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Regional, Southern Business & Environmental Issues

REPORTS - منذ 13 يوم

Report: progress sustainability acceleration in MENA region

Advocacy & Recommendations: 

South Eye | Aden

To accelerate progress on sustainability, companies across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) can focus on several key strategies, informed by the new report on environmental disclosure and sustainability performance:

Enhance Transparency in Environmental Reporting: Businesses in the MENA region should improve their environmental disclosure practices, making sustainability data more accessible and aligned with global standards, such as those set by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) or the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). Transparent reporting builds trust with stakeholders and provides clear insights into a company’s environmental impact.

Set Clear Sustainability Targets: Companies should establish measurable and time-bound sustainability goals. These targets could include reducing carbon emissions, water usage, or waste generation. Committing to science-based targets (SBTs) can provide a framework for meaningful action and signal a company’s long-term dedication to sustainability.

Invest in Green Technologies and Innovation: To achieve sustainability goals, companies must adopt and invest in sustainable technologies. This includes renewable energy sources, energy-efficient systems, and eco-friendly materials. Collaborating with tech startups and research institutions can also spur innovation in clean technologies tailored to the region’s unique environmental challenges.

Integrate Sustainability into Corporate Strategy: Sustainability should be embedded into the core business strategy, not treated as a separate or secondary concern. This includes integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into risk management, decision-making, and long-term planning, ensuring that sustainability becomes a driver of growth rather than an afterthought.

Build Capacity Through Education and Collaboration: Companies should prioritize training and upskilling their workforce on sustainability principles and practices. In addition, collaborating with local and international stakeholders, such as governments, NGOs, and other businesses, can help companies share knowledge and leverage resources to scale up their sustainability efforts.

Engage in Regional and Global Partnerships: MENA companies can accelerate their sustainability progress by joining global initiatives like the UN Global Compact, the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), or the Paris Agreement. These partnerships provide valuable frameworks, metrics, and networking opportunities to collaborate on large-scale sustainability initiatives.

Promote Circular Economy Models: Transitioning from a linear economy to a circular model—where products are reused, recycled, or refurbished—can significantly reduce waste and resource consumption. MENA businesses can lead in implementing circular economy principles, particularly in sectors like construction, manufacturing, and textiles.

Leverage Regulatory and Government Support: Governments across MENA are increasingly adopting environmental regulations and offering incentives for businesses to embrace sustainability. Companies should stay ahead of these regulations and align with national sustainability initiatives, which will not only ensure compliance but also enhance their reputation.

By following these concised strategies, businesses in MENA can improve their sustainability performance, contribute to global climate goals, and position themselves as leaders in a rapidly evolving market that values environmental responsibility.

So How about the potential and recent Companies in South Yemen

Accelerating progress on sustainability in South presents unique challenges but also significant opportunities, especially as the region seeks to rebuild and modernize its economy. Potential and recent companies in South can take several steps to integrate sustainability into their operations and contribute to long-term environmental, social, and economic development. 

Hence, let's explore some key approaches:

1. Leverage Local Natural Resources Sustainably

South is rich in natural resources, including minerals and renewable energy potential, such as solar and wind. Companies can invest in sustainable extraction methods for natural resources and explore renewable energy solutions that reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Solar power, in particular, is a promising area for both local energy supply and off-grid solutions.

Actions:

Develop solar and wind energy projects to power local businesses and communities.

Promote water-saving technologies, such as drip irrigation, to optimize agricultural production while conserving water resources.

2. Develop Sustainable Agricultural Practices

Agriculture is a major part of South' economy, and adopting sustainable practices can increase food security while preserving land and water resources. Companies can introduce modern farming techniques that minimize environmental impacts, such as organic farming, agroforestry, and sustainable irrigation systems.

Actions:

Encourage agroecology, where farmers in all southern governorates; Abyan, Lahj, Aldhalee, Shabwah, Hadramout & Al Mahrah use natural processes to improve soil health and biodiversity.

Implement water-efficient irrigation techniques to address South’s water 

scarcity challenges, and collaboration with international organizations maybe helpful such (FAO).

3. Create Green Jobs and Local Capacity Building

Investing in sustainable sectors can help create jobs while addressing social challenges like youth unemployment and poverty. By fostering local talent and providing training in green skills, companies can stimulate economic growth in a way that is inclusive and environmentally responsible.

Actions:

Offer training programs in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and environmental management.

Collaborate with local international NGOs and educational institutions to build human capital for a green economy.

4. Embrace Circular Economy Models

South, like many regions, faces challenges related to waste management and resource efficiency. Companies can promote circular economy practices by reducing waste, reusing materials, and recycling. This would not only reduce environmental harm but could also save costs and generate new economic opportunities.

Actions:

Launch waste-recycling initiatives in urban and industrial areas.

Develop systems for reusing water and repurposing agricultural waste.

5. Establish Partnerships for Environmental Advocacy

Collaborating with international organizations, NGOs, and local governments is crucial for driving sustainability in South. Companies can join or create initiatives that focus on environmental education, climate change awareness, and ecosystem restoration.

Actions:

Partner with UN agencies or local development organizations to share best practices for sustainable development.

Support local environmental NGOs in projects that promote sustainability and climate resilience.

6. Align with International Sustainability Standards

Even in a challenging context, companies can position themselves as regional leaders by adopting international sustainability standards, such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) or the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). Adopting these standards can enhance transparency, improve corporate reputation, and attract potential investors who value sustainability.

Actions:

Commit to reporting environmental, social, and governance (ESG) data in line with global sustainability frameworks.

Implement sustainability metrics for tracking resource use, emissions, and community impact.

7. Focus on Water Conservation and Management

The region faces acute water scarcity issues, making water conservation an essential area for sustainability efforts. Companies in sectors such as agriculture, construction, and manufacturing can prioritize water-efficient practices to help alleviate pressure on local water supplies.

Actions:

Invest in water desalination plants and water recycling technologies.

Implement water-efficient practices in industrial processes and encourage communities to adopt water-saving habits.

8. Promote Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Community Engagement

As part of their sustainability efforts, companies can engage in community development projects that address both environmental and social needs. Supporting health, education, and local infrastructure projects can help build goodwill and create a more stable operating environment.

Actions:

Initiate CSR programs that support community access to clean water, education, and health services.

Invest in rebuilding local infrastructure that supports sustainable development, such as eco-friendly buildings, energy-efficient public services, and green spaces.

9. Monitor and Adapt to Climate Change Risks

South is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, such as extreme heat, droughts, and changing rainfall patterns. Companies need to adopt climate adaptation strategies to ensure their operations are resilient to these risks. This includes assessing climate risks in supply chains and implementing mitigation measures.

Actions:

Conduct climate risk assessments and incorporate them into business planning.

Develop disaster-resilient infrastructure and supply chains, particularly for agriculture and water-dependent industries.

10. Advocate for Policy and Regulatory Support

Companies can play an active role in advocating for sustainable policies and regulations at the local and national levels. Working together with the government to develop a supportive regulatory framework for sustainability can create an enabling environment for businesses to invest in green initiatives.

Actions:

Lobby for government incentives and policies that encourage sustainable business practices, such as tax breaks for renewable energy projects or sustainable farming.

Support the creation of environmental regulations that promote resource conservation and pollution reduction.

By adopting these approaches simply, companies in South can not only drive their own sustainability goals but also contribute to the region's broader efforts to rebuild in an environmentally responsible and socially equitable manner.