The ‘Saona Paraíso Sostenible’ project continues to receive support from local companies that join forces to turn the island into a model of sustainability, improving the living conditions of residents in the community of Mano Juan, while promoting sustainable tourism.
On this occasion, the Coca-Cola System, composed of the Coca-Cola Company and its bottling partner in the country, Bepensa Dominicana, signed a collaboration agreement with the 3Rs Sustainability Foundation to join the Saona Sustainable Paradise initiative. The ambitious project includes the implementation of a waste management system and the adoption of sustainable practices that benefit both residents and visitors.
The adhesion was formalized in a ceremony held at the facilities of Bepensa Dominicana that was attended by Federico Franco, vice minister of Protected Areas and Biodiversity of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, and environmentalist Ginny Heinsen, president of the 3Rs Sustainability Foundation.
“From the Ministry of Environment we continue working to turn sustainability into a national culture, where governance alliances are the leaders. Going back to basics. Public-private collaboration is key to generating positive and lasting change in Cotubanamá National Park. Saona is just the beginning; we aspire for the entire Dominican Republic to be a global model of sustainability and environmental responsibility,” said Franco.
Sistema Coca-Cola reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable development and environmental preservation by providing seed capital to support crucial activities such as waste management, community training and the creation of essential infrastructure on the island.
“For us, sustainability is a journey we must embark on together, with the community and the environment at the heart of our efforts. This agreement connects directly with our global vision of A World Without Waste, in our strong commitment to protect our environment,” said Marlen Gomez, director of Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability for Coca-Cola Caribbean.
Likewise, Juan Amell, Director of Corporate Public Affairs for Bepensa Dominicana said that the partnership is a unique opportunity to demonstrate how multi-sector collaboration can generate a tangible positive impact to achieve a more sustainable future and improve the quality of life in the Dominican Republic.
The 3Rs Sustainability Foundation is leading this project with the goal of establishing Saona Island as a benchmark in environmental sustainability, supported by a network of alliances with public and private entities.
“We want to bring to Saona Island, the place of greatest tourist visitation in the country, good practices, responsible consumption and make it a good reference for sustainable tourism in our country,” said Heinsen.
Source:Arecoa.com