Latest news with #stewardship


Al Jazeera
03-06-2025
- General
- Al Jazeera
Restoring the Balance
What role could a major religion play in tackling the environmental crisis? In Restoring the Balance, earthrise explores how a groundbreaking Islamic environmental charter – Al-Mizan: A Covenant for the Earth – is inspiring action across continents. From its high-profile launch at the United Nations Environment Assembly in Kenya, to grassroots projects in the United Kingdom and water-stressed communities in Jordan, presenter Amanda Burrell follows its journey over the course of a year. Along the way, she meets ecotheologians, farmers, faith leaders, and youth activists all drawing on Islamic principles of stewardship, justice, and balance ('mizan') to protect the planet. As climate and nature breakdown intensifies, could Islam help restore harmony between humanity and the natural world?


Reuters
29-05-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Vanguard expands "Investor Choice" proxy voting program
May 29 (Reuters) - Top mutual fund manager Vanguard Group on Thursday said it would roughly triple to 10 million the number of investors eligible to direct proxy votes in their funds, continuing an effort that would reduce the firm's direct impact on shareholder elections. Closely-held Vanguard said it added four equity index funds to its "Investor Choice" program, bringing it to nearly $1 trillion in eligible assets from around $250 million previously. Vanguard has $10.1 trillion in total assets. Participating investors do not specify votes at specific companies, but rather choose among several policy options, opens new tab including one that backs company recommendations and options that tend to support, or oppose, environmental and social matters in corporate elections. Other fund firms including BlackRock (BLK.N), opens new tab and Charles Schwab's asset management arm have developed similar programs. At a time when the industry faces growing scrutiny of its influential votes, the programs could diminish the criticism facing the managers themselves. Last year Vanguard's stewardship chief said only 2% of eligible investors opted in to a previous version of its voting-choice program, but vowed to keep building it.


Bloomberg
26-05-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
US Money Managers Put on Notice by $65 Billion Dutch Investor
Dutch pension fund PME is issuing a blanket warning to US money managers, amid concerns America's investment industry is caving in to pressure from the Trump administration to abandon basic principles of stewardship. They 'aren't condemning what Trump is doing and how he is operating and how he is handling issues like climate change and demolishing the judiciary,' Daan Spaargaren, senior strategist for responsible investing, said in an interview. 'We are worried about that.'


Travel Daily News
14-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Western National Parks debuts new brand and trip-planning platform
Western National Parks rebrands with new digital tools, inspiring deeper connections, responsible travel, and stewardship across 72 lesser-known U.S. national park sites. TUSCON, ARIZ. – Western National Parks (WNP), a longtime nonprofit partner of the National Park Service, introduced a revitalized brand and dynamic digital experience designed to inspire a deeper connection to America's national parks – and to cultivate the next generation of lifelong park advocates. Through this comprehensive relaunch, WNP expands its role as a 'Destination Inspiration Organization,' showcasing 72 national park sites among America's lesser-known parks and the vibrant gateway communities that surround them. From wonderfully wild places like Channel Islands National Park to sacred cultural heritage sites like Wupatki National Monument to historical parks like Brown v. Board of Education, WNP's partner parks represent the hidden gems that tell the stories of the nation. The rebrand is driven by a simple but powerful goal —to help more people connect meaningfully with these parks, visit responsibly, and become lifelong stewards of these extraordinary places. With more than $162 million contributed to parks over the decades, WNP continues to support the future of public lands by encouraging responsible visitation, enhancing experiences, and fostering a love for these treasured places. 'Our national parks are living classrooms, sacred spaces, and homes to extraordinary stories,' said Marie Buck, chief executive officer of Western National Parks. 'They preserve generations of stories, cultures, and histories, and protect vital natural ecosystems. By visiting them thoughtfully and supporting them through advocacy, education, and philanthropy, we ensure they will thrive for generations to come. Now more than ever, we can bring more people to the parks and parks to the people. Through this work, we help them fall in love with parks – nand through that love, protect them.' 'The new brand identity, tourism-focused website, and national advertising campaign mark a transformative moment for WNP,' added Michael Matthews, chief marketing officer of Western National Parks. 'For the first time, we're reaching a broad national audience of travelers seeking meaningful outdoor and cultural experiences. This platform allows us to elevate the visibility of our mission, enhance financial support for our 72 partner parks, inspire deeper park engagement, and drive awareness of our philanthropic and retail initiatives.' Mission and Community Impact WNP's new platform highlights its broader impact: developing key and engaging community programming, raising vital park funds through philanthropic efforts, supporting scientific research, providing grants for educators and scholarships for students pursuing public lands careers, and publishing award-winning books for national parks. Through these initiatives—and with the vital support of visitors – WNP helps parks thrive for all time. Immersive Planning Tools Visitors can craft personalized journeys, from quick weekend escapes to extensive cross-country road trips, through intuitive tools, interactive maps, vivid imagery, and carefully selected recommendations. Gateway Communities Spotlight Travelers are encouraged to explore beyond park borders, diving into local culture, regional traditions, off-the-beaten-path adventures, and culinary highlights in surrounding gateway towns, making their park experience part of a broader, richer vacation. Tailored Park Discovery Users can now find their perfect park match based on specific interests, such as hiking scenic trails, wildlife viewing, stargazing, photography, and birdwatching, rather than simply searching by geography. Curated Itineraries and Inspiration The platform offers editorially crafted, ready-to-use itineraries and multi-stop travel suggestions, simplifying planning and inspiring visitors to create unforgettable adventures. Retail With Purpose Visitors can also shop online or in-park at WNP stores, where 100% of net proceeds support their 72 partner parks across 12 states. Every purchase directly benefits parks, ensuring their stories, landscapes, and ecosystems are preserved for future generations.