the second is to stay engaged. There's such a temptation to just turn the other way and not pay attention, and say things like, 'I'm not political. I don't care about that.' Article content Article content Article content Article content
Scoop
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Pacific News In Brief For 16 May
Article – RNZ A round-up of news from around the region, including the Solomon Islands prime minister's call for reforms to the process surrounding motions of no confidence. Solomon Islands – motions Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has suggested changes to how motions of no confidence in the country are moved. Manele said there must be a balance between the right to move a motion of no-confidence, and protecting parliamentary processes from being abused. Two motions of no confidence against his Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) have been moved within a year in office, but ultimately withdrawn. SIBC reported Manele told parliament on Monday he will bring a paper to Cabinet to appoint a task force to do these reforms. Palau – ocean Palau's President Surangel Whipps Jr has signed an executive order creating a working group to better protect Palau's ocean. He has called it a 'whole government approach in securing Palau's waters.' The Island Times reported the Coordinated Maritime Management Working Group brings together top officials from government agencies to respond more quickly and effectively to ocean-related threats. These include illegal fishing, safety emergencies, or foreign intrusions in Palau's Exclusive Economic Zone. The working group will be led jointly by the Bureau of Public Safety and the Bureau of Marine Transportation. Under the order, the group will meet monthly at the Joint Operations Center to review incidents at sea – such as search and rescue operations or encounters with suspicious vessels – and will also develop procedures, run annual training exercises, and work with foreign partners and the private sector. Cook Islands – culture Cook Islands traditional leaders want cultural knowledge to be integrated into the teaching curriculum. The House of Ariki has developed an education manifesto at a four-day workshop alongside the education ministry of and Conservation International. It sets out recommendations for education to be built on indigenous knowledge. Conservation International spokesperson Schannel van Dijken said that many countries in the region have not been teaching their own history and culture. 'Some of the core recommendations from that coming out, that's articulated in that document, is making Cook Islands Māori language instruction compulsory from preschool through to secondary levels; integrating traditional knowledge and cultural practices throughout the curriculum.' Australia/Pacific – relations Pat Conroy has retained his position in Cabinet following Tuesday's ministerial changes announced by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Conroy will continue as Minister for Defence Industry and Minister for Pacific Island Affairs. In a statement, he said he will continue to build positive relations with the Pacific family as part of the Albanese Government's commitment to supporting a peaceful, stable and prosperous future for Australia and our region. Conroy said defence spending under the Albanese government had reached record levels, and he would continue to focus on strengthening the Australian Defence Force and local defence manufacturing.
Scoop
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Pacific News In Brief For 16 May
Solomon Islands - motions Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has suggested changes to how motions of no confidence in the country are moved. Manele said there must be a balance between the right to move a motion of no-confidence, and protecting parliamentary processes from being abused. Two motions of no confidence against his Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) have been moved within a year in office, but ultimately withdrawn. SIBC reported Manele told parliament on Monday he will bring a paper to Cabinet to appoint a task force to do these reforms. Palau - ocean Palau's President Surangel Whipps Jr has signed an executive order creating a working group to better protect Palau's ocean. He has called it a "whole government approach in securing Palau's waters." The Island Times reported the Coordinated Maritime Management Working Group brings together top officials from government agencies to respond more quickly and effectively to ocean-related threats. These include illegal fishing, safety emergencies, or foreign intrusions in Palau's Exclusive Economic Zone. The working group will be led jointly by the Bureau of Public Safety and the Bureau of Marine Transportation. Under the order, the group will meet monthly at the Joint Operations Center to review incidents at sea - such as search and rescue operations or encounters with suspicious vessels - and will also develop procedures, run annual training exercises, and work with foreign partners and the private sector. Cook Islands - culture Cook Islands traditional leaders want cultural knowledge to be integrated into the teaching curriculum. The House of Ariki has developed an education manifesto at a four-day workshop alongside the education ministry of and Conservation International. It sets out recommendations for education to be built on indigenous knowledge. Conservation International spokesperson Schannel van Dijken said that many countries in the region have not been teaching their own history and culture. "Some of the core recommendations from that coming out, that's articulated in that document, is making Cook Islands Māori language instruction compulsory from preschool through to secondary levels; integrating traditional knowledge and cultural practices throughout the curriculum." Australia/Pacific - relations Pat Conroy has retained his position in Cabinet following Tuesday's ministerial changes announced by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Conroy will continue as Minister for Defence Industry and Minister for Pacific Island Affairs. In a statement, he said he will continue to build positive relations with the Pacific family as part of the Albanese Government's commitment to supporting a peaceful, stable and prosperous future for Australia and our region. Conroy said defence spending under the Albanese government had reached record levels, and he would continue to focus on strengthening the Australian Defence Force and local defence manufacturing.
Associated Press
18-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Kevin Vilkin Joins Conservation International Board of Directors
AUSTIN, Texas, April 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kevin Vilkin, co-founder of Emergent Strategic Partners, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of Conservation International, a leading global nonprofit dedicated to protecting nature for the benefit of people and the planet. As a board member, Vilkin will contribute his expertise in sustainable innovation and strategic partnerships to support the organization's mission of advancing conservation efforts worldwide. 'I have know Kevin for close to a decade,' said Peter Seligmann, Chairman of the Board of Conservation International. 'He brings the needed boldness of youth, as well as integrity, intelligence and humanity, to the great challenges that CI and all of our partners must overcome.' 'Joining the board of Conservation International is a privilege,' said Vilkin. 'The organization's work in preserving our planet's natural resources is more critical than ever. I am excited to help drive initiatives that create lasting environmental and economic impact.' About Conservation International Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, for biodiversity and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples and local communities to help people and nature thrive together. Go to for more, and follow our work on Conservation News, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. About Kevin Vilkin Before launching Emergent, Vilkin founded and successfully exited his first business—a music events company—at the age of 21, helping shape the careers of global artists such as Mumford & Sons and the Zac Brown Band. He founded the Vanguard Program for Summit Series, connecting the world's most influential leaders, including Richard Branson, Ray Dalio, and Jeff Bezos. Vilkin currently serves as a Senior Advisor to Redaptive, and GoodLeap. He sits on the Board of Directors at Conservation International, is a member of Business Executives for National Security (BENS), and has been recognized as a Milken Young Leaders Circle and Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree. Additionally, he previously served as a Senior Advisor to TPG Growth. About Emergent Strategic Partners Emergent develops strategic partnerships that scale sustainable innovations for large enterprises. By connecting leading companies with emerging businesses, Emergent drives cost efficiencies and revenue growth while providing family offices with access to high-potential investment opportunities. Emergent partners' impact includes $2.2B in revenue generated, $2.8B in enterprise value created, and $1.3B in capital raised. Media Contact: Paul Orszag Emergent Strategic Partners [email protected] (661) 803-6617
