Working with business

Societies in the Danube-Carpathian region are living far beyond their means, using resources at a rate roughly twice the Earth's ability to renew them. Businesses are a big part of the problem -- and the solution.

The business of business in the Danube-Carpathian region as elsewhere must be in creating value from products and services that are good for people and the planet, in providing solutions to our needs and problems.

This is really the only sustainable option for our planet – and thus the only viable business plan beyond the very short term. You can’t do business on a dead planet. That is of course a significant challenge, but with every challenge there is an opportunity. There is real money to be made in offering solutions to problems.

Fortunately, a growing number of companies working in the region are realizing that the future of their business depends on the future of their environment.

Business leaders

IKEA has invested some 1.5 million Euro to date in promoting sustainable forestry in the region in order to secure long-term wood supplies for its products.

The Coca-Cola Company has committed to neutralizing its water footprint worldwide and in the Danube basin.

Lafarge has committed to ambitious cuts in greenhouse gas emissions and is working with WWF to enhance biodiversity protection in and around its plants and quarries.

Tetra Pak is sourcing its paper from sustainable forests.

Ogilvy offices throughout the region are contributing their expertise for awareness raising and education.


What WWF is doing

Partnering with progressive companies to find solutions for sustainable business in the region.

Working with industry leaders in key sectors such as forestry, tourism and agriculture and food to identify and promote approaches that achieve "more business, more jobs, more nature", for example through the Carpathian Opportunity.

Establishing Corporate Clubs -- now in Romania and in future in other countries -- as platforms for bringing together progressive companies in support of environmental action.

Providing know-how and training for businesses, e.g. through One Planet Leaders.

Working with business associations and other partners in the region to promote the business case for environment.


Contact: Andreas Beckmann, Deputy Director, WWF Danube-Carpathian Programme