• The success of Team Earth’s collaborative efforts spanning many sectors and countries outlines the benefits of such engagements in spreading the message of conservation to the masses.  

• Through research carried out in various countries by Conservation International (CI), the core idea of responsibility has been outlined. This study has also generated key lessons, such as empowering people to make a difference and using the Internet to bind people together. Five big issues have also been highlighted, namely climate change, water, food, health and the need to consume less.

• In this sphere, Columbia University can be viewed as a good example of having high commitment with its bottoms-up approach. More importantly, technology-savvy students with their idealism make for excellent foot soldiers that can be effectively mobilized for this conservation effort.

• PepsiCo has also drawn on this point through its Battle of the Bands competition that was carried out in China this year. Together with CI, PepsiCo has managed to communicate the idea of conserving the Yangtze River to younger generations by involving them in public service. This notion of ‘Performance with Purpose’ has resulted in increasing awareness of conservation among Chinese youth.

• Harrah’s Entertainment serves as an example of linking corporate responsibility with environmental conservation through its Code Green project. This effort has seen the growth of over 100 significant projects and the generation of over 40 Code Green teams aimed at coming up with ideas on how the company can be more environmentally friendly.

• The global financial meltdown has not slowed down the efforts of CI to get more companies to be more involved. Rather, it has brought about collective action among companies who see this as a way of allocating their resources more effectively. There is also a need to create programs that are congruent with companies’ products so that consumers will not doubt the authenticity of their purpose.

• The role of governments remains paramount. As one panelist observed, “If we don’t have a conversation with them, they will have a conversation of their own.” 

• Ultimately, there is a need to “cut to the chase.” After all, “This is for the survival of Planet Earth, period”, concluded one panelist.

Download GSIF09 Plenary 2 - Summary.